i9o8.] OF THE DEATH PENALTY BY ELECTRICITY. 41 



body of the convict be performed and that the body, unless claimed 

 by relatives, be interred in the prison cemetery with a sufficient 

 quantity of quicklime to consume it. 



The first criminal to be executed by electricity was William 

 Kemmler, on August 6, 1890, at Auburn Prison. Since that time 

 over one hundred murderers have been executed in New York State 

 and the method has been adopted by Ohio (1896), Massachusetts 

 (1898), New Jersey (1907), and Virginia (1907-8). 



Reports on the earlier cases have been published by Drs. Carlos 

 F. IMacDonald, E. C. Spitzka, E. W. Holmes, and with reference 

 to nerve-cell changes, by P. A. Fish. 



My own observations are based upon thirty-one electrocutions 

 (in. the last six and one half years) at Sing Sing Prison, Auburn 

 Prison, Dannemora Prison and Trenton (State Penitentiary). Of 

 these twenty-five came to autopsy at my hands. 



The apparatus consists of a stationary engine, an alternating 

 dynamo capable of generating 2,000 volts, a " death-chair " with 

 adjustable head-rest, binding straps and adjustable electrodes. [At 

 Trenton a 2, 400- volt current is taken from the public service wire 

 and lowered to the desired tension by a rheostat.] 



The voltmeter, ammeter and switchboard controlling the current 

 is located in the execution-room ; the dynamo-room is communicated 

 with by electric signals. Before each execution the apparatus is 

 thoroughly tested. When everything is in readiness the criminal is 

 brought in unfettered and usually unassisted, and seats himself in 

 the chair. His head, chest, arms and legs are secured by broad 

 straps, an electrode thoroughly moistened with saturated salt-solution 

 is affixed to the head, another to the calf of one leg, both electrodes 

 being molded so as to assure good contact. The head is not shaved 

 as is popularly thought. 



The application of the current is usually as follows : The contact 

 is made with a high potential (1,800 volts) for 5-7 seconds, reduced 

 to 200-250 volts until a half minute has elapsed ; raised to high 

 voltage for 3-5 seconds, again reduced to low voltage until one 

 minute has elapsed, when it is again raised to the high voltage for 

 a few seconds and the contact is broken. The ammeter usually 



