THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
with two different meanings. One has to make what is known as a 'working diagnosis' when he is called to a case, not a positive diagnosis."
Counsel. "When was your last case of opium or morphine poisoning?"
Witness. "I can't remember which was the last."
Counsel (seeing an opening). "I don't want the name of the patient. Give me the date approximately, that is, the year—but under oath."
Witness. "I think the last was some years ago."
Counsel. "How many years ago?"
Witness (hesitating). "It may be eight or ten years ago."
Counsel. "Was it a case of death from morphine poisoning?"
Witness. "Yes, sir."
Counsel. "Was there an autopsy?"
Witness. "No, sir."
Counsel. "How did you know it was a death from morphine, if, as you said before, such symptoms cannot be distinguished?"
Witness. "I found out from a druggist that the woman had taken seven grains of morphine."
Counsel. "You made no diagnosis at all until you heard from the druggist?"
Witness. "I began to give artificial respiration."
Counsel. "But that is just what you would do in a case of morphine poisoning?"
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