THE NEW PHOTOGRAPHY IN COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5567, 16 May 1896, Page 6

THE NEW PHOTOGRAPHY IN COURT.

An interesting and novel case, in which the "X" rays practically decided the point, was tried by Mr Justice Hawkins and a special .jury at Nottingham, the other day (says the London Hospital). Miss Ffolliott, a burlesque arid comedy actress, whilst carrying out an engagement at a Nottingham theatre eai'ly in September last, was the subject of an accident. After the first act, having to. go and change her dress, she fell on the staircase leading to the dressing-room and injured her foot. Miss Ffolliott remained in bed for nearly a month, and at the end of that time was still unable to resume her avocation. Then, by the . advice of Dr Frankish, she was sent to University College Hospital, where both her feet were 'photographed by the "X" rays. The negatives taken were shown in- court, and the difference between the two was convincingly demonstrated to the judge and jury. There was a definite displacement of the cuboid bone* of the leffa foot, which shoved at once both the nature and the measure of the injury. No further argument on the point was needed on either side, and the only defence, therefore, was a charge of contributory carelessness against Miss Ff olliott. Thoso medical men who are accustomed to dealing with "accident claims" — and such claims are now very numerous — will perceive how great a service the new photography may render to truth and right in difficult and doubtful cases. If the whole osseous system, including the spine, can be pourtiayed distinctly on the negative, much shameful perjury on the part of a certain class of claimants, and many discreditable contradictions ; among medical experts will be avoided. ; The case is a distinct triumph for science, and shows how plain fact is now furnished with a novel :and successful means of vinicating ffcself with unerring certainty against opponents of every class.