Joseph Russell, (1873-9/5/1882). "murder if he did"

DEATH BY CHLOROFORM.

A son of Captain Russell, marine surveyor, died this afternoon while having some teeth extracted by Mr J. P. Armstrong. The chloroform was administered by Dr Burns, twenty drops being put on a handkerchief. The child, about ten years old, had been taken to Mr Armstrong's place for the purpose of having four decayed teeth drawn, and these were extracted but the deceased did not recover consciousness, it being understood that he died during the operation from the action of the heart ceasing. Drs Alexander and Stenhouse were called in, but their services were of no avail, and the deceased died about half an hour after the chloroform had been administered. In justice to Mr Armstrong it ought to be mentioned that this is the first accident of any kind that has occurred during his practice, extending over very many years. An inquest will probably be held before Mr Watt in the course of a day or two. We learn from Dr Burns that death was occasioned by paralysis of the heart. Life was extinct within ten minutes after the chloroform being administered in the usual way.  -Evening Star, 9/5/1882.

DUNEDIN, Wednesday. An enquiry was held today into the circumstances connected with the death yesterday, whilst under chloroform, of Captain Russell's son. The only witness was Dr Burns, who detailed how he administered the drug, which was in the usual manner. He said he had been practising for twenty-six years, and this was the first time, either in public institutions or elsewhere, an accident had occurred in connection with his having administered chloroform. The Coroner said that if the jury were not satisfied with the explanation of Dr Burns, he would adjourn for the evidence of other experts. The sole question was, Was the doctor negligent — that was, Did he take steps to ascertain whether the boy was capable of taking chloroform? Dr Burns — There is no way known to medical science to satisfy oneself. A juror — You did not anticipate this? Dr Burns — Certainly not. The Coroner — It would be murder if he did. The jury decided to adjourn until this day week for the production of medical experts.  -Southland Times, 11/5/1882.

The inquiry into the death of the boy Joseph Russell, who recently died under chloroform was concluded yesterday. The evidence of Drs Maunsell and Coughtrey was to the effect that the drug had been administered by Dr Burns in the usual manner, and that proper means had been used to restore animation. Under the circumstances the Jury were instructed to return a verdict of "Death by misadventure," which they did, stating at the same time that no blame attached to Dr Burns.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/5/1882.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.