FATAL VOICE TABLETS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18089, 13 May 1922, Page 2 (Supplement)

FATAL VOICE TABLETS.

«o COMEDIAN POISONED, 'An unusual form of poisoning was declared to be the cause of the death of Mr. Joe Dixon, a well-known comcdian, found dying at Leeds station. At the inquest Dr. William Macadam stated that he found Dixon was "suffering from methaemoglobinaemia. i The Coroner : What a terrible word.— Witness : I am afraid there is no other.

Dr. Macadam went on to say that it was a form of blood poisoning by which the blood was turned dark brown and the limbs blue. In Dixon's possession were some tabloids of potassium chlorate, which belonged to the class of drugs known to cause this kind of poisoning. Normally a fatal dose would require over 300 grains, which equalled 60 tablets. It was possible for a person with a system unduly susceptible t<> potassium chlorate to bo fatally affected by a small quantity. There were in medical records' two cases of death from the use of potassium chlorate as a gargle. This case would l>e of special value to the medical profession. A relation stated that Dixon had. taken these tabloids regularly for his voire. He usually took one before going on the stage. There was now no question of suicide, said the coroner, and a. verdicfc of death by misadventure was re'turned.