The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-02-18
[From the New York Observer
Remarkable Effects of Paralysis.

Remarkable Effects OF Paralysis.
The New Orleans papers report the case
of a young man in that city Who fell from a
scaffold four months ago, and received inju-
ries of nature 50 serious that the physicians
supposed he would die in few hours. BY
skillful treatment he has been completely re-
stored in physical health; without, however
recovering possession of his original mental
| faculties.
For period Of one month his mind was
complete blank At the end of seven weeks
he had recovcd the use of his tongue. and
and was restored to complete consciousness
"but it was soon discovered that the recolec.
| ton of every word aud idea had been literally
knocked out his head. During the last two
months he has learned number of words
of names, places and things, and can go any
where in the city by himself" His new
memory is very good, and his mind strong
and active; though, Notwithstanding his ar
ticulation is perfect, it is at times difficult to
teach him words
This case is, no doubt justly, regarded as
very extraordinary. though the medical DO oks
record several instances, we believe, Of per-
sons who have recovered from injuries to the
brain under similar circumstances, where it
is claimed the physicians have been able to
account satisfactorily for the apparent indie
pendence Of physical organism from the men
tai But if the New Orleans case be entitled
to rank among the extraordinary incidents of
medical practice, what definition shall be given
to the case of young woman in Brooklyn
who has existed for number of years in a
condition that has been called semi catalep-
tic? Yet catalepsy is not the word, however
qualified, to describe the condition of this
person, because in her case the functions of
the body are not entirely suspended, and the
| mental faculties remain wonderfully active.
It is asserted that she lives On from year to
year, without requiring morscl Of any kind
of solid food.
She has now reached the age Of twenty
three years, and is almost totally blind. A
correspondent Of the Eveaang Post writes !:
" For two and half years she has eaten no
food of more substance than the juice of a
few grapes at long intervals. AS may be i'm
agined, long confinement has wrought for her
the reverse of personal improvement, but her
portrait, taken just before the first attack of
the disease or whatever it may be called, is
that of pretty, delicate girl. She lies on a
bed with her arms drawn up, ia such posi-
ton that the hands are above her head. If
her vision were perfect she would not be able
to see her hands conveniently in such posi-
ton; but nevertheless, she executes with
perfect facility the most delicate, intricate and
beautiful patterns of embroidery, selecting
the materials and the colors, and arranging
them without assistance. Though deprived
of natural vision she certainly possesses some
power to produce ncedle-work that any lady
skilled in the art might be proud to claim as
her own. She excels in the arrangement Of
flower bouquets. None but the most init
mate friends are admitted to the house, ex-
cett on rare occasions; but it should be re
marked that the case is constantly and mar
rowly watched by several gentlemen Of unim-
peachab!e professional integrity, who care
fully note every new development in the
hope Of being able at some time to detect
something that shall afford them clcT to the
mystery Of the young woman's existence
There is no single feature of the case that
can be particularzcd as extraordinary it is
one of extraordinary combinations. If a
trick we're attempted to be practiced in one
instance it would not succeed in all But
| there is no motive for deception; the family
| take every preeaution to shun publicity
nothing would tempt them to make an exhibit
ton Of the case, and it is only because they in
telligeaty appreciate the great Importance of
the investigation to medical science that they
are willing to admit strangers to a knowledge
Of that which they rightfaly consider sacred
to the privacy Of the family circle