THE PHENOMENA OF DEATH. 399 



gy. In the anaesthesia induced by chloroform, a condition is produced 

 closely resembling that immediately preceding death (caused by the 

 carbonic-acid poisoning), in which visions are constantly presented to 

 the mind, the character of which depends upon the natural tempera- 

 ment of the individual. Thus it often occurs that a patient, when 

 under the influence of chloroform, has beatific visions similar to those 

 of the dying. It is my fortune to have at present a patient who inva- 

 riablv, when under the influence of chloroform, asserts that she sees 

 angels hovering round her bed. The impression is so strong that she 

 becomes much annoyed if the reality of these visions is disputed. The 

 asphyxia produced by burning charcoal is ofttimes accompanied by 

 disturbed fancies, similar to those preceding death, and the natural 

 inference is that they are the resultant in both cases of one and the 

 same cause. During the last moments of life, the mind gradually 

 loses cognizance of external surroundings, and is rapt in self -contem- 

 plation. Though still in a semi-conscious condition, the weeping of 

 friends and the voices of attendants fall upon dull ears. The eyelids 

 are closed, the pupils slightly contracted, and rolled upward and in- 

 ward. The dying man has forgotten the present, for he is living in 

 the past. One by one the events of a whole life appear, its joys and 

 sorrows, perchance long since forgotten, rise before him in startling 

 distinctness, and then disaj^pear in the swiftly moving panorama. The 

 familiar faces of the friends of his youth are thrown upon the mental 

 retina, their cheery voices reverberate in his ears, and the thought of 

 meeting these friends in the near future is perhaps his last conscious 

 impression. As this drowsiness creeps over the system, these images, 

 molded from the past, become as realities to the disordered imagina- 

 tion. The germs from which originate these strange combinations 

 have probably been lying dormant for years in the registering ganglia 

 of the brain. 



Dreams never surprise us, no matter how strange the scenery pre- 

 sented, or how great the violation of truth and reality: so it is in this 

 last great vision of life. What wonder that a dream so vivid should 

 be carried into action ? The brain, with a convulsive effort, sends the 

 message through the system, the muscles spring into activity, and the 

 dying man, with outstretched arms, calls the attention of the awe- 

 stricken bystanders to these fantasies of his own brain. Thus some 

 pass away as though falling asleep ; others with a sigh, groan, or 

 gasp ; and some with a convulsive struggle. 



These death-bed visions are comparatively of frequent occurrence, 

 and are generally accepted as realities. The theory which we promul- 

 gate, though not new, will naturally excite prejudice ; but it is better to 

 know the truth than to cherish a belief, however pleasing it be, founded 

 on error. 



