Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-09-24
A Living AutOmatOn.

G0ligna1l5'S Messenger describes a pa
tient in one of the Paris hospitals whose
case is remarkable in its manifestations
and an interesting study to pathologists:
His profession was that of a singer at
the cafes c7antantS. During the war of
1870-71 he was hit over the left ear by a
muSket bullet, which carried off about
two and half inches of the parietal
bone, and laid bare the brain on the lett
side. This led to a temporary paralysis
of the members on the opposite side, as
is always the case; but he was eventually
cured of this, while the tremendous
wound on the skull began to heal, so that
after a time he could resume his profess
Sional duties at the cafes to the Satisfac-
ton of the public. Suddenly, however,
he was seized with nervous symptoms,
lasting from tWenty-four to forty-eight
hours, and of such an extraordinary ma
ture that it was considered safe to take
him to the hospital. His malady is
easier to illustrate by examples than to
define. When he is in his fit he has no
senSitivenesS of his own, and will bear
physical pain without being aware of it,
but his Will may be influenced by con-
tact with exterior objects. Set him on
his feet and as soon as they touch the
ground they awaken in him the desire of
walking; he then marches straight on
quite steadily, with fixed eyes, without
saying word or knowing what is
going on about him. If he meets with an
obstacle on his way he will touch it and
try to make out by feeling what it is, and
then attempt to get out of its way. If
several persons join hands and form ring
around him he will try to find an opening
by repeatedly crossing over from one
side to the other, and this without be-
traying the slightest consciousness or
impatience. Put a pen into his hand :;
this will instantly awaken IN him de-
sire of writing; he will tumble about for
ink and paper, and if these be placed be
fore him he will write a very sensible
business letter, but when the fit is over
he will recollect nothing at all about it.
Give him some cigarette paper, and he
will instantly take out his tobacco bag
roll cigarette very cleverly, and light
it with match from his own box. Put
them out one after another, he will try
from first to last to get light, and put
up in the end with his ill-SucCess. But
ignite match yourself and give it to
him, he will not use it, and let it burn
between his fingers. Fill his tobacco
bag with anything, no matter what
shavings, cotton, lint, hay, etc.-he will
roll his cigarette just the same, light and
smoke it without perceiving the hoax.
But, better still, put pair OF gloves into
his hand and he will put them on at once
this, reminding him of his profession,
will make him look for his music. Aroll
of paper is then given to him, upon which
he assumes the attitude of a singer be-
fore the public, and MARBLES some piece
Of his repertory. If you place yourself
before him he will feel about on your
person, and, meeting with your watch,
he will transfer it from your pocket to
his own: but, on the other hand, he will
allow you, without any resistance or i'm
patience whatever, to take it back
/ again"