Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-07-28
Alisfeaaneons.
The CURIOUS STATE or A Man EIGHTY
FOUR SECONDS BEHIxD TINE.

NE NCA&VOB 04AAk VI - MAJ A<i0Al
FoUR SECONDS BEHIxD THE.
A case which bids fair TO prove the most
wonderful of the many curious physical
affections noticed in medicine, says the
Chicago Times. is that of a man named
Andrew Tallman. who resides at No 1863
Worm street. A reporter was informed
Of the curious condition of Mr. Tallman.
and visited him at his residence. A des-
cription Of his malady will appear to be
lagely made up of hyperbole. as even to a
medical mind a condition such as his will
seem to be highly improbable As far as
could be ascertained. there is no case on
record at all similar tn the disease with
which Mr.. TalIman is afflicted. Examined
from q physiological point Of view, the
combination of symptoms would seem to
partake of the nature of cataleptic, because
Of the evidences of voluntary inervation,
the disease furnishes complications here
tofore unknown to pathology. Mr.. Tall
man il suffering from deadening of the
nerves. or rather loss of nerve vitality.
At present the recognition Of any kind Of
feeling il delayed; sensation follows an
act performed just a minute and four sec
opds after the performance. For example
should he prick his finger the pain would
be felt Just one minute and four seconds
after the puncture. Herbert Spencer says
that pain travels at the rate Of seventy feet
a second, but with Mr.. Tallman 1t does
not travel foot a minute. There are
no parOxysmal attacks, as the condition
is continuous. a cycle Of attacks following
each other in succession as to be merged
into one prolonged condition. There is
no diminution or loss Of sensation and
consciousness. and feeling is just as acute
as If he were in normal condition, il is
only delayed In Transmission owing to
some organic cerebral deficiency OF pois-
oning. There Is also an absence Of the
muscular tension, or rigidity. noticeable
in well defined cases Of catalepsy. The
functions Of the body are all discharged
faithfully. To describe his case as one OF
extreme nervous prostration would be in
correct. II is only a temporary inertitude
a slow communication To the brain OF an
action performed.
Cataleptoid symptoms may he simulated
but in this case there certainly is no de-
ceit as the gentleman has no motive to
be other than he seems. The eyes, ears,
nose and all the senses are similarly
afflicted and acknowledge impressions ac-
cording to their nearness to or distance
from the brain. Should the gentleman stub
his toe while walking on the street. he
would travel have block before he be-
came conscious of it. Should he strike
his head against something. the sensation
would be Transmitted sooner. lie hears
himself talk about 80 seconds after he has
uttered the words, and in eating, tastes his
food several seconds after il is mastcated
and swallowed. For example, he eats a
plite of soup and Immediately after finish
ing il commences on meat; by the time
he is industriously feeding on the meat
he begins to taste his soup. To better
illustrate this peculiarly normal condition
the result of an interview with Mr.. Tall
man yesterday is given. The reporter
entered the room where the patient was
seated, and after standing moment seat
ed himself A few seconds afterward he
was recognized by Mr.. Taiiman and re-
quested to take chair. The impression
was Immediately formed on the eye. but
was not conveyed 10 the brain for nearly
half minute.
"You are from the Times, are YOU ?"
said Mr.. Tallman twenty -four seconds and
fraction after the reporter had introduce
ed himself.
"Yes.sir would like to get an inter
view with you concerning your peculiar
condition. l have heard that you were
suffering from an extraordinary nervous
Affection"
A slight pause was made after the as
sent, and by the time the reporter had fin
isbed MIR. Tallman asked: what can
do for you?" Then hearing the remain
der OF the conversation, he began to
speak to it. Conscious of his atlment, he
speaks very rapidly and begins very quick
ly after the words have been received by
the brain, "a If to apologize for the delay.
Alter awhile. when the conversation be-
came animated. both were talking at once.
MIR. Tallman running in an answer to a
previous question in the middle of sue
ceeding one. He took glass of water.
and twenty -four seconds after finishing the
drink. wiped his lips. He had no heslta
ton of speaking OF his malady, and seem
ed to be recouciled to it. He was not
conscious Of the fact that he was nearly y
minute behind time, and knew it only from
information, he said. They tell me-
he continued. THAT lose a great deal OF
time, but the only way that [ recognize
the fact ia b., what they tell me. You
might imagine that in eating would dis
cover this feeling. but after eating my
soup, and the plate Is removed. see it as it
was when Ibegan. IL 1 should sit on pin.
however, would recognize the
slowness of the transmission OF
pain by its duration. As soon
as 1t was felt. of course. would jump up,
but would feel as i'll was still sitting on it.
am told that when I awake from sleep
it takes me just twenty-three seconds to
find il out"
Have you always been this way2
20 no butt has been going on now for
nearly five years and increasing all the
time. About three years age it required
just half the time it now does for impress
ions to be recognized"
Have you any difficulty in walking?''
Il suppose if il continues. after while
Twill be week behind time"
us your body as strong now as ever it
wase"
20 no; can walk and use all my fac
ulties perfectly. l am accompanied by a
bow, however, when | 20 upon the street.