The Taieri Fasting Girl has been “interviewed” by the reporter of the Bruce Herald, who describes her as lying motionless as a corpse with eyes and mouth closed, the only indication of life he could detect being a a slight expansion and contraction of the nostrils. Drs Inglis and Brearby have seen her, but say they can do nothing. It is desired that some of the faculty in Dunedin should make a visit for the purpose of examining the case, and doing what is possible to be done for the sufferer. -Evening Star, 30/6/1870.
THE TAIERI FASTING CASE.
As considerable interest has been taken in this case since the publication of the article in our last issue, the following taken from the "Echo" will doubtless be acceptable to our readers: —
We have lately heard many and strange stories with reference to the "Taieri fasting girl," more particularly as regards the religious phase of the phenomena manifested in her. We have been told by some that she lays claim to having experienced a temporary separation of the soul and the body; that during that time she in spirit visited the celestial gates; that she was engaged in a personal conflict with the arch enemy; and that now that body and soul are once more wedded, she speaks with the tongue of an angel, and sings seraph songs taught her in the realms of the blest. For the purpose of satisfying ourselves and enlightening our readers on the real facts of the case, we have recently taken an opportunity of visiting Maungatua, conversing with her, and making strict enquiries in the neighborhood as to the bona fides of these rumors. On Tuesday evening we arrived in the neighborhood, and visited Mr Ross' house. We found about 30 people assembled, amongst whom were a minister of the Presbyterian Church, and a lay preacher of another denomination. We received a hearty welcome from the father and mother of the invalid girl, but as a prayer-meeting was held in the house immediately after our arrival, we had not then the opportunity afforded us of holding much conversation with Miss Ross. After the close of the meeting, we were invited to speak to her, but it was evident that she was much exhausted with the excitement of the day, and so we curtailed our interview, promising ourselves a longer one on a more opportune occasion. The next morning we again visited her, and though we saw and heard very much to admire and marvel at, all pretences to the supernatural or miraculous were absent from her conversation, She described the vision that she had seen not as a reality, but as something which was as vivid as a reality. The principal, and possibly the most fascinating features of her conversation, were its earnestness and simplicity. Far from pretending to be endowed with extraordinary powers in the interpretation of Scripture, she frankly acknowledged that she was a poor, ignorant, unlearned girl, who could not herself understand many of the things that she read. We were prepared, from the report that we had heard, to encounter a second Johanna Southcote — a would-be prophetess, possibly somewhat dogmatic in her sentiments. So far as regards herself, the genuineness of the views that she enunciates cannot for one moment be doubted by her hearers. She most certainly speaks what she believes, and is anxious for all mankind to possess a similar faith to her own. Still there is nothing obtrusive about her manner; her enthusiasm assumes a very mild and quiet form, and she seems to be more richly endowed with the two most important and most prominent of the virtues taught by the Christian religion, viz., humility and charity, than the greater proportion of professing Christians and Christian ministers of the present day are. The trance which has been so greatly exaggerated in all quarters may be ascribed to perfectly natural causes. Long before the mysterious sleep into which she fell, Miss Ross was impressed with strong religious views. It is, we are informed, altogether false that her present religious feelings are the result of the vision that she has seen, and it is more reasonable to believe that this vision was only a vivid dream (the duration of which, like that of most dreams, is extremely doubtful), the offspring of those religious sentiments which, for some time previous to her sleep, had formed part of her nature and existence. This dream has, in its turn, changed the current of her life; without knowing whether the vision was real or ideal, she is in her own mind convinced by its means of the correctness of her views with regard to the faith that she holds, and she tries (and with much success in some instances) to convert others to her way of thinking, and to the enjoyment of the same peace of mind. With regard to the seraph songs which issue from her lips, we had not an opportunity of hearing a specimen, but we are informed on the most creditable grouuds that when she does sing it it in a weak, but rather sweet voice; the melodies being those which she has been accustomed to hear from her earliest childhood, but not always accurately rendered — either as regards time or tune. We may add that Miss Ross declared to us her perfect inability to describe either the entrance to the heavenly