Dr H S Lloyd - Insights in life as a Doctor in the late 80s early 90s

Adelaide Observer Sat 6 Mar 1886

South Australian Weekly Chronicle Sat 8 May 1886

South Australian Register Tue 4 Aug 1885

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW Wed 11 Jul 1900 Page 2 AN ESTEEMED RESIDENT.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85825227

​​Sad Death of a
Gladesville Widow.
"Unnatural Advertise-
ments."
A Defiant Witness.
Strictures by the Coroner.
The Coroner's inquest into the circumstances
surrounding the death of Elizabeth Billington,
wife of the late Robert Billington, which
occurred suddenly at her residence, Glades-
ville, on February 25th, was resumed on Mon-
day at the Gladesville Hotel, before the district
Coroner, Mr. T. E. MacNevin and a jury of
twelve.
Inspector Latimer conducted the in-
quiry, and Mr. H. Levien, M.P., watched the
case on behalf of Madame Orme.
The first witness called was Harriet Nicholls,
wife of Mr. Nicholls, an attendant at the
Gladesville Asylum, of Gladesville, who de-
posed : On Sunday the 25th February, I
received a message from Mrs. Billington's
little girl to the effect that her mother was
lying asleep on the floor and that they could
not waken her. The girl was about nine years
of age. I went to the house and
found the deceased lying on the floor
dead. Thinking the woman might have
fainted, I took in some water, and loosened
the clothes about her neck. I then found she
was dead. I saw Mr. Sutton, and called to
him. He came and said he would send for
Mr. Ross. I made no further examination of
the deceased. The head of the deceased was
partly under the bed, and she was lying on her
back fully dressed. I noticed that near her
was an instrument (the one produced).
Noticed there was some liquid in the utensil
beside her.
Wm. Mogford Hamlet, Government Analyst,
deposed :— On the 27th February Constable
Ross delivered into my hands a glass jar
properly tied over, sealed, and secured, con-
taining a human stomach, uterus, and fetus;
also a bottle (marked exhibit A), properly
sealed, and labelled. Copy of label, "Contents
of chamber found in bedroom." Also a bottle
(marked exhibit "B") — "Contents of cup on
dressing-table." Also a bottle (marked exhibit
"C") — portion of contents of wash-hand basin;
also ten paper packets containing powders.
I made a chemical analysis of the contents of
the glass jar, and found it to contain quinine
amongst the human viscera. In exhibit "A" I
simply found blood ; in exhibit "B," water ; in
exhibit "C," water with decomposed perman-
ganate of potash. The ten powders I found
to contain quinine sulphate, the average
quantity in each being 1.62 grain, probably
intended for a grain and a half. Permanga-
nate of potash is a disinfectant sometimes
used by females in cases of abortion.
To Inspector Latimer : The powders in the
packet of quinine sulphate might be used with
an enema, and might have an abortive effect.
To Mr. Levien : It would be difficult to say
that either of these drugs could procure an
abortion. There are authorities who say that
no drugs in existence will procure abortion.
Dr. Henry Sanderson Lloyd deposed : I saw
the instrument produced there. The four
printed papers produced, were on the bed.
Some of them contain instructions apparently
for using the apparatus found which is a
special kind of injection apparatus. I never
saw a similar one before. If the instructions
contained in the printed papers marked A B C
and D were followed the use of this instrument
would induce abortion. It is a dangerous
apparatus for any one to use. I have known
of my own knowledge of a miscarriage being
brought about by a person taking quinine for
neuralgia. The powders referred to by Mr.
Hamlet, if injected properly by the instru-
ment produced, would cause abortion. The
apparatus, if incautiously used, might cause
death.
To a juryman : I would like to add that, in
my opinion, the rapid dilatation of the uterus was
brought about by such an instrument as the
one produced. The ordinary enema would not
have had such an effect in this case.
To Mr. Levien : I think from the surround-
ing circumstances that the injection was self
administered.
