CONSCIOUSNESS DURING APPARENT DEATH

It is the almost unvarying testimony of those who have been thought to be dead, and have recovered before the final rite of burial was performed, that they preserved their consciousness, even to painful acuteness, and knew of all the preparations going forward, but were unable to move or give the least sign. In such cases there is paralysis of the muscles of motion, yet the activity of the brain is even increased. It is this knowledge, combined with utter inability, that makes the situation so terrible.

In this trance state there is so complete suspension of the vital functions that there is no visible breathing, and the escaping air from the lungs will not even cloud a mirror held to the mouth. As long as this state continues there is need of very little air. But if the unfortunate revives after interment, the necessity of large quantities of air becomes imperative, and the limited supply in the casket could maintain life only a few minutes. The agony of suffocation would be of short duration. Only the marked changes of decay are absolute tests of death, and recovery has been made after experienced physicians had pronounced the appearance of these.