kingdom, or the form of the tempter; she merely remembers the one as being very glorious indeed, and the other as terrible and abhorrent in the extreme. The phenomena attending this case are not, however, wanting in miraculous elements, though these are in connection with the physical, and not the religious features of the case. There can be no doubt that since the beginning of the year the girl has partaken of not a single pound of solid food, and an infinitely small amount of nutriment of any kind. Under these circumstances we naturally expected to see some signs of wasting away, attenuated hands, and hollow cheeks, but on the contrary, the one hand which still possesses power (the whole of the girl's left side is paralysed) is strong and very healthy-looking, and covered with a fair proportion of flesh. The face is not that of a confirmed invalid, signs of suffering are altogether wanting from it, and the expression that it wears is one of peace rather than of resignation. Notwithstanding the absence of all palpable means of either maintaining or recruiting health and strength, she seems capable of undergoing a large amount of fatigue, as is evinced by the large number of interviews wbirh she daily holds with those who are comparative or entire strangers to her. It is another remarkable feature of the case that, before her illness, this girl was of an exceedingly bashful and nervous disposition, terrified at the idea of meeting an unknown gaze, but since she has awakened from her long sleep, she is anxious and eager to see as many as possible. Considering all the features of this marvellous case, it is hardly to be wondered at that the ignorant and unlettered should have endowed it with a supernatural halo of glory. The circumstances of the sleep, the trance, the awakening, and the remarkable clearness and earnestness with which she now expresses herself, would all naturally lead them to one conclusion. We cannot blame them for their superstition, and we cannot be surprised that the rumors concerning Miss Ross have grown a little on their journey from Maungatua to Dunedin. We are convinced that if any of our readers should take the trouble of following our example — and we strongly advise them to do so — they will agree with us in the opinions we now express concerning the rights of the case. -North Otago Times, 6/9/1870.
Photography. — Messrs Burton Bros, have favored us with photographs of the Taieri fasting girl, which are not only interesting on account of the peculiarity of the case, but because of their being pleasing pictures. We are not sufficiently acquainted with the photographic art as to understand its difficulties; but should fancy that they would not be slight in obtaining this likeness. Whatever they may be, they have been overcome in a masterly style. The face is that of a handsome girl resting on a pillow. There is no appearance of wasting, but, on the contrary, one might imagine she was very plump; and, from the quiet look of repose, content, cheerful, and happy. We have no doubt these photographs will be added to every album. -Evening Star, 30/9/1871.
The latest account of the Taieri fasting girl is that she continues very much in the same condition she has been in for the past three years. She never feels hungry or has any desire for food, and when she does take a mouthful of tea or a crumb of biscuit it produces a feeling of faintness. The same constant gnawing pain in the chest continues. Her countenance retains its healthy appearance, and her manner is cheerful as ever. She, however, only speaks in a whisper, and says she feels getting gradually weaker. The Bruce Herald's reporter says that although it was two years since he previously saw Miss Ross, he could scarcely detect any change as having occurred in her condition or appearance. -Evening Star, 19/2/1873.
DR DUNN AND THE TAIERI FASTING GIRL.
TO THE EDITOR
Sir — Your correspondent "Investigator," in narrating Dr Dunn's visit to the Taieri Fasting Girl, has made the circumstances of the case so ambiguous that your readers are likely to misapprehend her motives in her apparent unwillingness to allow Dr Dunn to make a diagnosis of her case. Having visited Miss Ross about a week ago, she told me that she did not know who Dr Dunn was. She said, ''I thought at first he was a clever man like Professor McGregor, but when he told me that he was a clairvoyant I rejected his offer, knowing it to be contrary to the will of God." I fail to understand what ''Investigator" wished to prove by citing this ease, for certainly it proves nothing for Spiritualism; on the contrary, it stands opposed to it, for it shows that Miss Ross has faith in the Christian religion as revealed in the Bible, and in medical science; but in Spiritualism, which arrogantly tries to supplant both, she has none. Perhaps Spiritists wish to have her enrolled among their votaries, but I venture to say they will not succeed in this attempt, unless they press her into their service after her death, as they have done with the sages of byegone ages, some of whom may be looked upon as being made to undergo a second martyrdom in their hands, and others as calumniated heroes.
