146 RESPIRATION. 



system, took fire upon being exposed to a flame, as of a 

 lighted candle, or, indeed, without any external cause. But, 

 whether this be possible or not, one thing is certain, this 

 strange kind of combustion has never been actually wit- 

 nessed by any one competent to give a satisfactory account 

 of it. 



52. The results that have been observed may be satis- 

 factorily explained by the accidental ignition of the clothes, 

 or other articles near the body, and by the supposition 

 that the individual was at the time too much stupefied by 

 intoxication, to notice the source of danger, and provide 

 for his safety. The highest temperature that has been 

 observed in the body, about 112 Fahrenheit, is too low 

 to ignite the vapor of alcohol; much less will it cause 

 the burning of animal tissues. It is undoubtedly true 

 that when the tissues are filled with alcohol, combus- 

 tion will more easily take place than when the body is in 

 a normal state ; but, under any condition, the combustion 

 of the body requires a higher degree of heat than can be 

 generated by the body itself, or the mere proximity of a 

 lighted candle, or any cause of a similar character. 



