The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-09-20
A Strange, Long Sleep.

Skllfnl medical men, deep thinkers,
and even the psychologically gifted have
been called ON for opinions as to what
ails Mr.. Thomas W. Platt, of Bridge
port, Conn, what first induced his
drowsiness, and what has tended to bind
and keep him so long in lethargic
state, compared with which there is no
parallel in medical history Whether it
was malaria, sun-stroke or the two COM
bined that atinduced his present condition
or not, certain it is that after last
Thanksgiving he kept himself aloof,
remained most of the time within doors
and, three or four days before Christ
mas, sank into deep sleep in his bed,
continuing there till the latter part of
January, scarcely changing his position
or recognizing any person in attendance
ana not once rousing from his stupor.
Toward spring there was a slight
change in the sleeper, which was mani
tested by an inclination to move, but he
did not open his eyes, and during the
three months since his semi-uncon-
sciousness set in has scarcely eaten
enough to sustain 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 bed,
still with closed eyes and mouth sealed
against speech. He expresses by sound
or motion no evidence of suffering, and
| silence seemed to indicate that his wish
was simply to be let alone. Later he
was assisted to sitting position, but
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 he was like one
with no life and no muscular power In
April he began to walk tremblingly at
first, holding on to articles 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, he 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, but
reason only in part. Hunger has sway
ed him to answer its call, and as if by
instinct 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 be-
tween the chair and the cupboard
shelves. In transit his eyes have open
ed only partially, and he has uttered in
voluntary words only, and none of
which could be understood or accepted
as intelligent or with a motive. Rising
in the morning after sleeping soundly all
night he is now regularly put into his
garments, like baby, and put into the
rocker, where he Immediately sinks to
slumber. In the chair he maintains an
upright position, gently leaning with the
left arm for support on the arm of a
chair, his eyes all the while closed
When hunger prompts he rises, often
with eyes wholly shut, proceeds to the
pantry, eats, returns to the chair, sleeps,
and when night comes, disrobes and
goes to sleep again. The period of his
lelhargy at this writing covers 1873 days,
with no evidence of change for better or
worse, though hope on the part of
friends is ardent that he may live and
yet come out of it and be himself again.
--BfidgepO,t Standard.