— I am, &c, Veritas. -Otago Daily Times, 2/4/1873.
DR DUNN AND THE FASTING GIRL.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir — When I made the passing remark that Dr Dunn had visited the Taieri Fasting Girl, it was not for the purpose of proving anything. I stated the fact merely as an item of information. Your correspondent "Veritas'' accused me of having mis-stated facts, and insinuated that my object was to prove something for Spiritualism. He said that Miss Ross's refusal to allow Dr Dunn to treat her case was a proof that she had faith in the Christian religion, and in medical science. I replied that after her refusal, and after further conversation with Dr Dunn, Miss Ross was anxious that he should again go into the trance; but it was too late. "Veritas," in his rejoinder, accuses me of contradicting myself, and indulges in a sneer at clairvoyance. If there was any ambiguity in my reply, it was caused through a desire to be brief, and to avoid discussion on a subject really of very little interest. However, as "Veritas" appears to be determined on having the whole facts, and as he appears to hold clairvoyance in great contempt, I will, with your permission, indulge him, and be a little explicit. Dr Dunn arrived at the farm at 11 o'clock, and was introduced to Miss Ross, her mother, brother, and sister. They were informed that Dr D. was a clairvoyant physician, and wished to ascertain by a diagnosis if it were possible to do anything for her. All consented, and Dr Dunn took a seat near the bedside. Her brother, who appeared to understand something about trance and clairvoyance, stood between Dr D. and the patient, and held her hand. While Dr D. was going into the trance state, the patient was noticed to become greatly agitated, and she remarked afterwards that a strange influence came over her. When the controlling spirit, Dr Willis, asked of the patient permission to place the medium's hand upon her head, her brother replied, "She is now unwilling that you should make an examination." The spirit replied, "We have no desire whatever to examine the patient against her will. We will wait a while and if she is still opposed to it, the control will be withdrawn." Dr Dunn remained a short time in the trance, and when he awoke he seemed greatly disappointed, saying that on scientific grounds he wished to have a report of the real condition of the patient's organs. He also wished to ascertain whether it was possible to afford any relief. Dr Dunn and party remained nearly two hours, and as preparations were making to leave, Miss Ross consented that an examination should be made. It was then too late, as Dr Dunn had an engagement to lecture in the evening, and he promised to call again in company with Mr Peebles. A few days afterwards he received a letter from Miss Ross's brother, stating that she did not wish an examination to be made.
And now to refer briefly to clairvoyance. Your correspondent says he supposes I have "sufficient faith in the alleged facts of Spiritualism to call a clairvoyant diagnosis a scientific one." I certainly believe it would be as much a scientific one as would be an examination by one of our ordinary medical practitioners — for, at best, their practice is but a course of doubtful experiment; it is not a truly scientific adaptation of means to ends. It will not answer the requirements of true science, which comprehends not merely a classification of facts, but also an explanation of the laws on which such facts depend. I do not say that psychology is acknowledged by the schools as a science. Mesmerism, up to the time of Mesmer, was in the same state as astronomy under the astrologers, or chemistry under the alchemists. Now, however, that mesmerism has many great facts, which some of the schoolmen imagine can be made to account for the phenomena of Spiritualism, it is beginning to be acknowledged, and no doubt it will soon be as fully established as chemistry or astronomy. The belief in God and immortality — the basis of all religion — has long stood in need of scientific and experimental demonstration, and now we have it, through the knowledge afforded by the action of spirit and the magnetic fluid. Thousands of facts, from all ages and nations, are on record, which place clairvoyance amongst the demonstrated realities of human experience. Without dwelling at great length on the subject, I can prove the existence of this faculty, by the fact that somnambulists can see with closed eyes, and perform feats in the dark, which other individuals can only do in the light of day. Clairvoyance is but the exercise of the same power in a person in a somewhat different condition. I will refer to only one other instance. Jesus was gifted with this interior clear sight, and exercised it on various occasions. He told two of his disciples where they would find a colt; he directed certain fishermen when and where to cast their nets; he saw Nathaniel under a fig tree when the latter was far beyond his natural vision; and he read the woman's thoughts at the well. Why accept of those experiences, and reject modern facts of a character precisely similar, depending on the same immutable laws of nature? Why should what is called a Divine gift in one case become a profane juggle in the other? If your correspondent wishes to obtain further information on this subject, he can consult Elliotson, Reichenbaeh, Buchanan, Brittan, Dods, and Denton.