To a juror : There is no evidence that the
apparatus had been used previously.
Constable Ross, stationed at Gladesville, de-
posed : On the 25th ult., I was called to the
deceased's residence. I went into the bed-
room, examined the body, and fouud
that life was apparently extinct. I
telephoned for Dr. Lloyd, who arrived
about three quarters of an hour afterwards.
The instrument produced had been recently
used, and when I picked it up a quantity of
fluid fell put on the floor. I found the four
papers marked A, B, C and D in the box pro-
duced, which was on the bed. One of the
papers (exhibit C) found in the box bears the
name and address, "Madame Orme, M.D.,
Lady Specialist, 279 Elizabeth-street." On
the back of the same paper are four printed "unso-
licited testimonials." On Saturday last I went
to Sydney and in the room at Madame Orme's I
found on the table a number of handbills. I
took one of each kind which I produce. I went
to Madame Orme's for the purpose of serving a
subpoena upon her. I saw a lady there and
asked was she Madame Orme. She replied,
"Yes. Is it about a lady ?" I then said, "It
is a delicate matter and I want to be sure I am
speaking to Madame Orme." She said, "You
had better send the lady in." I then said to her,
"I am a police constable," and handed her the
subpoena. I cautioned her that she need not
say anything to me as I might have to give it
in evidence against her. Afterwards I said,
"Do you wish to ask me anything ?" She
said, "No." I then left. I forgot to mention
that, after I served her with the subpoena and
cautioned her, that I asked her if she remem-
bered a rather slight woman dressed in black,
having called there on the previous Saturday
about the same time as this. She said, "No,
so many call I can't remember."
To a juryman : The nozzle of the apparatus
when I found it was in the bedroom utensil and
had blood on it, as had also the deceased's
underclothing.
John Billington, aged 16 in July, said he
did not understand the nature of an oath.
The Coroner thereupon dictated the usual
promise, which was repeated by the youth, who
stated he was a son of the deceased. On the
day before her death, she told him she was
going to Balmain, and on her return in the
evening said she had gone from Balmain to
Sydney. Mr. James Carr was in the habit of
bringing his washing to his mother's house
on Tuesday nights.
James Thomas Carr, a gardener, deposed
that he was in the employ of Mr. Frank
Barton, Master-in-Lunacy. Had known the
deceased for about seven months. Was in the
habit of taking his washing to her house of a
night. Sometimes remained about an hour.
Stopped taking his washing there about three
months ago, as she had a sore finger. Last
saw her alive about a month ago. Gave the
deceased no money at any time except for
washing. Was in Sydney on Saturday, the
24th February, but did not see the deceased
there. Had no appointment with her.
"Madame Orme" deposed her name was
Rosaline Brown. Was a medical specialist.
Did not know the deceased by letter or other-
wise. Deceased did not call upon her that she
knew of on Saturday, the 24th February.
Inspector Latimer, holding the injection
apparatus in his hand : In the course of your
business do you dispose of —--
Mr. Levien : Is that a fair question Mr.
Coroner ?
The Coroner : It is so fair that I caution her
she is not bound to give any evidence which
may incriminate her.
Inspector Latimer : In the coarse of your
business do you sell or dispose of enemas
such as the one produced ?
Mr. Levien : You need not answer.
The witness : I decline to say.
Inspector Latimer : Did you on the 24th of
February sell, dispose, or lend or give away an
instrument such as this to any person ?
Mr. Levien : You need not answer.
The witness : I decline to answer the ques-
tion.
Inspector Latimer : Have you any papers
similar to those produced and marked A B C
and D ?
The witness : No. I may, but I don't think
so.
Inspector Latimer : Do you see that this
paper (Exhibit C) bears the name Madame
Orme, M.D. ?
Mr. Levien : You can refuse to answer that
question.
Witness : I refuse to answer.
Inspector Latimer : You see these three
papers with the name Madame Orme, M.D. ?
Have you such papers in your establishment as
those?
Witness : Yes.
