HIBERNATION AND ALLIED STATES IN ANIMALS 91 
breaking out occasionally into uproarious fits of 
laughter.” 
When visiting, in 1890, Dr C. K. Clarke, Super- 
intendent of the Asylum for Insane in Kingston, he 
happened to make reference to a peculiar individual 
known to a few as “the sleeping woman.” 
It at once occurred to me that her case would prove 
a study of great value if it could be carried out, and I 
suggested to Dr Clarke that he endeavour to supple- 
ment such facts as we could learn, and such observations 
as we were able to make by a joint visit to the subject 
of this peculiar condition by a careful study of the case. 
He succeeded much beyond my expectations in doing 
this, and has published the results of his investigations 
in the American Journal of Insanity for October 1891, 
under the title, “A Case of Lethargy,” and from that 
paper I extract the principal facts in regard to this case, 
which is so remarkable that it may be well to state 
them somewhat fully. 
“Several seasons ago I heard that there was a patient 
who had been in a trance for years, and from time to 
time word was brought to the effect that the condition 
still persisted, and that all efforts to rouse the woman 
were without result. 
“ A little more than a year ago I obtained permission 
to visit the patient, but was not allowed to make any 
extended examination. 
“On entering the room I found a thin, old woman in 
bed, apparently fast asleep. Her respirations were 
irregular and varied much during the visit (lasting 
almost half an hour), running all the way from 24 to 
44 per minute. The pulse quickened in a marked way 
during my stay, and ran up from about 80 to 120. 
The woman had her eyes half closed, and to all appear- 
ances was oblivious to everything that was going on. 
“The nurse gave many details regarding the patient, 