— I am, &c., An Investigator.
TO THE EDITOR.
SIR — In your issue of 1st April is a letter from "Investigator," at the end of which he makes some remarks concerning my sister. He there states that she was "quite willing" that Dr Dunn should make an examination. This is true, thus far — that she did not at that time consider him anything else than a bona fide physician, but at once refused when she understood he was to conduit the examination in a clairvoyant state.
Again, in " Investigator's" reply to " Veritas," which appealed in Thursday's issue, a statement is made which is entirely contrary to truth. There are two points m his letter which I wish to notice.
He says ''that after some conversation with Dr Dunn, she was anxious that he should again go into the trance state and examine her." Now, never once did my sister even hint a desire that Dr Dunn should go into the clairvoyant state. From the moment she knew of the nature of the examination she firmly protested. But in justice to Dr Dunn I may say that after being aware of her determination he never again attempted to press, but distinctly and repeatedly said he would not proceed without her willing consent. I may here remark that he told me he believed he could do her no good. The conduct of some of his disciples, I am sorry to say, who were present was somewhat different. So exasperated were they at what they called my sister's stubbornness and superstition, but which I call faith in God's revealed will, that one of them gave vent to this expression: "It's a pity she were not weaker, then she would know less." My sister being so thoroughly wearied by their importunity at last held the silence of contempt, which being interpreted as the silence of consent, one of the party immediately sought Dr Dunn, saying she was now willing, to which Dr Dunn replied that it then too late.
On leaving he expressed his intention of visiting my sister again, bringing with him a friend. To this no objection was made, as she receives all who think fit to call.
Now this is the second point in. "Investigator's" letter which I wish to notice. His words convey the idea that my letter to Dr Dunn withdrew a consent to an examination formerly given. No such consent was granted, as the foregoing part of my letter shows; and my letter to Dr Dunn only intimated that he and his friend need not be disappointed if the refusal was adhered to.
I think it would have been much better if "Investigator" had given his communication to the public before Dr Dunn's departure from Dunedin.
So far as I am concerned this matter drops, and apologising for the length of my letter
— I am, &c, Thomas Ross. Maungatua April 5th -Otago Daily Times, 12/4/1873.
The Taieri fasting girl is reported to be sinking fast. -Bruce Herald, 23/9/1873.
The Taieri Fasting Girl.
