Mr. THACHER’s 
DISCOURSE 
BEFORE THE 
HUMANE SOCIETY. AS- 
DISCO U R S E 
DELIVERED AT 
B 0 s r 0 N, 
BEFORE THE 
HUMANE SOCIETY 
OF THE 
COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS,. 
June 10th, 1800. 
Bvr THOMAS THACKER, A.M. 
MINISTER OF A CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY IN DEDHAM*- 
Cymba fcit dudum, et Lachefis triumphos - 
Fafla minores. 
■Levxor Charontis 
Alsopi, Oda 4. 
BOSTON: 
Printed by John and Thomas Fleet, Cornhill, iBooo At a Semiannual Meeting of the HUMANE SOCIETY 
June lothy 1800. 
VOcTEDy That Docflor John Warren, Prefident, Honor- 
able Judge Paine, Judge Dawes, Rev. Dodtor Lathrop, 
and Nathaniel Balch, Efq. be a Committee to wait uporr 
the Rev. Thomas Thacher, and to return him the thanks 
of this Society for his elegant and ingenious Difcourfe deli- 
vered before the Humane Society this day, and to requeft 
of him a Copy for the Prefs. 
An Extract from the Records 
ofj'aid Society, 
JOHN AVERY , Recording Secretary- 
Gentlemen, 
Dedham, Juney 1800. 
AS this Difcourfe zvas delivered at the defire of the Humane 
Society, it is cheerfully fuhmitted to their difpofal, It is dedi- 
cated to the principle of the InJiitutiony which will caji a veil 
over its errors, lam fenfible of the politenefsy zvith which the 
yequej} for its publication has been communicated ; 
and am Gentlemen, 
with the nwji refpeliful fentiments, 
Tour mojl obedient 
humble fervant, 
THOMAS THACHER, 
Dod. John Warren, 
Hon. Judge Paine, 
Hon. Judge Dawes, 
Rev. Deft. Lathrop, 
Nathaniel Balch; Efq. 
Committee, A 
DISCOURSE. 
Luke vnth Chap, nth Verse. 
** Now when he came nigh the gate of the city% behold> there 
was a dead man carried outy the only Jon of his mother, 
and foe was a widow : and much people of the city zvas- 
with herd’ 
THIS is one of the numerous examples of companion 
and philanthropy, exhibited by our bleffed Saviour. It 
prefents a feene, which, while it excites thofe tender and; 
folemn emotions, by which the heart is made better, gives 
a pleating view of divine power, employed (I had almofl 
faid) in its nobleft occupation, the relief of the wretched,. 
When our Lord travelled through Nain, a city of Gali- 
lee, he met a funeral proceffion ;—it was that of a young manr 
the only fon of his mother. The circumftances, though re- 
lated with fimplicity, tend to excite the extremes of grief- 6 
Ble was a young man, cut off in the K bloflbm of his days.” 
The fanguine hope of his friends, for his future ufefulnefs 
and fortune was bladed forever. He was a melancholy 
indancc of that triumph of the king of terrors over the 
human race, which waits not the flow procefs of time and 
age, which comes, when our expectations for the future are 
highed, and when we can mod rationally indulge our defire 
of long life. To the udial regret, which attends events of 
this nature, this excruciating circumdance was added—he 
was the only J6n of bis mother. 
Painful is it to the affectionate parent to iofe any mem- 
ber of his family : but yet there may be plants which 
remain. The cords of love are commonly tightened in 
proportion as their circumference is leffened. Fie was the 
only Jon of his mother, and foe a widow. May we not conjec- 
ture, that he was the pillar and lad human refuge of a 
decayed family ; that to the agonizing fendbilities of lodng 
an only fon, was added the near profpeCt of poverty and 
dependence. 
And much people of the city was with her- Without' 
quedion, they adembled for the benevolent purpofe of 
pouring balm on the wounded fpirit, and of adminidering 
fuch confolations, as might abate the effeCts, though they 
could not remove the.caufe of her affliction. 
At length,the fovereignPhyficianofmankindapproached. 
