The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-21
Ft marl-nble Physical PhenOnlenen-A Sleep
ing GianI--A RIP Van Wrinkle.

IRON the Rochester Democrat
Our attention was called, yesterday, to most ex-
traordinary phenomenon. A full grown man, six
feet and two inches tall thirty years of age
has slept for nearly five years, with only occasional
and brief intervals of wakeiulness. The name Of
this man, subject to so remarkable suspension Of
the ordinary faculties of the race, is Cornelius
Broomer. He is the son of farmer living in the
town of Clarkson, in this county, in whose family
only this single and singular instance of prolonged
somnolency has ever occurred. The subject of no
tce first fell into this long sleep the 10th of June,
lS4S, and since that time has been awake at differ
ent periods, from few hours to four months at
time 1t is remarked that when he comes out of this
catalepsy, he appears to have no knowledge Of the
lapse Of time, OF circumstances taking place while
he sleeps. The fit comes upon him instantly, with
out, SO Tar as is known, any warning. His eyes
close, his jaws set his muscles contract and his
whole form is rigid, that, if standing, he con-
tinucs in that attitude, partly bent over and it is
not easy to pull him down. He has continued in
this condition for months together, unable to speak
or move
Various experiments have been tried to restore
him to consciousness, without effect. A seton has
been inserted in the back of his neck without pro-
ducing any apparent effect, and on one occasion
cayenne pepper moistened with spirits OF turpentine
was put into his mouth, and no visible emotion was
caused by the caustc dose. Physicians have seen
and wondered, theoriZed and experimental in vain.
The man sleeps lives, eats retains perfect health,
with pulse at so, and without variation. When
asleep, he may be placed upon his feet, and he will
stand for days together as he has been known to do
feed him. it Is necessary to pry open his firmly set
jaws and in that manner but little food is introduced
into his stomach. He is not, however, much ema-
cated, keeps his natural color and appears entirely
without disease, excepting that which produces his
strange sleep. When he awakes he comes out OF his
trance suddenly, his rigid muscles relax at once, he
asks for meat drink, and falls to voraciously. Ii
asked why be sleeps so much, he appears to regard
it as an imposition, just as any active man would re-
ceive ntnation that he was considered sluggish.
The last time he awake was about five or six
weeks since. He WAS left nearly alone at home;
and on coming ont of sleep he got up and went to
the lake shore where his brothers were; going into
q grocery he called for liquor, and asked the COM
paDy to drink with him. On such occasions he is
not violent or angry appears strong, and IN the full
possession of his mental faculties. slight indica
ton that he is not entirely unaware of what is tran
spring about him was given recently, by his asking
his father if he intended to allow him to be taken to
New York. Several parties had been endeavOring
to get permission to exhibit him, and he appears to
have become aware of it by some means-perhaps
by hearing conversation about him. This was the
only instance of the kind we believe The fact that
his eyeds in constant tremor, favors the idea
Of his semiconscousIess.
This man is now in charge of Dr. Gardner Davis,
Of Broekport, who intends to exhibit him to the pub
l.c so that a thing so wonderful may be seen by all
the world. A brother Of the remarkable somnambu-
list accompanies hnl--a healthy, strong man, six
feet and two inches in height. Many OF our ply
sicians have visited the man at the place where he
is lodged, Mr.. Damarest's Commercial HOTEL Front
street. Efforts have been made to waken him re-
Gently, so that the faculty who are deeply interested
IN the matter, may see him in his wakeful mood. 1T
is little singular that whiskey will have the desired
effect il is possible TO get enough down his throat.
But he rssts tile introduction Of the liquor, and it is
very difficult to get it down in any quantity.