It was not until a few days ago that we were made aware of the circulation of a rumor by some person or another that the Taieri Fasting Girl was dead. We knew that the rumor was incorrect, as we had but just heard from our West Taieri correspondent, and he had mentioned nothing about it. However, as it is possible that some of our readers may have heard the rumor referred to, we sent a reporter to the Taieri, and he writes us: —
"I was received most kindly by Mrs Ross, and every information that could be given was rendered. I found her daughter in bed, suffering, but patient, resigned to the fate that had laid her there, and trusting in the mercies of that Hand which had laid the burden upon her, and accepting meekly and with admirable fortitude and patience whatever He might choose to inflict. She told me that she was suffering much from toothache: and I was informed by her mother that sometimes she endured the most excruciating agony, but that when the paroxysm was passed she had the same smile and patient endurance that she has shown since the commencement of her illness. She also informed me that she compelled herself to swallow a small amount of food, but her principal subsistence was milk and tea. She was able to take note of the weather, and though debarred from enjoying it, could fully appreciate both the glorious sunshine and the warm air of a glorious morning. She can only converse in a whisper, but seemed to glad to see me. I was introduced by a friend. Some might think her fate very sad, and no doubt it is, looked at in one point of view; but He who rules all things aright, has seen fit to lay her there in the height of youth and health. She acknowledges His hand, and is fully resigned. She is an example to the neighborhood of patient resignation to the hand that will chastise in love and mercy, and none can visit her without coming away impressed more fully of the power given to them that believe. -Gisborne Herald, 30/6/1874.
A correspondent writes: — Having had occasion to visit the Maungatua district the other day I called to see Miss Ross (the Taieri fasting girl.) I am glad to say she seems to be improving. Some few weeks ago she was removed to the new house erected by her father, and the change has apparently had good effect. Miss Ross seems to be much more cheerful than she was when I last saw her, some three years ago. -Clutha Leader, 25/2/1875.
Some interest was excited yesterday by a rumour to the effect that the Taieri fasting girl was about to leave for Melbourne in the steamer Otago. The rumour originated in. the fact of a young female (who, however, looked anything but in a fasting condition) being conveyed down the pier in a hand-cart, and was said to bear a close resemblance to the Taieri girl. Not a few persons were misled by the report, and visited the Otago in hopes of obtaining a peep at the one time celebrity. It proved however, to be quite a mistake, the lady in question being another person altogether. -Otago Daily Times, 3/3/1876.
As several enquiries have lately been made as to whether Miss Ross — who is better known as the “Taieri Fasting Girl” — still remains in the same remarkable state, we (Otago Guardian) availed ourselves on a recent date; of an invitation from Mr. Ross, her father, to visit his farm homestead, which is situated at the base of the Maungatua Range, about eight miles from Outram. We need hardly enter into a repetition of the lengthy particulars of Miss Ross’s strange and painful affliction, but will simply preface the few particulars of our visit which we have to offer our readers, by saying that the term “fasting girl,” as applied: to Miss Ross, hardly gives a correct idea of her state. On arriving at the house we were made very welcome by Mrs. Ross, whose unwearying attention to her daughter has set the lines of care sadly in her face, but who is ever gentle, kind, and attentive to the afflicted sufferer. We were shown into the room where Miss Ross lies on the bed that has been her restingplace for seven long years. Her face is very white and sunken, but it wears a placid and even cheerful look, that tells of a mind at peace, and over which the trials of this world have no power. We shook hands with her, and, in reply to questions as to her present diet, &c., we learned that a cup of tea and a small piece of softened bread constitute her morning’s meal. At tea-time she takes a little sago, and at 10 o’clock a very small quantity of thin gruel. Anything beyond this she cannot eat. Her left side is quite paralysed, the arm up to the shoulder being quite devoid of feeling and beyond the power of control. Her nights are generally very restless, and she never gets more than two hours’ sleep, being awakened at the slightest movement or sound. About two months since it became necessary to change the mattress on the bed, and to do this it was necessary to raise her while the mattress was being moved. So weak is she that this caused her to faint away, and for six weeks she lost the power of speech. During that period she could not utter a word; but a fortnight since she again began to speak in a whisper, and can now converse with her family and visitors. We were much struck with her earnest, confiding faith in her Saviour, and her anticipations of a world of happiness to come, and with her complete resignation to her hard fate. But to use Miss Ross’ own words, she has found Christ, and she knows that He has sustained her in her sore trial. Our readers will doubtless remember that during the early period of her illness Miss Ross was for seventy days entirely unconscious, and during that time had no sustenance whatever. That was undoubtedly the most remarkable phase of the illness she has so long suffered. She has been visited by many medical men, but of course nothing can be done to effect any alteration in her present state. She is, however, wonderfully cheerful, and is very much pleased to see occasional visitors. No one can see and converse with Miss Ross without being deeply impressed with the power of religion to soothe and comfort, and without feeling that she who has so suffered, and who, through all her long and trying affliction, can say with Eli, “It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth Him good,” teaches a lesson that many who chafe and fret at the ordinary annoyances of life might well profit by. -NZ Times, 2/11/1876.
