The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-08-07
PAINLESS DEATHS.
The Deep Sea SOundings of the
Dark Abyss.
Inn Letter to chicago Journal. |

B9ston Letter to Chicago Journal.I
Perhaps one of the most interesting
chapters in DR.. Clarke's new book is that
which treats of the vision of the dying.
The phenomenon Of death is only little
understood. The mystery which shrouds
death is not greater than that which
shrouds birth, or thought, or volition;
vet religion and other things have all con
spired to misinterpret its attendant phe
pomena. Zone Of the most common err
rors," says Dr. Clarke, lis the idea that
pain and dying are inseparable compan-
ions. The truth is they rarely go to-
gether. Occasionally, the act of dissolu
ten is painful one, but this is an ex-
ception and a rare exception, to the gen.
eral rule The rule is that unconscious
ness, not pain, attends the final act.
C0nvulsive twitchings, livid features,
gurgIing in the throat, and similar ghast-
y symptoms which mark the last mo-
ment, are only exhibitions ofunconsciOus
automatic action. The testimony of the
dying. so long as they are able to give
any testimony, is that their sufferings do
not increase as the termination of life APP
proaches, but on the contrary grow less.
THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT
illustrates the truth of this remark, and
so far as a single instance is of value,
confirms what has been said as to the
painlessness Of dissolution. GA medical
friend whom attended professionally in
his last illness, was a victim of a most
painful disease, He was aware of its in
durable character. Supported by an in
tellgent faith in God and immortality,
he prepared himself with admirable cour
age and unfaltering trust for the final
change In consequence of continual and
severe pain, he was obliged during the
last few months of his life to take opium
daily. He sent soon for me one night
after midnight A brief examination
was sufficient to show that the end was
near
Do these symptoms mean perfora
ton? asked Dr.
"'rhey do was the reply.
Then | have reached the end of the
chapter, he quietly remarked, and added
how long shall | probably last?
THAT you know | said, as well a.
any one; perhaps twenty-four hours o.
thirty-six hours
Scarcely needing the reply he contin
ued:
4 am ready; but promise me this
that | shall not suffer pain if you cal
prevent it,
The promise was given, of course
and agreed to see him every hour o
two as long as he lived. This being
done, | said to him: One thing remains
how shall communicate with you when
al the very close, the time comes that yo'
cannot indicate whether you suffer o
After little talk the following sig
nails were agreed upon: He was to indl
cate negative answer, or no, by ralsln!
Inc torehnger; and an affirmative answer
ofyes, by raising the forehnger aud tn
one next it also. One finger was no; tw
myers yes. Having arranged this mat
Ter he took rather more than his habltua
Gose OF opium, and was soon comparative
y quiet. The pain did not return. Fo
Twelve or fifteen hours he appeared mucl
as usual; eonversed with his family
and an friends, and was cheerful and serene
Ihen as natures anesthetic began to &C
ne became dull and heavy. In answe
% repeated inquiries as to pain, he con
SANITY replied in the negative. A
,e0gth ne answered less readily. For. a
nOar or so before death he anwere
Inly by the signal of his fingers whic
naa been agreed upon, and by that sIIt
Tst ne replied quickly and intelligent.
HI'een minutes before dissolution
asked him, DO you suffer paing d
instantly made the negative signal b
.alsiIng the forefnger. After this b
a maae no sign, but slept peacefully to tt