In the mod gracious language, he addreded the woe-worn 
parent, forbidding her to weep. Cloathed with his Father’s. ?power, he unfolded the gates of death ; he commanded the 
black deftroyer of mankind to drop his prey. When both 
-life and hope were extinguifhed, the firft was miraculoufty 
reftored. We can feel the mingled emotions of furprize, 
joy and gratitude in the mother, the fon and the circle of 
friends. All attempts to paint them would fall far below 
the original. It is enough for us to obferve—that they 
excite fentiments, adapted to mend our hearts, and to ani- 
mate us to render every poffible aid to the fuffering ; they 
particularly create a high refpedt and devotion to the 
in ter efts of an inftitution, founded on the principles of bene- 
volence and compaflion to mankind : an inftitution, of 
which it is doubtful to determine, whether it hath greater 
claims for praife from the intelligent, for the wifdom of 
its defign, or from the benevolent, for the productive effeds 
of its operation. 
It is true, its members pretend to no divine or preter- 
natural powers. But impreffed with the excellent charac- 
ter of the great friend of mankind, they have fludied by all 
human meafures to awaken life in thofe, who were nigh 
unto death ; and to refeue from the dominion of the grave, 
thofe who were apparently within its powder. Many have 
been the inftances, wherein their exertions have been effec- 
tual. Under the aufpices of the benignant and ever watch- 
ful providence, the parent hath been reftored to the def- 
pairing family, and the child to the inconfolable and weep- 
ing relatives. Quiet and unoftentatious have been -the 
operations of this focicty ; but fill efficient and energetic. 8 
Truly noble and generous in its purpofes, the members arc 
far more happy in the gratitude of unknown individuals, 
and in the approbation of their own minds, than the troub- 
les and deftroyers of mankind, under the applaufcs of venal 
flattery, or when decked with the meretricious ornaments 
of falfe praife and glory. 
It will be expcded on this occafion, that we fpeak of the 
political, moral and religious advantages, which arife from 
this inftitution, concluding with fomc few reflections on 
the whole. 
I. This inftitution has a natural tendency to advance one of 
the moll ufeful fciences ; fince it will conftantly be exhibit- 
ing new difeoveries and experiments to the profeflbrs of the 
healing art. lam fenfible this part of the fubjeft more 
naturally falls within the province of the gentlemen of the 
faculty, who have fhewn themfelves amply competent to its 
difeuflion. I fhall therefore limit myfelf to fuch parts of 
this propofition, as fall under my general plan, and are di- 
redlly allied to the other parts of the fubjeft. 
Even where our efforts for reftoring life have been inef- 
fectual, many of the caufes of life and death have been ex- 
plored, and have been fuccefsfully applied by the learned, 
to other cafes, fo as to render the effeCls in the end, of 
great advantage. The inquirer after knowledge, is delighted 
not only with the fatisfaCUon of having rendered an im- 
portant fervice to a fellow creature ; but by contemplating 
the wonders of the human frame* is elevated to more ardent 9 
attempts to prcfervc mankind, and to adore the wifdorn oT 
our common parent. The united communications of fo 
many refpe&able literary charaders, have produced far 
greater acquifitions to this branch of knowledge, than could 
have been obtained from the fame number of individuals of 
as great, or even of fuperior abilities. 
We may add, without the imputation of vanity, that 
the community reaps greater advantages from the ftudy of 
life, than are derived from that of other fciences. To fomc 
of thefe we may with juftice apply the obfervation of the 
wife man j He that increafeth knowledge incVeafeth forrow i 
Of others we may fay, they are ufeful only to their owners : 
a third clafs have increafed wealth, and enlarged commerce 5 
but, at the fame time, by introducing luxury and affording 
provifion for the gratification of corrupt and fenfual paf- 
fions, have often made the wife and good to envy the com 
dition of fimpfe barbarians. But the good which we derive 
from this inftitutkm is without alloy. If we partake of 
this branch of the tree of knowledge, life not death is the 
confequence. While we have twined the laurel wreath 
around the head of fcience, we have paid due homage to 
genius, without originating the rancorous fpirit of envy. 
