Have you ever seen any case of traumatic tetanus?—I think two in my own practice, but I have seen a few others in hospital.
Have you ever seen a case of strychnia in the human subject?—No, I have not.
I understand you to say that, in your opinion, this was a case of epilepsy with tetanic complications?—As far as I can judge from hearing the evidence in Court.
What does epilepsy proceed from?—Nobody can answer that question.
You have no theory upon the subject?—I have not exactly arrived at any distinct theory, not quite as distinct as strychnia or tetanus. I have seen one case of death from epilepsy. The patient was not conscious when he died.
Can you find me any case in which consciousness has preceded death?—I cannot recollect.
W. M‘Donnell
You have studied on purpose for these cases?—No; I am pretty well up in most branches.
Being so universally proficient in the science of your profession, do you know of any single recorded case of consciousness at the time of death?—I do not from my own knowledge. I have heard what Sir Benjamin Brodie said on this subject.
You mean deliberately to state that you believe this to have been from epilepsy?—I do state so.