Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-26
By LEON LANDSBERG

science and the increase in the number of
physicians. some new forms have probably
been added since. When the work of destruc
ton wrought by doctors and disease has taken
its normal course, death is in general preceded
by the successive loss of the senses.
In many cases Immediately preceding death
a state sets in designated as agony. IN which
life and death are considered as struggling
with each other. This. as rule. IS a complete
exhaustion The prostration of disease. like
healthful fatigue. engenders a growing stupor
"a sensation softly subsiding into repose
At first sight the last respiration seems to in
dictate the end of the agony and of life. and
for this reason the word expire has become
SYNONYMOUS with ito die. but in reality
the heart deserves the epithet OF nhimnM
,u0riens given it by science. But even before
the SO called agony sets in. the struggle has
already ended and what those about the
dying take as such is only the exhibition OF
mostly mechanical functions of which the
patient has no cognizanCe.
Indeed, in most cases death is preceded by
Inconsistencies. Especially Is this true OF
those who die natural death. There can be
no doubt as to the fact that those who die of
old age and lack of vital power glide gently
and painlessly into the hereafter.
In diseases that leave consciousness un-
impaired. Nature. not less kind and merciful.
by means of chemical process prevents the
patient from realizing the gravity of his con-
ditfon. The fact is generally known that per-
sons suffering from pulmonary consumption IN
the most critical stages of the disease seem to
enjoy excellent health.
The physician alone knows that the cheerful
hopes entertained by the patient are never to
come true: nay. the very confidence with
which the patient looks forward to his recovery
is to him sure symptom that the mans life
is counted only by the hour. For he knows
full we'll the cause of this apparent good health.
On account of the diminished respiration. the
exchange of gases is decreased and in the
degree as the brain is deprived of oxygen it
becomes overcharged with Carbonic acid As
ISOLATED with this is a decreased irritability of
the brain cells. in consequence of which the
patient is no longer aware of his difficulty IN
breathing and the resulting pain. The same
is also true of many chronic diseases of the
heart and other organs.
In acute diseases attended with fever. con-
seriousness is more or less obscured. according
to the height of temperature in the body.
This observation manifeSts itself IN the fever
dreams which. though calculated to brighten
those about the raving person. 90 not allow
any sensation of pain to arise IN the patient.
In these diseases. therefore. Nature prevents
with a gentle hand leads him into eternity
Even violent deaths. provided they come not
too slow are easy and free from pain: nay.
it NAV be said that death hardly excitcs any
horror when it comes quickly and without
previous announcement. This Is atteSted by
persons who came as near death as We can
come without dying. 1t is known that hunters
who have escaped from the clutch of lion
or tiger agree in declaring that they expert
enced no physical or mental pain in their
peril Also persons who came near drowning
tell that after the first long and vain struggle
with the elements they allowed themselves to
fall into state of peaceful stupor. in which
they saw their whole past life unrolling rap
idlv before their minds eve.