98 ANIMAL INTELLIGENCE 



marked in the left foot. When the soles of the feet 

 were tickled it was thought that the respirations were 

 slightly deepened, but on account of the irregularity of 

 the breathing it was difficult to determine this point, 

 and it was considered undecided. Patient's hair grey ; 

 nails healthy and not abnormally brittle. Facial 

 reflexes better than reflexes in any other part of the 

 body. Orbicular reflexes good even with air ; at the 

 same time it was noticed that flies crawling over the 

 face did not excite the reflexes. Pupils responsive to 

 light. Small bedsores found on hips, and evidence of 

 former deep-seated bedsores plainly visible. 



While we were present the nurse endeavoured to 

 arouse the patient, and tried to get her to take some 

 food. A feeble protest was made (whining), the 

 patient winked for a few moments, and then went off 

 to sleep again. Bread was put in her mouth, but 

 remained there without any effort being made to 

 swallow. 



On 9th October 1890, the patient came under Dr 

 Clarke's care, and a series of observations of the most 

 complete character was made. 



The patient, a thin old woman, apparently not 

 weighing more than sixty pounds, was carried into the 

 infirmary from the ambulance, and placed in bed. She 

 was asleep, and did not seem disturbed by the jolting to 

 which she had been subjected. Her temperature was 

 97 J", pulse 107, and respirations 20. Efforts were made 

 to arouse her, but without avail. Friends stated that 

 she had been in her present state of lethargy for more 

 than eleven years. 



Her eyes were half closed, and it was found almost 

 impossible to get her to swallow anything. Next 

 morning her temperature was about normal; pulse 117, 

 respiration 18 ; still asleep with the eyes half closed, 

 as she remained nearly the whole time she lived. 



