Illustrations of medical evidence and trial by jury in Scotland.

Date:
1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Illustrations of medical evidence and trial by jury in Scotland. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    31/66 (page 29)
    By Mr Patton.—We generally call a compound fracture a dan¬ gerous wound, and in that sense I understand it. The danger arose from the compound fracture in my view. My opinion was formed chiefly upon the local appearances. I thought the boy ^ would recover. The Lord Justice-Clerk.—Without amputation do you mean?— Mr Syme had decided against amputation. The Lord Justice-Clerk.—I know; but you are asked your opinion, Sir. Be good enough to give us direct answers. Lid you at that time think the boy would recover without amputation ?—• Well, I cannot remember what I thought. By Mr Patton.—Professor Syme decided against amputation on the Saturday or Sunday—I think Sunday—before the visit of Mr Glover. The boy did not exhibit any unhealthiness of constitution. I thought he would recover. The Dean.—Without amputation ?—I stated to Mr Glover that amputation might be required. The Dean.—Your opinion is asked as if it was on the morning of the 21st of March. Did you then think the boy would recover without amputation ?-—I cannot remember. I believe I did state to Mr Glover that morning that the boy’s life was in danger, but I cannot remember the precise words I used. The Lord Justice-Clerk.—We are not asking the wTords, Sir. I really am not in a state of mind to be trifled with. Be good enough to give us a direct answer. You had no difficulty about it yesterday. Repeat it now. Dr Dobie.—I believe I did. The Dean.—Have you been conversing with anybody about this case since yesterday ?—I have conversed with Mr Lister, Mr Syme’s present assistant, and with Mr Syme himself also. I am staying with Mr Syme. The Dean.—Well, I think you had better remember what you said yesterday before you go further, and consider whether it is consistent with the honour of a professional man to vary in his I statements. Mr Patton.—There is no variation. The Dean.— My learned friend will let me alone to conduct my examination. Mr Patton.—Yes ; but not to remark. The Dean.—Yes, Sir, and to make remarks also. (To witness.)