[ 214 i 
nation of the permanent contraction in 
the flelh of fifhes, which are cut in pieces 
whilft alive, and likewife of the ftiffnefs 
which i$ fo remarkable in people who 
have died of the plague, or have been 
killed by poifoO. 
The circi;mftances we meet with in the 
hiltory of noCtambulilts, is itill more ex¬ 
traordinary. When plunged in the molt 
profound deep they quit their beds, and 
With their eyes clofed, walk about the 
houfe or go out, pafs without accident 
along the molt dangerous roads, and avoid 
the obltacles they may chance to meet 
with. But this is not all j they drefs 
themfelves, light fires, get on horfeback, 
cdrrOCt the animal, handle the reins, write, 
compofe verfes, and in a word, exercife 
many offices of life with much regularity 
and judgment. They are not eafily 
awakened, and when they are, in general, 
have not any recollection of what they 
have been doing. There 
