—I should feel much indebted to any of your correspondents who will inform me what is the true etymon of this word—the strict meaning of the term originally—and when first used in our language?
However trifling this Query may at first sight appear, yet I am very anxious to ascertain whether, originally, the term was applied exclusively or principally to deadly agents operating on the body through the skin, or an external wound, and not through the stomach?
The Greek word Toxicon is rendered "venenum," quod barbarorum sagittæ eo illinebantur (Vide Diosc. Lib. VI. cap. XX.) Again, Iòs, jaculum, sagitta. Item, venenum, quod serpentes et cætera animalia venenata ejaculatur. Horace uses the words "pus atque venenum," not to express two different things, but merely to add force and point to his satire; just as in like manner we read "crafts and subtleties" in the Liturgy, or "a thief and a robber" in the Scripture.
Now, is it not probable that our word "poison" takes its origin from this "pus?"
CARBO.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell.
—In the Critic of February 2, 1852, p. 78., there is an excellent letter, written by a lady, in defence of female doctors. In this letter Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D., is mentioned with great respect. It appears, from the Critic of January 15, p. 45., that Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell is an American lady, and graduated in some American university, and that she was received with distinguished marks of attention both in London and Paris, and especially at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Can any of your correspondents favour us with a biography of this lady, and state in what university, and when she graduated?
SOB.
Martha, Countess of Middleton.
—In Worcester Cathedral is a marble monument to the memory of "Martha,[5] Countess of Middleton, who died the 9th of February, 1705, aged 71."