NATURE OF PAIN. 115 



exist in animals, exist independent of reason, 

 or as instincts. Pain seems intended by an 

 all-wise Providence to prevent the dissolution 

 of organs, and cannot follow their destruction. 

 I know several instances in which the process 

 of death has been observed, even to its ter- 

 mination, by good philosophers ; and the in- 

 stances are worth repeating. Dr. Cullen, when 

 dying, is said to have faintly articulated to one 

 of his intimates, " I wish I had the power of 

 writing or speaking, for then I would describe 

 to you how pleasant a thing it is to die." Dr. 

 Black, worn out by age and a disposition to 

 pulmonary hemorrhage, which obliged him 

 to live very low, whilst eating his customary 

 meal of bread and milk, fell asleep, and died 

 in so tranquil a manner, that he had not even 

 spilt the contents of the spoon which he held 

 in his hand. And the late Sir Charles Blagden, 

 whilst at a social meal with his friends, Mons. 

 and Mad. Berthollet and Gay-Lussac, died 

 in his chair so quietly, that not a drop of the 

 coffee in the cup which he held in his hand 

 was spilt. 



POIET. Give us no more such instances ; 

 i 2 