We hear that Miss Ross, the Taieri fasting girl, is now in a very low and weak state. Her eyes are bright, but she is greatly emaciated, takes very little nourishment, and suffers from a pain in the side. -Otago Daily Times, 8/4/1878.
The Taieri Fasting Girl.
A STRANGE RUMOUR.
[By Telegraph. UJNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, 8th June.
The case of Miss Ross, known as the fasting girl, attracted great attention some 16 years ago, when she lay in a trance for about six weeks. Since then she has been confined to bed. Last week she showed considerable improvement, and on Sunday she had an interview with a lady who claims the power of healing by faith. It is reported that on her ordering Miss Ross to arise, she got up from the bed where she had lain for nearly 16 years. Miss Ross has been paralysed on one side of late. Yesterday she was able to have a drive out. The affair has created some excitement in the district. -Evening Post, 9/6/1886.
A good deal of excitement has been created in the Maungatua district by what is deemed the wonderful recovery of Miss Ross, whose singular trance and long abstinence from food some years ago earned for her the title of "the Taieri fasting girl." Our Maungatua correspondent, writing on Monday evening, gives the following particulars of this singular case: —
No doubt some of your readers will remember the interest awakened some years ago regarding Miss Ross, of Maungatua, who has now been confined to her bed for nearly 16 years. Strange events have taken place within the last two days which have caused even more excitement than the trance in which she lay for about six weeks in 187O. Early last week Miss Ross was so much worse than she had been for a long time that some of her relatives despaired of her surviving much longer. On Sunday Miss Ross had an interview with a lady possessed of the gift of "faith healing," as it is generally termed. This lady commanded Miss Ross to rise up on her feet, and strange to relate, she was obeyed, and Miss Ross was able to rise and leave the bed on which she had lain for 16 years. This is the more wonderful as Miss Ross has been for some time paralysed on one side. To-day (Monday) she was so far well as to be able to take a drive through the district. This has naturally excited a great deal of interest here, and whatever opinions may be formed regarding the event, the evidence is too strong to admit of any doubt of its occurrence. I have sent you all the information obtainable, and in conclusion may mention that a thanksgiving service is being held this evening at Woodside in connection with this wonderful recovery. -Otago Daily Times, 9/6/1886.
The latest item as to the "faith-curing" belief comes from Temuka, where a Miss Shepherd, who was concerned in the restoration of the Taieri Fasting Girl, has been lecturing. A correspondent says: —
The services here have been a success, and the lady is credited with being the means, under Providence, of partially restoring an unfortunate woman who has been bed-ridden for years. Cures by faith are hard to understand. On the face of it the intervention of a third party seems superfluous. If the sick person really has the faith required, there should be nothing to prevent him or her from becoming well. Time will show. The spirit of the age is decidedly sceptical, although, in justice to Miss Shepherd, it must be stated that there appears to be an overwhelming mass of evidence to be adduced in reference to the bonafides of what must be termed these miraculous cures. -Bruce Herald, 7/9/1886.
MEDICAL PRACTICE IN OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND IN THE EARLY DAYS.
By
Robert Valpy Fulton, M.D.
XLVII. — TOKOMAIRIRO, THE DOCTORS’ ELYSIUM. (excerpt)
We have not much information about Dr Weber. The only story that one can get is that in the early ’seventies he came across to the Taieri, and succeeded in rousing from one of her trances Miss Ross, the Taieri fasting girl. This he did by the use, it was said, of croton oil on the head in the way of blister. -Otago Witness, 25/1/1921.
