- —I was a student in the Borough, at St. Thomas's and
Guy's.
Then you did not attend yourself, when Dr. Edwards was the chemical lecturer at St. Bartholomew's?—No, I did not.
Do we understand that you made those experiments previous, or since this circumstance happened?—Both previous to, and since this melancholy circumstance; and particularly that with the nitrate of silver; and I thought it one of the most delicate at the time I made it.
(By Mr. Justice Abbott.) That is the lunar caustic?—Yes, my Lord. When I first made the experiment, about three years ago, I found it the most delicate test of arsenic.
What do you mean by the most delicate test of arsenic?—That is, the smallest portion would be detected by it.
(By Mr. Sergt. Lens.) You found that at first?—Yes, but I have since discovered its fallacy; and it was pointed out by the same means which discovered its delicacy as a test, because it is now ascertained that something else will produce the same appearances.
You have mentioned what?—Yes, any alkaline phosphates.
(Witness withdrew.)
Mr. Joseph Collier Cookworthy (examined by Mr. Gifford.)
I believe you are a physician at Plymouth?—I am.
You have been present during the course of this trial, and have heard the examination of Dr. Edwards?—I have.
You have accordingly heard the tests that he applied to the contents of the stomach of Mrs. Downing?—I have, Sir.
Now I would ask you whether, in your judgment and experience, those tests be or be not conclusive?—I am satisfied that they are not.
When I ask you whether or not they be conclusive, I mean as to the existence of arsenic?—I am certain they are not, and that they do not unequivocally shew the existence of arsenic.
