(Cross-examined by Mr. Gifford.)
When you poured the contents of the chamber vessel into a jug, did you find the chamber vessel in the same state as when you left?—I think it was.
(Witness withdrew.)
Dr. Edwards re-called, (re-examined by Mr. Justice
Abbott.)
I wish to ask you this question, whether arsenic may be administered in a fluid state?—Yes, my Lord, it may.
The usual way is in grains or in powder, but it may be administered in a fluid state?—Yes, my Lord; it may be dissolved in water and administered.
May such a solution be made very strong?—If it be dissolved in hot water it will contain a large portion; but if in cold water it will not hold more than in the proportion of one-eightieth part of the water.
When you obtain a solution of arsenic, what quantity will be contained in the hot water, or what quantity of that water would be sufficient to occasion death?—I cannot say exactly.
Two or three tea-spoonsful?—Very little more than that, I should suppose.
Two dessert-spoonsful?—I dare say it would.
A table-spoonful?—Yes, my Lord. If an alkali be dissolved in the water first, it will hold a larger proportion in solution; but if dissolved in the common way, I should think a table-spoonful would be sufficient to produce death.
(Witness withdrew.)
Dr. Edwards again recalled, (re-examined by Mr. Justice
Abbott.)
Did the body of the deceased swell at all before it was opened?—No, my Lord, it did not.
Was there any discharge from the nostrils, or any symptoms of putrefaction?—None at that time: and as to the discharge from the nostrils, I did not observe any.
