Genre:

Regular Feature, Letter, Spoof, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Obstetrics, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners

    In an article discussing the recent post-partum death of Princess Charlotte, a footnote states: 'There is much of uncertainty and contradiction in the various accounts of the decease of the Princess'. Initially 'it was said she died of spasmodic affection: which frequently occurs, and is easily removed.' Discusses a contradictory account, based on the report 'published by those who opened the body', which stated: '"It appears that in the interior conformation of her Royal Highness, there was a want of muscular energy, which unhappily subjects her to pangs beyond what nature could endure; and from the same cause, the animation of the infant was suspended, very shortly before it should have seen the light." We very strongly suspect this is medical nonsense—but what shall we say of the following sentence—"The organs were all perfect, except in one or two particulars, not immediately connected with her situation." The account of the physicians retiring to bed is contradicted; but it is said that Dr. Croft was engaged in attempting to restore animation to the child, when the princess was attacked, Dr. Sims was only consulted. He did not attend the princess' (694n–95n).