NLM logo

Gallery: Relevance

The Trial of Charles Angus..., 1808

The trial of Charles Angus, esq. on an indictment for the wilful murder of Margaret Burns, at the Assizes held at Lancaster, on Friday 2d Sept. 1808. 288 pp. (Liverpool, 1808). 

About the Case
In a case that aroused much controversy, in September 1808, Liverpool merchant Charles Angus was accused of poisoning Margaret Burns, his deceased wife’s half-sister and his children’s governess. Burns was believed to be pregnant at the time of her death and Angus was charged with attempting to induce an abortion through the use of oil of Savin, a poison. Medical experts testified that, upon autopsy, no significant amount of the poison could be found in the body. Angus was found not guilty.


More Information on this Topic

MedlinePlus Health Topic: Abortion