520 
The Poisoning Cases of the [September, 
moral and social influence of education, and the benefits to 
be hoped from its universal extension. 
The question of heredity here naturally occurs. Had 
crime or notorious vice existed in the families of these evil- 
doers ; and were they what they became by the right of 
descent ? On this most important point the trials throw no 
light. Thus concerning the parentage and ancestry of 
Tawell we learn nothing. About Palmer authorities are 
almost equally silent, and the same may be said as regards 
the other persons convicted. To obtain the needful informa- 
tion might now be difficult, and it is quite possible that its 
publication, if obtained, might prove a very costly luxury. 
We can only, speaking from a physiological and psychological 
point of view, suggest that in case of all notorious criminals 
the career of their ascending and collateral relatives should be 
traced out and put on record as a sequel to the trial. Con- 
cerning the genesis and the propagation of crime more 
abundant and more accurate data are wanting, before it will 
be possible to theorise with acceptance and success. 
Leaving, however, all the above-mentioned matters to be 
discussed elsewhere and by others, we come to the main 
consideration, How does our modern chemical and medical 
science stand affeCted by the trials here recorded ? Have 
any doubts touching its competence arisen, either in the 
mind of the public, of the legal profession, or in that of men 
of Science themselves ? In other terms it may be asked — 
1. Have we at command means for the detection of all 
known poisons under all circumstances ? 
2. Have our leading toxicologists and physicians shown 
sufficient skill in the application of such means ? 
3. Is our manner of conducting criminal trials, and of 
obtaining and dealing with the evidence of experts, 
well adapted for the discovery of truth and for the 
elimination of error, or could it admit of useful modi- 
fication ? 
Before attempting to discuss any of these questions we 
must make the preliminary admission that not all poisons 
are known. Many natural productions, and still more arti- 
ficial compounds, have not in this respeCt been even 
approximately studied, and in England, at least, such re- 
researches are now rendered almost impossible. We dare 
not even affirm that all existing types of poisons are known. 
Indeed from time to time reports reach us of substances 
which in their aCtion simulate malignant fever. Leaving 
all such considerations aside, as not immediately apposite, 
