Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-07-30
THE SLEEPLESS GIRL.
Five Years Without Food or
Sleep.
A Remarkable Case--Interest-
ing Facts.
From the prooklrn union. Iulp %.

From the Brooklyn Union, July 20.
Several years ago the papers were full
OF the particulars of the strange and dis
tressing condition of young lady of
Brooklyn, who, by a series of misfortdnes
had been brought to state of almost
living death. The assertions made at
that time were diseredited by a great many
because the authors themselves had not
been permitted the privilege of personally
seeing or conversing with the invalid, and
the statements made at later date that
she had not tasted food in the interval,
was received with universal discredit.
The subject created no little excitement
at the time, and the house in which the
family resided was visited by hundreds of
curious people, who, it is needless to
state, were refused admittance. So per-
sistent were some of the callers that the
aid of the police was required to prevent
their forcible entrance.
AS time rolled on, and nothing more of
q public nature was said of the case, it
passed out of the minds of many, and in
the great whirl of public cares and pri-
vate trials, and the ever varying change
taking place about US, the interest of the
multitude died out. But for all that the
phenomenon has continued to exist, and
to attract the attention of scientific and
medical men everywhere.
During all these years the poor sufferer
has lain IN the same painful position, save
when distorted by spssms, sightless, in
measure dumb, and without nourishment
of any kind. AS she yet remains with US
as great q mystery and unsolved problem
as when almost six years ago she was
afflicted, the interest in Ter is revived, and
many and earnest are the prayers offered
by loving ones for her ultimate recovery.
THE STATEMENTS
made at the time of the occurrence were
substantially correct, and from the many
files of newspapers before us, and from
the family and herself, we have CLEANED
the following particulars, Withholding the
names of all concerned:
UP TO 1863
the age of fifteen-she was q healthy
girl, although delicately organized, and
possessed of nervous temperament, in
dicstiye of spirituality and refinement.
Although fragile in figure, and what might
be termed delicate frame, her constitu-
ton was strong and capable of great en-
durance. At the time above mentioned
dyspepsiaset in from excessive application
to study, superinducing sickness, faint
ness and feeling of dependency. Up
TO this date she had been bright student,
and stood deservedlY high in Professor
Vests school. In few months she was
to graduate, and, neglecting her physical
health, thought only of her books. Early
and late she studied, until her nervous
system was Frustrated, and she was COM
PEELED to leave school. This was a cruel
blow to her, and her spirits sank until her
symptoms became aggravated, and horse
back exercise was advised as means of
restoration. In riding one day she was
thrown from the horse and severely in
jured. For nine days and nights she
suffered intensely, without rest, and it
was very many months before she was
sufficiently recovered to be out again. In
June, 1865, on leaving a street Car in
Fulton avenue, her crinoline caught upon
the step; she was thrown violently down
and dragged long distance, ipjuring the
same side of her head and body that had
been hurt before,
SINCE THAT DISASTER
she has never moved. & day or two
after the accident she was seized with
spasms, of which she has been q victim
almost constantly up to the present time.
The entire body is affected by the spasms
and the contortions are violent; at times
che cannot be held. One by one her
faculties deserted her; first sight, then
hearing, and then when the power of
deglutition had departed, she could neither
speak nor swallow. During the time that
has elapsed since the spasms began, q
period of nearly six years, she has not
SLEPT A MOMENT.
This is stated by the physician and
attendants, who are persons entitled to
credit.
THE TRANCE
is the nearest approach to rest her body
ever knows. While in this condition che
experiences pleasursble emotions, and
often talks with her mother in heaven,
and seems TO be refreshed and calmer
after each one. They usually follow
spasms, some of which are so violent
that it has taken two or three physicians
ard three female friends, six persons in
all, to hold her. So violent would they
sometimes be that her body would be
be thrown in the sir, and while held up
as high as their heads by the many hands
of her plying and faithful attendants, the
patient would turn sumersaults, and make
violent contortions, suspended In the air
on their hands; sometimes she would be
thrown from the bed, bruising herself
and discoloring her face pitifully. Some
times she would roll up like hoop-for-
ward OF backward. Her lower limbs are
twisted entirely around each other, the
right and left feet changing places, and
the toes pointed towards each other.
AT FIR NoURI:HMRNT
was sought to DC administered by enema
and Injunction, but for years they have
not been applied. Her system has main
tanned loathing for food and even the
odor of it.
SUCH WAS THE CONDITION
of the unfortunate sufferer nearly six
years ago, and TO day her situation is but
little changed. Through the agency of
friend of the family we were admitted to
an interview with her, and are thus ens-
bled to place before the readers of the
Union the following interesting account
of the visit.
IN THE NEIGHBoRHOoD.
Of Clinton and Washington avenues, in
quiet, secluded street. we found the
house, and in companywith this mutual
friend were invited to her presence.
THE SECOND FLOOR
is devoted to the patient, and prettier
suite of rooms cannot be found in the
city. From the hanging baskets filled
with vines and plants to the pale, sweet
face lying so still on its pillow, every
thing eyinced refinement and taste. Large
folding doors separate the rooms, which,
we judge, are always thrown open. In
the front parlor are wax flowers, crosses
of purest white, wresths and clusters,
all made by her, and are indisputable
proofs of the
EXTRAORDINARY POWER
of second sight possessed by the sick
girl. On the piano we saw some of her
marvellous worsted work, and recognized
in its workmanship the hand of a skillful
master.