Inspector Latimer : Do you issue them ?
Witness : I refuse to answer the question.
Inspector Latimer (holding up the
powders to the witness) : Do you know any-
thing about these ?
Witness : No, I do not.
Inspector Latimer : There are eleven here.
In the course of your business do you dispose
of such powders as these ?
Mr. Levien : Refuse to answer.
Witness : I refuse to answer.
A Juror : I would like to ask, Mr. Coroner, is
it proper for the solicitor to answer the ques-
tions instead of the witness ?
The Coroner : He is not answering the
questions. He is exercising his right to advise
the witness in whose interest he appears. I am
not taking down his answers, I am taking the
answers of the witness.
Inspector Latimer : Can you tell the jury
how many persons visited your establishment
between 7 and 8 o'clock on the evening of
Saturday the 24th February ?
Mr. Levien : You can refuse to answer.
Witness : I refuse to answer.
Mr. Levien complained of the attempts on
the part of the police to entrap the witness.
The Coroner : The police are at liberty to
endeavour to get all the information possible
from the witness, and it is entirely for
the jury to say what construction they place
upon her answers. Such answers as the
witness is giving are sometimes sufficient.
A juror : I hope the Inspector will not
stop asking questions, us we can form our own
conclusions from her answers.
Inspector Latimer intimated that he had no
further questions to ask.
The Coroner (to witness) : Would you mind
telling me, for the information of the jury,
the meaning of the term, "M.D.," which
you have after your name, Mrs. Brown or
Miss Brown ?
Witness : There is no special meaning.
The Coroner : Oh, it means nothing, does
it ? It is not intended to denote medical
qualifications.
Witness : No.
The Coroner : Have you studied medicine
at all ? Do you mind telling the jury whether
you have gone through any course of study ?
In other words, "How long have you been in
business as Madame Orme ?"
Witness : About three years, I think.
The Coroner : What were you before that ?
No answer.
The Coroner : Were you in charge of
medicine drugs or powders? For instance,
Do you know what is meant by permanganate
of potash ?
The witness : No.
The Coroner : Do you profess to know any-
thing about medicine ?
Witness : I have studied medical books.
The Coroner : You've studied medical books,
but have had no special educational training
in medicine ?
Witness : No.
The Coroner : And you say you know nothing
about drugs or medicines ?
No answer.
The Coroner : This apparatus (referring to
the instrument found in the deceased's room)
do you know anything about instruments of
this kind ?
Witness : I have seen instruments similar to
that one.
The Coroner : For what purpose are they
used ?
Witness : You know what enemas are used
for.
The Coroner : But I am asking you, I want
you to say.
Witness : I know what it is used for.
Mr. Levien : Mr. Coroner, if I may not be
rude, is it quite English without any evidence
to try to drive the witness up into a corner ?
There is not a particle of evidence here against
the woman.
The Coroner (to witness) : One of the jury-
men wants to know how old you are.
Witness : I'll be twenty in March.
The Coroner : So you were seventeen when
you commenced business, and an unmarried
woman ?
The witness : Yes.
The Foreman : Are we to believe, in the face
of what appears in these pamphlets about the
thorough knowledge with regard to ladies'
ailments and irregularities, that you have no
knowledge of such matters ?
Witness : I refuse to answer that question.
The Coroner : Do you mean to inform the
jury that you have no knowledge of drugs, and
that you are absolutely unacquainted with the
contents of the papers said to have been ob-
tained from your place of business ?
Witness : I decline to answer.
[The circulars described "Madame Orme,
M.D.," as "The Eminent Lady Specialist, of
London, Paris, and Sydney," and spoke in
glowing terms of the efficacy of her "magic
lotion," "magic ointment," etc.]
The Coroner : Do you know anything about
the title "M.D." ?
Witness : No.
A juror : Who drafted those bills ?
No reply.
Another juror : Who printed them ?
The Coroner : They bear no imprint. That
is a matter which the police might inquire
into.
