Poisons

[MKG]

A little more information ... possession of laudanum (or any other opium derivative) without a prescription was outlawed by the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1920.

So, I now think it unlikely that the lady in question had that substance available in 1928 (and, if it had been prescribed for her, would the family have used the phrase "drank poison" to describe her action?). If it wasn't a medicinal substance, then that leaves only the nasties - rat poison etc. Not at all nice.

Her youngest child was born Q3 1927, and she died Q4 1928 - does anyone think post-natal depression could have been a factor, or is the gap too big?

Mike

[Maggie.]

Hi Mike,

I don't think it's unreasonable to wonder whether post natal depression could be a factor.  It would have happened just over a year after the birth of her youngest child - have I read that right?  As I understand it post natal depression can take some time to kick in, also in 1928 it would not be recognised and dealt with as it is today, although even today it can go unrecognised.

The poor lady could well have been suffering in silence, without much help and support for months.

Maggie

[Gillg]

eadaoin

re #16 - Did you know that your blue bottle contained nux vomica i.e. strychnine?  It is still used in homeopathic and mainstream medicine, but presumably the dosage is carefully controlled.

Gillg

[Finder]

Lysol was used quite often for suicide, easy to get, dreadful way to die though

James

[Old Mother Reilly]

There were various household cleaning agents available which were pretty vicious.  Doing away with oneself by drinking something like ammonia was not unheard of - I have heard it described as "the woman's way out".  Not a quick death, nor an easy one, though.

Rachel

[avm228]

Her youngest child was born Q3 1927, and she died Q4 1928 - does anyone think post-natal depression could have been a factor, or is the gap too big?

Post-natal depression can afflict mothers up to two years after delivery, so the gap is certainly not too big.

Any chance you're tempted to get that death cert? I'm sure I'm not the only one curious to find out what the cause of death was...

[eadaoin]

Gillg

I knew it was Nux Vomica (worked in my aunt's shop Sundays and holidays), but didn't know that Nux Vom was strychnine.

eadaoin

[Steve G]

If it wasn't a medicinal substance, then that leaves only the nasties - rat poison etc. Not at all nice.

 Oh, that's vile!  Back in those days, we still used what's called 'Acute' Active Ingredients in Bait. The more modern Anti Coagulants weren't developed and Rat Catchers pretty much went with what they had and knew.

 I haven't had time to indulge myself in reading up on such matters, lately. But, I suspect Strychnine was quite likely still readily available back then.

 That she might have died with a grin on her face just doesn't bear thinking about 

Please; Get that Cert. and put us all out of our misery. This is a real cliff hanger! Morbid minds .....

[MKG]

Yes, it's certainly looking like I need documentation. But I suspect the Death Cert. may not tell me anything I don't already know. However, as it's more than 75 years ago, the Coroner's Report should be available and I'm fairly certain that would be in Sheffield Archives.

Anyone any idea of the requirements for this? Is it just a name and date I need to get a look at the report?

Mike