The alleged employment of Chloroform by thieves. By John Snow,
M. D.—In two recent cases of robbery it has been asserted that chloro-
form was used to render the victims insensible; and although no real evi-
dence has appeared of such being the fact, yet the statement has gained
great publicity through the newspapers, and the sentences on the pris-
oners have apparently been rendered more severe by the allegation.
It can readily be shown that if thieves and prostitutes were to resort
to the use of chloroform in the public streets, in the manner alleged, the
attempt would only lead to their instant detection on the spot. The
sensation of pungency in the nostrils and throat that is caused by this
agent, when its vapour is in sufficient quantity to produce any effect on
the sensorium, is so strong and peculiar, that no person can take a sin-
gle inspiration without being aware that he is inhaling something very
unusual. Chloroform, in fact, can never be administered without the
consent of the party taking it, unless by main force, which has to be
used in the case of children who are not old enough to be reasoned into
taking it. If a child be asleep when the process of inhalation is com-
menced, it nearly always awakes before being made insensible, however
gently the vapour may be insinuated. As breathing is perfectly under
the control of the will, a person would, on finding such a strange attempt
being made on him in the public street, instantly hold his breath, and
use all his powers of resistance to repel the assault. And supposing the
handkerchief, which is the alleged weapon, were held forcibly over his
mouth and nostrils, in spite of his efforts, yet he would be able to strug-
gle as long, whilst holding his own breath, as if another person were try-
ing to prevent his breathing by the method called Burking. When it is
recollected that a race of 150 yards can be run in one breath, these strug-
gles, it will be perceived, would last long enough to attract a crowd.
London Medical Gazette.