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be felt. The third had a pulse rate of
76. After 65 minutes his blood pressure was 90/60. The sounds were extremely
low. A reduction of blood pressure was evident.
"During the first hour
of the experiment the pupils did not show any changes. After 78 minutes the
pupils of all three showed a medium dilation together with a retarded light
reaction. Simultaneously, maximum respiration with heavy breathing inhalations
set in. This subsided after a few minutes. The pupils contracted again and
their reaction improved. After 65 minutes the patellar and Achilles tendon
reflexes of the poisoned subjects were negative. The abdominal reflexes of two
of them were also negative. The upper abdominal reflexes of the third were
still positive, while the lower were negative. After approximately 90 minutes,
one of the subjects again started breathing heavily, this was accompanied by an
increasing motor unrest. Then the heavy breathing changed into a flat,
accelerated respiration, accompanied by extreme nausea. One of the poisoned
persons tried in vain to vomit. To do so he introduced four fingers of his hand
up to the knuckles into his throat, but nevertheless could not vomit. His face
was flushed.
"The other two experimental subjects had already early
shown a pale face. The other symptoms were the same. The motor unrest increased
so much that the persons flung themselves up, then down, rolled their eyes, and
made meaningless motions with their hands and arms. Finally the agitation
subsided, the pupils dilated to the maximum, and the condemned lay motionless.
Masseter spasms and urination were observed in one case. Death occurred 121,
123 and 129 minutes after entry of the projectile.
"Summary. The
projectiles filled with approximately 38 mg. of aconitin nitrate in solid form
had, in spite of only insignificant injuries, a deadly effect after two hours.
Poisoning showed 20 to 25 minutes after injury. The main reactions were:
salivation, alteration of the pupils, negative tendon reflexes, motor unrest,
and extreme nausea.
"MRUGOWSKY "SS Lecturer Oberfuehrer and
Office Chief."
The defendant attempts to meet this charge with the defense that the
subjects used in this experiment were persons who had been condemned to death
and that he, Mrugowsky, had been appointed as their legal executioner.
One need but read the letter introduced in evidence to arrive at the
conclusion that the defense has no validity. This was not a legal execution
carried out in conformance with the laws and
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