action, with loss of motion and sensation, are signs of death; but this is not the case, for many bodies which have been drowned have all these signs present and yet recover. Again, infants are often born without any action of the heart or lungs, and yet are recovered by very simple means, such as the hot bath; and I myself have recovered persons by stimulants who were thought to be dead. Many may be recovered by transfusion (first introduced into this country by the celebrated Dr. Blundel) when the heart still palpitates, but the brain is insensible; or by stimulants given at that period; or by hot bath, and the external application of heat; by galvanism, where other means have failed; and these can do no harm. Since the brain is insensible there can be no suffering; and many lives will be saved by perseverance, and the skilful application of means which have succeeded in isolated cases. Buildings for the reception of those thought to be dead should be placed in cemeteries. “I divide life into active and passive. Life is active when man is in the enjoyment of all his faculties, intellectual and moral; when the various organs necessary for circulation and respiration are in play; when there is sensation, perception, and motion; and when the sphincters are not relaxed. Passive life is that state hitherto called death; but, according to me, death is decomposition. “Nor should we despair at any period previous to this, since we can give motion by galvanism; blood by transfusion; respiration by artificial respiration; heat by this and the external application of caloric; and by stimulants we can keep up that action which has been excited by other means. Nor must we despair if we do not at once succeed in our endeavours to recall life, for perseverance often accomplishes that which at first sight seems impossible. [MR. ROBERT BRANDON’S SUGGESTIONS.]