The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-11-20
combustion 10 the moment when tho con-

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combustion to the moment when tho con-
suned body was POUND.
Out OF forty-five cases collected by
Dir. Frank, OF Berlin. In ls4s, there are
only threo in regard To which II is as.
sumed that combustion took place when
no fire was in the neighborhood; and
LicbiE declares that these three solitary
cases are totally Unworthy Of belief.
Those writer's who hold to the theory
OF spontaneous combustion maintain that
excess of Fat and the presence OF brandy
in tho body induce an abnormal condition
Of easy co,nbustihility: but Lebig shows
by numerous Illustrations the utter fallacy
OF this view, and adds tho fact that huns
dreds OF fat, we'll fed brandy drinkers do
not burn when by accident or design they
como too near fire.
In this connection we recall an amusing
story which We remember to have heard
In childhood. A southern man, whose
body-servant was much addicted to
drink, called the negro Into the library
one evening and read to him an account
from a newspaper OF drunkard whose
breath took fire when no attempted to
blow out candle, resulting In the conl-
plete destruction Of his body by flames.
The slave was duly impressed, and failing
down upon his knees made his master
solemn promise that never again would
he attempt to blow out candle.
Returning to the writings OF Licblg
he declares that spontaneous combustion
in u living body Is absolutely impossi-
bic. But notwithstanding the wide pro-
mitigation Of his Views, the beltof In 1t
did not readily disappear. In 1S47,
case OF supposed spontaneous combus-
ton was noted in tho Gazette Mcdlcale.
In the same year tho Countess OF
Goerlitz was found dead In her bedroom
with the upper part Of her body partly
consumed by fire. The physician who
was consulted could suggest no other
explanation than that the body must
have taken fire spontaneously. On this
evidence she was buried, but suspicion
finally pointed to the conclusion that
she had been murdered by her valet, ana
that an attempt had been made to burn
the body after death The man was tried
and convicted, and subsequently confess
cd that he had committed the murder by
strangulntion. Since that date. 50 far
as tho books show, there has not been
any case OF alleged spontaneous combus-
ton.
4 It is little singular that 50 sensible
a man as Charles Dickens should have
believed, as he confesses, that spon-
taneous combustion WAS entirely posi-
Bile, that men and women had actually
been taken off in that way, and that
he should have made such a case tho
basis Of one of his most thrilling narra-
tives. Tho description In Bleak House
of the death Of krook by spontaneous
combustion is masterpiece of reporting
and could not have been more realistic
If it had been modern reporters
graphic description OF an actual occur
renee. Yet with all the horror OF the
description, there IS the inevitable spice
OF humor.
Poor Mrs. Snagby, who was the victim
OF many a suspicion, was terribly de-
pressed by the death OF Krook. and
formed the idea that her husband, one
OF the most amiable Of men. was In some
way associated With tho tragedy. Sitting
with his wife one evening Snagsby SAID
'.Ary little woman, why do you lool
at me in that way. Pray don't do It,"
IT can't help my looks" says Mrs.
snagsby; "and If could I wouldn't"
Mr.. Snagsby, with his cough OF meek
ness, rejoins-''W Wouldn't you really, my
dear?" and meditates. Then coughs his
cough of trouble, and says: This Is
q dreadful mystery, my love-" still fear
fully disconnected by Mrs. snagsby's
eye.
ut u.s." returns Mrs. Snagsby. shaking
her head, "a dreadful mystery"
'tIy little woman urges Mr.. SnaSsby
in a piteous manner. don't, for goodness
sake, speak to mo with that bitter cx-
preston. and look at mo in that search
ing way! beg and entreat OF you not TO
do 1t, Good Lord, you don't suppose that
would go spontaneously confusing any
person. my dear7"
II can't say" returns Mrs. snngsby.