The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-12-08

certain but varying times the doctors at
first undertook a number of experiments
upon dogs to demonstrate that should
certain etimulants be applied before this
function disappeared, the vital organs
would again resume their usual condl-
tons.
They were able by post-mortem expo
sure and massage of the heart to produce
contractions of that organ and resplra-
tion, which continued for Few hours.
The method was later tried upon SUI.
eide, two hours after death. The heart
contracted, but feebly only. and soon
stopped. The first patient with whom
success was attained was a man who mad
committed suicide by taking chloroform.
The fact that he was actually dead was
not accepted until after artificial respira-
ton, and all the usual remedies had been
applied. Even air had been blown into
the lungs, but the patients pulse did not
reveal the slightest symptoms OF exist
ing yitality-not the faintest attempt at
respiration.
He was unanimously pronounced dead,
and it was decided to make the hrst at
tempt at heart massage.
The chest was opened and the heart
grasped by the hand of the operator. 1t
was compressed and allowed to dilate. AT
first no contraction of the walls could pc
felt, but after few compressfons the
rhythm of the heart was gradually re-
su1ned. simultaneously air was 1orcl-
bly, blown into the lungs, and the chest
was massaged steadily for thirty min
utes, when a respiratory gasp occurred.
Some time yet elapsed before the patient
respired unaided, and then it was only
at intervals
After the operation had continued
steadily for four hours the heart con-
tracted vigorously, the respirations be-
came normal, the pupils of the eyes con-
tracted. and dilation commenced with IN
spiraton and expiration.
The surprise exhibited by those con-
Quoting the operation can be imagined
Nothing like such results had ever been
recorded in the annals of actual medical
service.
Upon feeling the pulse it was found to
be strong and regular, the jaws being
tightly clenched.
The man was alive again.
Not a moment was lost in sewing up
and dressing the various wounds and
conveying the patient from operating Ia
The breathing of the patient continued
satisfactorily and after ten minutes had
passed the movement under the sheet
thrown over the body showed that the
arms and legs were being moved.
infections of salt were now given, and
brandy was forced down the throat of
the patient.
opened, and the man was viewing his
surroundings in a kind of stupefied man
ner. By the movement of the man it
was obvious that ne was making an at
Slightly in the attempt.
He was now assisted to assume sit
ting posture in the bed and waved his
hand in the direction Of the washstand.
No attempt being made to interrupt
his motion the patient turned to the
edge of the bed, and in a perfectly natur-
al manner allowed his legs to drop to
the floor. In a minute he was standing
erect and attempting to move in the di-
ton of the washstand. Then ter
rible thing occurred. A sudden ,contrac-
ton of the muscles commenced. when
resulted in the features of the face being
drawn up to a tension where they pro-
duced a terribly CHASTITY effect. Then
the figure tottered and the form which
had twice been a man. fell in quiv-
ering mass upon the bed.
Subsequent experiments are rumored to
have been more successful and 1t Is SAID
there is one very carefully guarded pa
TALLY ineligible sentences whilst |. ing
upon his cot
OF course in this case the opening of
the CORPSE. and the absolute pr 4 from
ceased does away. with the pos Utility
that this was simply a case of resuscita-
ton of suspended animation.
mails 81 familiar s! states of Information or
the torpor which proceeds from neat
or cold that passes away vita the
changes of season, mankind on account
of their complicated anatomy more easily
one whose vital machinery has been
thrown out OF. order by severe strain, ex-
cess or depression may pass into and ont
of this state of partial death provided
they have sufficient reserve strength for
the purpose.
These Apparent deaths may result from
shocks caused by gunsnet wounds light
ming or electric shocks, conclusion. sun
stroke, asphyxia, anaesthesia narcodsm,
CONFUSION, apopleXy or heart failure.
and many other things. At least
csI1T1I
to be buried alive owing to an improper
diagnosis of their cases by the physician
and premature assumption that death
has taken place.
The autopsy alone proves that death
has actually occurred and the opening IL
the chest mentioned in connection with
this extraordinary operation was equal
to such a proof.
Therefore the raising of the dead has
been accomplished.
- Anton Lebardy. M. f. S. S.