WARREN, Mr. – Died 1896

WARREN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/17/2021 at 09:52:24

Source: Decorah Republican Oct. 1, 1896 P 3 C 2

Died From Chlorform.
Clear Lake Mirror:—A most distressing affair occurred in Swaledale last Monday which adds another proof to the claim of scientists that chloroform in the smallest quantities is liable to prove fatal. Dr. J. B. Charlton was called there by Dr. Cogswell, the local physician, to perform an operation on a gentleman named Warren, for strangulated hernia, All arrangements being made the patient was laid upon a table and Dr. Cogswell, began administering the chloroform while Dr. Charlton was getting his instruments ready. Long before anesthesia was complete on the patient nearly ready for the operation he suddenly sprang up from the table, pushed the physican aside and rushed into an adjoining room where he fell dead, only breathing two or three times afterwards. The doctors pronounce it a death from chloroform although not to exceed thirty drops of the drug had been administered. No possible blame attached to anyone connected with the case, but as before stated it is another evidence that while chloroform has been one of the greatest blessings to humanity yet no one can tell when the smallest dose may prove fatal.