TRANCE OF EIGHTEEN WEEKS
"TAIERI FASTING GIRL"
SINGULAR CASE RECALLED
Miss Wilhelmina Ross, who died at Edondale on July 17, was the involuntary heroine, fifty-three years ago, of one of the strangest cases of prolonged trance known to medical history. She lay for eighteen weeks, practically without respiration, and without any sustenance, save the light stimulants which, on the brief occasions when the rigors relapsed, her attendants forced over her tongue. For many years after recovery from the state she was practically an invalid, but in later years she lived an active life, and died at the ripe age of seventy-three years. The case was much debated in 1870, and the victim was known as ‘‘the Taieri fasting girl.’'
Miss Ross was the fourth daughter of the late Neil Ross and Barbara Ross, of Maungatua. The family came to Otago in 1861, and stayed for a few months at Pelichet Bay, afterwards purchasing a farm at Maungatua. The surviving members of the family are scattered between Dunedin, Taieri, and Edendale districts. A grandson is Fireman George Ross, of the City Brigade. The deceased lady, the victim of this remarkable seizure, had lived for the past four years with her brother, Mr Daniel Ross, at Edendale.
In a brief conversation with a ‘Star'; reporter, Mr Daniel Ross said that his sister had been subject to seizures in 1869 and 1870. These became more frequent about the middle of 1870, and subsequently she went into a trance, remaining in this state for many weeks. Her mother was in constant attendance, and as the victim was unable to take solid food her lips were moistened constantly with stimulants. She came out of the trance one midday, but before any member of the family could be called she relapsed. She woke up again at exactly the same hour the following day, and this ebb and flow of consciousness went on until she partially recovered.
For fifteen years afterwards she was practically bedridden, but later she regained strength and activity.
THE CASE DESCRIBED.
Miss Ross was seen by a reporter of the ‘Bruce Herald’ about June 28, 1870. He described her as lying motionless as a corpse, with eyes and mouth closed, the only indication of life he could detect being a slight expansion and contraction of the nostrils. Drs Inglis and McBrearty saw her, but they stated that they could do nothing. It was desired that some of the faculty in Dunedin should make a visit to her home for the purpose of examining the case, and doing what was possible for the sufferer.
Dr Weber, of Tokomairiro, subsequently visited the girl, and his report, furnished to the ‘Bruce Herald,’ was most interesting. He said: "Miss Wilhelmina Ross, twenty years of age, the daughter of healthy parents, brothers and sisters also healthy, had suffered since she was about five years of age, frequently from neuralgia on the left side of the head and face, combined with spasms of the facial muscles. About three years previously she was first attacked with convulsive fits, after which she lay for nine hours in a state of cataphora, that is, a state resembling profound sleep, only that the breathing was scarcely at all perceptible, out of which she awoke suddenly, as the parents said, smiling. The same attacks returned twice more at different intervals, always commencing with convulsive fits, and ending in a state of cataphora, which lasted the second time for twenty-four hours, and the third time (in April, 1869) for seven or eight days. It was stated that the girl, after waking on the first two occasions, knew all that had been passing about her. She said that she was afraid of being buried alive. During the third occasion, however, consciousness seemed to have been far more disturbed. The convulsions each time increased in strength, so that at times four men could with difficulty hold her. It was also observed that in the previous twelve mouths she partially lost the movement of the left arm, and then the movement of the tongue, as shown in difficulty of speaking and taking of food.
THE LONG SLEEP.
The attack spoken of by Dr Weber in his report commenced, like the others, with a seizure, and was succeeded by a state of cataphora, which lasted six weeks. The girl had during that time, only at intervals, taken a very little water, beef tea, or chicken soup; brandy and wine were also tried, but these stimulants did not seem to agree with her. The food was principally supplied in the evening, when the jaw, during the day firmly closed, used to relax. The food had to be carried over the half-paralysed tongue. For the three days previous to being seen by Dr Weber, Miss Ross had a convulsion fit every evening, and had taken some little fluid food every day.