2. Our refpe<sl for human life, and anxiety for itsprefer- 
vation, are perfectly agreeable to the fyftem of our holy 
religion, and to the principles of our mild and free govern- 
ment : a confutation comprifing the efforts of the higheft 
human wifdom,and tending to the greateft degree of hap- 
pmefs, which mortals can enjoy. Among ferocious. 10 
unenlightened nations, animal life is but little regarded, and 
its lofs but little deplored. Under tyrannical governments, 
the fame remarks occur, becaufe their principles fuppofe 
u the monftrous faith of many made for one.’* No wonder 
■that in thefe fituations mankind are fanguinary in their tem- 
per, and deaf to the calls of humanity. They may not uu- 
reafonably conclude, that where exiftencc is attended with 
lb many calamities, it is not worth preferving. But in free 
countries, the rights of perfons precede the rights of pro- 
perty. The dignity of mart is honored j and provilion is 
made, not only to protedlhim from the violence of the mur- 
derer, and from the vengeance of the alfaflin, but to re- 
ward him, who lhall refeue a citizen, when expoled to the 
perils of accidental death. Among the Greeks, a crown of 
laurel was bellowed on him, who had faved a citizen ; 
becaufe he was fuppofed to be fuperior to all pecuniary re- 
compence. The Romans, for the fame fervice, and pro- 
bably from the fame motive, conferred a limilar honorary 
dillindlion. 
This Society, inllrused by fuch illuftrious precedents, 
proportions its rewards to the fenfibilities and condition of 
the receiver. It excites a variety of motives to adventure 
in the caufe of humanity. It hath been faid, " that by an 
ingenious contrivance, it has inliftcd avarice itfelf under 
its banner. ” But though it omits no addrefs to the human 
heart, which can avail its benevolent purpofes ; yet why 
may not its pecuniary rewards be given and received with- 
out the imputation of turpitude ? For what doth it prof- 
fer rewards ? For complying with moral obligations. Has it any interefts but thofe of common humanity ? We 
do not tax the generous foldier with mercenary views* 
when he has adventured his life for his country, and dis- 
covered more than common degrees of courage. Can we 
fuppofe, that pay and promotion were his highcff object ? 
and will not a fmall degree of chriftian charity lead us to 
fuppofe, that a man, who adventures his own, to fave the 
life of another, is governed by a motive equally generous ? 
To exhibit their regard for the prefervation of their fel- 
low creatures.this fociety generoufly remunerates the ex- 
penfes and attention, which are paid to the fuffering object. 
Thus the pooreff citizen, under cafes of like extremity, may,, 
without fearing to bring diftrefs upon himfelf or family, in- 
dulge the feelings of a noble heart. 
3. Another excellent quality of our inffitution is, that 
it efpecially refpects the lives of a very ufeful part of the 
community—our mariners, who are expofed to more than 
common danger. Thefe, fiom their manner of life, are 
citizens of the wwld : on this account, they are lefs l iable 
to attract individual charity, and therefore have a fuperior 
claim to our attention. Our gazettes annually announce 
the lofs of no inconffderable portion of their number ; part 
of whom would be faved, could our benevolent intentions 
be more effectually executed. While the care and expenfe 
of this fociety, in affording to thefe unhappy men fhelter, 
pmviff on and fuel, muff excite warm approbation in every 
benevolent heart; what indignation muff be enkindled at 12 
thole rapacious wretches, who have often defeated its kintf 
intentions. It is to be wifhed, that our Legiflature would, 
by energetic regulations, provide for the detection and 
punifhment of thole men, compared with whom other 
thieves are holy. 
4. The liberal and catholic foundation, on which this 
fociety is eflablifhed, mu ft merit refpect from the wife and 
good. No improper prejudices or partial interelled views 
are admitted in its cooftrudiioiw It may be obferved of 
fome focieties of a kindred nature, that they are confined 
by a religious creed, by local fituation,. or by circumftan- 
ces of perform! convenience to the donors. We do not 
by any means feel ourfelves authorifed to condemn them* 
It is both lawful and laudable to promote our fentiments, 
and even intereft, wrhere they are not incompatible with the 
public good, or with fairnefs and juftice to individuals. 
