Hi List Thanks I hadn't thought of this:= the cause of the haemorrhaging could well be due to the toxic fumes your blacksmith was breathing in on a daily basis. It's a pity the certificates didn't give more information including how long he suffered. I have other death certificates more information is given eg. 'influenza 8 days, heart failure'. One from 1860 that advises 'Decay of nature 4 months' we see that as meaning 'old age'. 1880 = Phthisis, 6 months, asphyxia, aged 32yrs. Kind regards Ann Spiro research@sbse.net.au