218 PROFESSOR H. E. ROSCOE ON THE ALLEGED 



eaten arsenic. Dr. Kropsch relates another case which 

 came under his own observation of a felon upon whose 

 person two pieces of arsenious acid^ about two grains in 

 weighty were found concealed. The prisoner begged hard 

 that he might be allowed to keep these the last portions 

 he possessed, and at last managed to swallow both pieces. 

 He gave reasons for having contracted the habit of arsenic- 

 eating, in which he had indulged for a length of time, and 

 said that the quantity which he usually took at once was 

 about two grains. 



II. Cases related to the medical men by trustworthy 

 persons. 



The cases of arsenic-eating related by trustworthy per- 

 sons to the medical men are of course by far the most 

 numerous. These cases, though not so decisive as those 

 coming under the personal observation of the reporters, 

 have a certain value as expressing the opinions and expe- 

 rience of a large number of persons whose truthfulness 

 there is no reason to doubt. 



Dr. Holler, in his report, adds a list of persons in his 

 neighbourhood who have given him information concern- 

 ing the practice of arsenic-eating. He says : " I have had 

 many opportunities during the twenty-four years of my 

 medical practice to collect observations upon this subject. 

 To my own observations I have added those of other trust- 

 worthy persons. As we have not here to support a theory 

 but to prove a fact, which at first sight appears incredible, 

 viz., that persons are able to eat arsenic for many years 

 and yet remain strong and healthy, and that animals to 

 whom this substance is given become fat and strong, I 

 name the persons from whom I have the information in 

 order that all doubt as to the truth of the statements may 

 be cleared away." Here follow the names and addresses 

 of fifteen persons. Dr. Holler then continues: "I and 



