For years, Dr. J.D. Scanlon had practiced medicine in Vancouver, Washington, and understood the dangers of the drugs commonly used by physicians of his era. Yet in January 1912, he was found dead in the loft of his own barn with several bottles of chloroform nearby.
Scanlon’s brother discovered the physician’s body at a property near 26th and East B Streets. His hat had been pulled down over his face, and a handkerchief saturated with chloroform was found close to him.
Investigators also discovered three bottles of the drug, two of which were partially empty.
According to people who knew Scanlon, his use of chloroform was not a secret. Friends said he had developed a habit of using the anesthetic and had been warned that doing so was dangerous. Scanlon reportedly dismissed their concerns, insisting that his medical knowledge allowed him to understand the drug well enough to avoid harm.
He was said to use chloroform particularly after long drives, when his nerves left him unable to sleep comfortably. At the time, chloroform was familiar to physicians as an anesthetic, but its effects could be unpredictable and potentially fatal.
Physician Dies Of Drug And Body Found In Barn
VANCOUVER, Washington. — With his hat drawn down over his face and a handkerchief saturated with chloroform near, Dr. J.D. Scanlon, for ten years a practicing physician of this city, but lately of Portland, was found dead in the loft of his barn at 26th and East B Streets, this city, by his brother.
Three bottles of the drug, two partly empty, were found near the body.
Those who knew Dr. Scanlon best say that he was addicted to the use of chloroform, and had been warned against using it. He assured friends that he fully understood the drug, and no harm would come to him from it.
After taking long drives, it is said, his nerves would be in such condition that chloroform was used to produce sleep.
Source: The Evening Herald. Klamath Falls, Or. January 26, 1912.
