EXPRESS. 143 



such cases, apply a large mustard plaster over the 

 breast. If the patient gasps for breath before the 

 mustard takes effect, assist the breathing by carefully 

 repeating the artificial respiration. 



Note. — An eminent authority, Dr. Labordette, the 

 supervising surgeon of the hospital of Lisieux, in 

 France, appears to have established that the clinching 

 of the jaws and the semi-contraction of the fingers, 

 which have hitherto been considered signs of death, 

 are in fact evidences of remaining vitality. After 

 numerous experiments with apparently drowned per- 

 sons, and also with animals, he concludes that these 

 are only signs accompanying the first stage of suffoca- 

 tion by drowning, the jaws and hands becoming relaxed 

 when death ensues. This being so, the mere clinching 

 of the jaws and semi-contraction of the hands must 

 not be considered as reasons for the discontinuance of 

 efforts to save life, but should serve as a stimulant to 

 vigorous and prolonged efforts to quicken vitality. 

 Persons engaged in the tasks of resuscitation are there- 

 fore earnestly desired to take hope and encouragement 

 for the life of the sufferer, from the signs above re- 

 ferred to, and to continue their endeavors accordingly. 

 In a number of cases Dr. Labordette restored to life 

 persons whose jaws were so firmly clinched that to aid 

 respiration, their teeth had to be forced apart with iron 

 instruments. 



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