Death from old age--the natural termination of life, and the simplest form of death that can occur, creeps on by slow and almost imperceptible degrees. It is characterised by a gradual and proportionate decay of all the functions and organs of the body, and as a rule presents no symptoms that call for special treatment. It is only where the normal course of decay is disturbed by supervening disorder, or disease of an important organ, or by surrounding circumstances, that suffering of any kind attends it. Good nursing, and the due administration of light food and stimulants, comprise all that is needed. The approaches to death are so gentle, and the act of dying so easy, that nature herself provides a perfect euthanasia. THE END. UNWIN BROTHERS, PRINTERS, CHILWORTH AND LONDON. FOOTNOTES: [51] Medical Notes and Reflections. Third edition, 8vo, London, 1855, p. 379. [52] Robert Willis, M.D., On Urinary Diseases, 8vo, London, 1838, p. 100. [53] “When there is a sudden cessation, or intermission, of acute pain, sleep frequently comes on instantaneously at every such interval of ease. The records of judicial torture furnish much striking evidence as to these effects.” (Sir Henry Holland’s Medical Notes and Reflections, p. 369.) [54] I except hydrophobia, tetanus, &c., against which it is almost powerless. [55] “Præstantissimum remedium cardiacum (unicum pene dixerim) quod in rerum natura hactenus est repertum.” Sydenham Thomæ Opera Omnia, edidit G. A. Greenhill, M.D., 8vo, London, 1844, p. 175. [56] “Vires ægri somno recreatæ sunt, atque etiam ubi salus ejus prorsus desperata fuerit, et angor summus cruciaverit, opium utique sollicitudinem aliquantum levavit. Mors quidem neque serius, neque citius venit, sed tamen minore cum cruciatu.” (Heberden _De Ileo_.)