HIBERNATION AND ALLIED gTATES 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, 



