Mr William Russ Pugh, well known for his anaesthetic activities, and probably the first in Australia to administer ether anaesthesia for a surgical operation in May 1847, was involved in several court cases in Launceston, Tasmania in 1842 and 1843. At that time Tasmania was known as Van Diemen's Land. Two of the most dramatic cases ensued after a young doctor, Dr Burton George Haygarth, a recent arrival in the colony of Van Diemen's Land, was persuaded to accuse Pugh of manslaughter. Because of Pugh's standing in Launceston the cases attracted enormous public attention and support for Pugh. The outcome for Dr Haygarth was very unpleasant and not something which he had anticipated.
References
1.
Launceston Examiner1842 Aug 31: 72 (col. 3)-75 (col. 2).
2.
Port Phillip herald passenger index1840-1846 [microfilm]/ indexed and supplied by Marion Button.
3.
Launceston Examiner1842 Jul 30: 166 (col. 1).
4.
Launceston Examiner1842 Aug 6: 174 (col. 1).
5.
Launceston Examiner1842 Jul 27: 58 (col. 3).
6.
Launceston Examiner1842 Oct 8: 244 (col. 2)-245 (col. 2).
7.
Launceston Examiner1843 Jan 7: 12 (col. 1)-13 (col. 1).