But Bill, when we contemplate the principles of rhcHumane 
Society, the words of St. Paul may be adopted, and without 
vanity may its members addrefs other inftitutions; We will 
fljew you a more excellent way. For if our bounties are lim- 
ited to one defcription of afflifted objects, yet Bill they in- 
clude that clafs of the unfortunate, who are lefs liable to fall 
within the notice of other charitable aflbciations. In truth, 
its munificence is extended to him who is ready to perifh, 
and to him who faves a foul alive, of whatever nation or 
climate he may be. This is a humble and happy imitation of 
that infinitely wife and good Being, who caufes his Jun to 13 
Jhine on the evil and on the good, and who fendeth his rain on the 
juft and on the unjuft. Its alms are truly diftntercfted, for nei- 
ther praife nor gratitude is demanded from the receiver. Is 
not this conformable to the precepts of the gofpel ? Is it not 
agreeable to the laws of that divine teacher, who has tanght 
us to be private in our charities* to avoid flattering returns* 
and not to let our Icjt hand know, what our right hand doeth ? 
5. This inftitution has a tendency to promote piety 
as well as focial virtue. The wonderful examples of 
divine mercy which occur, muft lead us to be mindful of 
that Being, who numbereth the hairs of our head ; and doth 
not permit a fparrow to fall to the ground without his leave. 
The recollection of fuch events muft naturally excite us to 
look in future, to the protection of that all animating caule, 
by whom we livey move and have our being, and confequently 
generate habits of devotion in the foul. Befides, the love of 
our neighbour is of a nature fo clofely allied to the love of 
God, that when we have the former, we have the latter con- 
fequentially. The Deity is incomprchenftble in nature and 
perfection. The imperfeCl knowledge of him, which we 
have acquired, arifes from contemplating the fublime and 
beautiful works of creation, and from moral and mental 
excellence, which we find in his intelligent creatures.— 
Who can by fearching find out God ? IVho can find out the 
Almighty to perfllion ? It is high as heaven, what canfi thou 
do ? deeper than bell, what canft thou know f In fact, the 
Almighty Parent is fo infinitely above us, that w hen we attempt to dcfcribe our love to him, we muft admit, that it 
is mixed fo clofcly with the principle of fear, that it is diffi- 
cult to feparate them from each other. Its beff illuhration 
is in the reverence and affedion, which a dutiful child has 
to an earthly father. This may produce fublime piety and 
uniform obedience, fufficient to conftitute a good man 
but yet it does not include thofc minor graces and charities,, 
which play round the heart, and which adorn and fweeten 
human life. The infpired apoftle has allured us, that 
without philanthropy there can be no piety ; He that lovetb 
not his brother, whom he hathfeen, hozv can be love God, whom 
he hath not Jeen. And another infpired author has told 
us, that we are divinely taught to love one another. It is im- 
poffible for us to admire and love a pidurc, and at the fame 
time hate and defpife the original : when therefore we 
honor and love the image of God, we refped the Deity 
himfelf. 
6. The mind, by contemplating thofe fubjeds, which 
are conneded with this Inftitution, will he filled with noble 
and generous fentiments. Here are no polemical party 
diffusions on religion or civil government : here are no 
irritable emulations for literary fame ; and confequently 
no flings of rage at difappoinrment. But the mind tri- 
umphs in afcertaining the effeds of its exertions for the 
caufe of humanity. That heart mud be bafe indeed, which 
is not foftened at the recital of the miferies, with which the 
world abounds ; which doth not rejoice, when calamity and 
death are removed from a fellow creature, and which doth 15 
not approve of and delight in thofe characters, to whofe in- 
trepidity a fellow-being owes the continuance of his exift- 
ence. Conceive an example fimilar to that mentioned in 
the text; “ that a young man, the only Ton of his mother, 
and (lie a widow, had been nigh unto death from the wintry 
ftorm or watry clement; that the prompt exertions of fome 
character, unappalied at danger, had refcued him from the 
jaws of death, and delivered an amiable family from fufpenfc 
and horror. Had but one fuch example occurred, I fay, 
fmce cur incorporation, it would have amply repaid our 
expenfe, our cares and exertions. 
