The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1883-07-19
SIX MONTHS ASLEEP,
Tie Long and IneInlicable Nap of ~ Con-
necttcnt ITaI. of ThiTty-hye.


necticnt Man of ThiTty-iye.
Skillful medical men, deep thinkers,
and even the psychologically gifted have
been called on for opinions as to what
ails MIR. Thomas w. Platt-what first
induced his drowsness, and what has
tended to bind and keep him so long in
u lethargic state, compared with which
there is no parallel in medical history.
Mr. Platt is at this time in the house
where he has always resided with his
father, Mr. Wanzer Platt, well.to.do
farmer, whose dwelling stands four miles
from Newton and about the same distance
from Bethel, at point known az Nor.
gsn's -Four Corners. The sleeper is a
well built man about 25 ycare old. iIe
received good education, and in man
hood as in youth was above mediocrity
ms TO intelligence and amiabillity.
he always stood we'll with his fellows and
enjoyed the respect of all who knew him.
VI retiring disposition, he was unlike
most OF the young men OF his town, in
that he never had hankering to leave
home to take position in some store or
business house, preferring rather the
quiet OF his native heath. Owning
productive farm, the father sought to
conduct it on correct principles, by
which it is understood that, to receive
real profit, one I!:naL 10 mos. Of ;he work
within himself, and assisting in this the
sleeper secured pleasure and satisfaction,
he was ever an obedient son, and in pay.
ment therefor was the subject of special
parental care. During the spring of
1882 MIR. Platt, to be in fashion with the
rest of the world, was attacked with ma
laria, and while treatment Of the disease
was in accordance with symptoms, recov-
cred slowly, aud afterwards was ut no
time free from its effects. During the
summer he continued working on the
farm, but manifested few comatose
symptoms, aud during the haying period
he was rs active in the field as any, and
conducted himself in all particulars as
he had done in previous years. One hot
day, however, he was affected more than
usual by the heat, and, while not over
come by it. lay aoT'a IN the hay under q
tree to rest, hoping to feel better after q
short nap. While under the tree the
belief is entertained by his mother, Mrs.
Platt, that he suffered sunstroke, for on
being removed to the house he acted and
talked strangely and was never afterward
really himself. Whether it was malaria,
sunstroke, or the two combined that in
duced his present condition or not, GER
tain it is that after last Thanksgiving he
kept himself aloof, remained most Of the
time within doors, aud, three or four days
before Oh ristmas, sank into deep sleep
in his bed, continuing there till the lat.
ter part of January, scarcely changing
his position or recognizing any person in
attendance, and not once rousing from
his stupor. Meantime watchfulness and
care have been given him day aud night.
Toward spring there was slight change
In the sleeper, which WAS manifested by
an inclination to move, but he did not
open his eyes, and during the three
months since the semi-uncOnsciOusne
set in has scarcely eaten enough to sus.
tain life. What influence kept life in
him is more than any one can tell. With
lengthening days he was from time to
time bolstered up in the bed, still with
closed eyes and mouth sealed against
speech. He expressed by sound or mo-
ton no evidence OF suffering, and silence
seemed to indicate that his wish was
simply to be left alone. Later he was
assisted to sitting position, the kindest
words of an affectionate mother were
uttered in vain in his ears-those words
fell as upon the ear of one totally bereft
of reason. AT last he was taken from
the bed and his clothes put on. This was
brought about with difficulty, and was
like one with no life and no muscular
power. In April he' began to walk
tremblingly ut first, holding on by arti-
cles of furniture, and afterward he could
stand and walk alone. No power OF
language, however, resulted in the reply
of syllable. AS days came and went,
ne walked from his bed to the rocker, and
back again TO the bed. Daily, like an
infant, he was dressed and undressed.
Evidences of returning strength have
been marked since the arrival of warm
weather, bu. reason only in part. Han
ger has swayed him 70 answer it's call,
and as if by instinct, a while ago he
scented the way to the household pantry,
some boyish memory, it may be, of the
hiding place of frosted cake and mince
pie giving the cue and direction, and he
has since, at nearly regular intervals,
oscillated between the chair and the cup.
board shelves. In transit his eyes have
opened only partially, and he has utter
ed involuntary words only, and none
which could be understood or accepted
as intelligent or with motive. Rising
in the morning after sleeping sounGly ail
night he is regularly put into his gar.
ments, like baby, and led to tho rocker,
where he Immediately sinks to slumber.
In the chair he maintains en- upright
position, gently leaning with the. laft
arm for support on the arm of chair;
his eyes all the while closed. Wien
hunger prompts he rises, often with eyes
wholly sfiat, proceeds to the pantry, eats
returns to the chair, sleeps, and when
night comes disrobes and goes to sleep
again. In winter and early spring, or
before the strange nature of the case was
known, many persons were admitted to
see q person who could sleep 80 long and
live, but of late none are allowed 10 See
the patiehs save the immediate members
of the family. The period of his lethar.
gy at this writing covers 1873 days, with
no evidence Of change for better or for
worse, though hope on the part of friends
is ardent that he may live aad yet come
out of it and be himself again.-Bridqe.
port C5nn.) Standard.
What lJop Roooaropo R,ox,, asn,s