Dr Weber saw Miss Ross again two or three days later, and remained with her for over three hours, during which time he had opportunity to observe her as well in a state of rest as in a succession of fits. He found the patient lying on her back, arms and legs extended, hands half open; the skin was dry, cold, and pale, with the exception of a slight tinge of red in the cheeks. Emaciation, though great, was not so great as one should expect. The muscles were flabby, the eyes closed, the mouth firmly shut, the nostrils distended, and slightly moving with breathing. The features were regular, and the expression placid. The pulse was irregular, weak, and compressible, but very distinct — about eighty-eight in the minute. Respiration was distinctly visible and audible by stethoscope, and about twenty in the minute and very short; the sounds of the heart and large arteries were easily heard, and the abdominal muscles felt contracted. There was apparently no feeling or consciousness, or other function of the senses.
The patient had five or six fits in succession after Dr Weber’s arrival; none of them, however, lasted more than a few minutes. They came on quickly, without much warning. The lips were firmly compressed and the breathing was very short and laboring. The whole body was thrown in a state of tetanus, the limbs feeling hard and stiff like wood. This state of tetanus lasted for about two minutes, when, just as suddenly, all the muscles relaxed again, the jaw alone remaining firmly closed. Like many diseases of the nerve centres of long standing, the symptoms were of a mixed character, bearing resemblance to several diseases. The case showed characteristic fits of epilepsy, general rigor of tetanus, impaired muscular power of partial paralysis, and that extraordinary state called cataphora or trance. That a person could live in this state for many weeks, and even months, with an exceedingly small supply of nourishment, was a long-established fact. In 1824 or 1825 there was a case of this kind in the University Hospital of Vienna, when a man fell suddenly in a state of cataphora, continued in it without interruption for eighteen months, came out of it as suddenly, and lived for several years afterwards. The change of matter in such cases was exceedingly slow, the patient, in well-expressed cases, lying perfectly motionless, respiration and circulation being barely perceptible.
THE FATHER’S STORY.
Writing to Dr Weber on July 21, the father of Miss Ross stated that thrice that week his daughter had spoken a few syllables. The family tried every hour for three days to apply a blister, but could not, as whenever her head was touched she moaned most piteously. She appeared to be in her usual dormant state on the fourth day, and when the blister was applied she asked: “ Why do you torment me?” She was drinking more at that time, and her breathing was more free. The pulse was the same as usual, and she had a pain from the heart to the neck occasionally. Dr Weber thought it possible that by persevering in the then strong stimulating treatment the sufferer would be roused again to consciousness lasting for some time.
PRAYER AND SONG.
With a view of learning more about the case, a correspondent of the Bruce ‘Standard’ visited Miss Ross on August 9, in company with Dr McBrearty. They found her calm, talking sensibly, and her strength much improved. She was taking a little food occasionally. Her manner of conversation was quite changed from what it had been previous to her illness. In her lucid intervals she prayed and sang psalms and hymns with great fervor and expression, and her utterance was quite distinct. At that time Dr McBrearty considered the case highly favorable.
About the end of August Miss Ross recovered from the trance, and was able to converse freely. She appeared to be very weak, but did not seem to suffer great pain, and consumed very little food. Large numbers visited her during the previous two weeks. She received everyone with pleasure, conversed with them about what she saw and felt while under the trance, exhorted them to be earnest Christians, advising them to pay more attention to religious duties. She made a good impression on many settlers in the Maungatua district, as most of those who visited her and conversed with her appeared to have benefited by it. The deep anxiety she had for the spiritual welfare of all, and the earnest manner in which she pleaded with everyone to seek salvation, could not fail to make a deep impression on even the most careless. Although still weak, Miss Ross continued cheerful, and talked freely. Any stranger who paid her a visit could not, from her appearance, know but that she was in perfect health. -Evening Star, 21/7/1923.
