The detection of strychnine in carcasses and corpses

Abstract

This discussion was based on experiments conducted by the author upon twenty-four dogs killed with strychnine and five control dogs which were shot and buried on 7th September, 1933. The remains of these twenty-nine dogs were again exhumed on the 1st and 2nd November,1937, that is, approximately 4 years and two months after they were killed and buried. A description is given of the results of experiments conducted upon the twenty-nine dogs in order to ascertain (a) for what period after death strychnine is still detectable in carcasses and corpses, and (b) what tests are essential in the testing of materials for the presence of strychnine. Strychnine, like so many other organic poisons, disappears from carcasses and corpses in the course of time . 'l'he view so generally held that strychnine is still detectable in carcasses and corpses for periods up to twelve years, or longer, after death appears to be fallacious.