A juror : Who was the French or German
scholar who wrote this pamphlet in French ?
Witness : I have no knowledge who it was.
The Coroner : Is there any one else in busi-
ness with you ?
Witness : No. I am the sole proprietor of
my own business.
The foreman wished to know in view of the
significance attaching to her refusal to answer
the questions put to her whether she would at
this stage like to answer.
The Coroner to witness : Do you wish now to
answer any of the questions you have declined
to answer ?
Witness : I absolutely decline.
A juror wished to know why "our Australian
address" was mentioned in one of the
pamphlets, it Madame was in business by her
self.
Witness : I decline to answer.
The foreman : Can you give any explanation
as to how it came about that these pamphlets
bearing your name were found in the possession
of the deceased ?
Witness : I can't.
The Coronor : Do you advertise in the city
papers ?
The witness : I decline to answer the ques-
tion.
Inspector Latimer here produced an adver-
tisement in the "Star" of March 5, and
asked, "Does that refer to your business ?"
The witness : I decline to answer.
The foreman : Did you fill up the income
tax papers this year ?
Mr. Levien : Don't answer.
The witness was now requested to sign her
deposition, a proceeding which was keenly
watched by Inspector Latimer, who, the
moment the signature was completed, pro-
duced a piece of paper with some writing upon
it. He explained to the Coroner that the
writing on the piece of paper he held in his
hand was in the same hand an Madame's signa-
ture, and he wished to know if she knew any-
thing about it.
The Coroner, putting the paper in
front of the witness. Do you recognise that
hand writing ?
Witness (after Mr. Levien had scrutinised it) :
Yes.
Inspector Latimer : Is that your hand writ-
ing ?
Witness : Yes.
Inspector Latimer : Where did you write
that, Miss Brown ?
Witness : I forget now. It must have been
some time ago.
Inspector Latimer : How do you account for
it's coming into the hands of the police ?
Witness : I don't know.
The Coroner : You admit this is your hand
writing, and yet you have told us you have no
skill. How came you to write instructions of
such a delicate nature ?
Witness : We read in books about such deli-
cate matters.
The Coroner : Oh, then these instructions
are the result of your book learning ?
Witness : Yes.
The Coroner : For what purpose then ?
No answer.
The Coroner : Can you say why you wrote
it?
The witness : No.
Inspector Latimer : Did you write that for
the use and information of the deceased, Mrs.
Elizabeth Billington ?
Witness : No. I did not.
Inspector Latimer : Was it for any one then
who called on you on Saturday the 24th
February ?
Witness : No.
Inspector Latimer : Would you be surprised
to hear that it was found by the police in the
deceased's house ?
Mr. Levien, to the Coroner : Is that the kind
of question you as a magistrate will allow to be
put to the witness ?
The Coroner said he considered the question
one which might be put at an inquiry such as
that which was being conducted.
The witness said she could not explain how
the paper referred to got into the possession of
the deceased, if it did get there.
Annie Whittle, a married woman living with
her husband in Balmain, deposed : Was sister
of the deceased. On Saturday, 24th February,
deceased told her at Balmain she was going
across to Sydney. Never saw her alive after
that. She did not say where she was going to
in Sydney. She never complained of being ill,
and never mentioned the name of Madame
Orme.
Constable Ross further deposed that the
paper produced and marked "J," he found in
a drawer in a chest of drawers in the deceased's
bedroom.
This closed the evidence and the Coroner
charged the jury. After about an hour's de-
liberation, the jury returned the following
verdict — "We find that the cause of Mrs.
Billington's death was due to shock to the
system, caused by the use of an enema self-
administered, but there is not sufficient evi-
dence to satisfy us as to where she obtained
the instrument." To which was added a
rider as follows :— "We desire to express an
opinion that the constant recurrence of painful
cases of this nature is largely due to the un-
natural advertisements which appear from time
to time in the public press, and we feel that
the Government should take immediate steps
to secure legislation for the suppression of such
advertisements."