CAUSES OF DEATH.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 816, 13 May 1910, Page 5

CAUSES OF DEATH.

EMPHYSEMA AND WEAKNESS OF HEART. ■ADVICE NOT HEEDED.' PATIENT MODIFIES BULLETIN. (Rec. May 12. 10.35 p.m.) London, Mny 12. A report on King Edward's illness, signed by Sir Francis Laking, Sir James Reid, and Sir Douglas Powell (Fhysicians-in-Ordinary to the late King), is appearing in "Tito Lancet." The report slates that King Edward for some years Buffered from emphysema with, attendant bronchial catarrh. On several occasions digestive disturbances and other symptoms caused his medical attendanta to realise that he no longer had the reserve power whioli stood him in such splendid stead after the serious operation in 1902. Political Worry Contributed. It must also be said that those, around him knew how earnestly concerned he was at the present strained position in political affairs. This fact should not be lost sight of in an all-round consideration of his health.

When, in Paris in March, on his way to Biarritz, His Majesty liad a severe attack of acute indigestion, and considerable: oardinc distress. Tho symptoms yielded promptly to -treatment, but on arriving at Biarritz it was evident that he'had contracted a chill, which developed into a. regular, bronchitio attack. The King spent several days in bed, and physjcal signs in the chest occasioned hie physicians no little anxiety.. Physioians Vainly Advise Rest. Tho,King returned, to England better in every way, but on May 2 he felt out of sorts and chilly. He felt better next day, but tlie-ro was muoh cough and expectoration, and considerable dyspnoea (difficult or laboured respiration). Notwithstanding his physicians' urgent desire that ho should rest, King Ednard again received official visitors, and l gave audiences, and in the evening told his physicians that ho felt ill. , His physicians', on May i (Wednesday), found that two bad nights and severe attacks of dyspnoea had ■ told seriously Upon Hie Majesty. Next (Thursday) evening, a bulletin stated that hie condition caused some anxiety; this was issued only after the King' had somewhat modified its terms!. ' The Fateful Friday. On Friday, May 6, the gravity of the symptoms increased, and at about 3 o'clock in. the afternoon consciousness began to fail. ' It never completely returned, and the end came at 11.45 p.m., after a prolonged period of perfect calm.