We have, however, far greater caufes of fatisfation, 
than any ffngle example. The annual returns which we 
receive from the different parts of the Commonwealth, 
abundantly prove,that we have not labored in vain. Though 
the good man loves to do good in fecret ; yet it is a pleafurc 
to him to know, that his charity has been cornmenfurate 
with the wants of the objed ; and that he has feleded the 
moil: worthy objeds of his bounties. In like manner, 
our motives to pcrfeverance and to redouble our efforts muff 
Hill be increafed, when we find fuch advantages have arifen 
from our attempts. Is not this a proof of the afient and 
co-operation of that eternal providence, through whofe 
wifdom and goodnefs, all intelligent and animal nature is 
continued in exiffcncc? 
We do not with to leffcn the merit of other focieties. 
Let due praife be given to the Academy of Arts and Sciences, 16 
whofc literary labours have already given and wc trull 
will continue to give celebrity and renown to the genius and 
acquirements of Americans. Let us applaud that refpedable 
aflbeiation, through whom we have obtained (rich additional 
knowledge of agriculture, as has produced a plenty and 
luxury of all native productions. We will fully appre- 
ciate thofe opulent citizens, who have promoted in- 
duftry and mechanic inventions, who have devoted 
their attention and fortunes to the cultivation of the 
finer arts. Let our enlarged commerce, let the noble palaces 
and elegant rural feats, let the embellifhments of the natu- 
ral beauties of the country, proclaim their worth. In the 
mean time, let ours be the godlike ambition of preferving 
life, of protecting the ftranger, fuccouring him who is 
ready to perilh, rewarding the generality of the poor but 
noble-fpirited citizen, who exhaufteth his little fubflance 
on the exile and out-call, in bellow ing the rights of fepul- 
ture on thofe objects, who have neither friend nor brother. 
Thefe are the triumphs we have exhibited. They are re- 
corded on the hearts of the unhappy, whom we have relieved. 
They are witnelTed and acknowledged by the wife and good. 
And they will finally be proclaimed, with the higheft honor, 
before the intelligent univerfe at the great and lall day. 
7. There is one obfervation more, which will bring me 
to the concluding reflections on this fubject ; i. e. Every 
man is under a moral obligation, to perform not only all the good 
he cany as an individual; but all that may be effected by him 
in his collective capacity, 17 
From what has been already obferved, we find, that the 
good, which can be effected by the united wealth, wifdom 
and virtue of men, affociated for benevolent purpofes, is 
luperior to what they could effect without connexion as 
individuals. This fentiment will hold good in refpecft to 
other focietics. We find our pad fuccefs in the caufe of hu- 
manity, has induced numbers of worthy citizens to enrol 
themfclves in our community. May we not fuppofe, that, 
as tbefe advantages become more tranfparent, there will be 
fuch a farther acceffion of good men, as will enable us to 
extend our views, and to render more important fervices to 
our country and mankind, than were at firft even conceived ? 
Is it not therefore our duty as men and as chriftians, to pro- 
mote by every mean in our power, the interefts of this 
focicty ? Doth not the increafing wealth and population of 
the country render it, on the one hand more practicable, 
on the other more neceflary ? It was organized under cir- 
cumftances and impediments which were more than Com- 
monly difeouraging. The United States had clofed a long 
and expenfive war. This city was fuffering the effects of 
the devaftation received from a brutal and ferocious enemy. 
Our want of an efficient government created uncertainty in 
all our tranfations. Public and private credit failed ; and 
on all lides there was a near profpedt of poverty and ruin. 
Yet armdft thofe clouds in which our political horizon 
was enveloped, the penetrating eye of the firft members 
difeerned the future utility and moment of this inftitutione 
Their moll fanguine calculations have been realized. Some 18 
of them indeed are removed from their earthly labours ; but 
pofterity will blefs their memories. Among our deceafed 
patrons, we fhould be criminal to omit the names of a Ruffell 
and a Clarke*: the former of whom, with a foul more liberal 
than his noble fortune, ftands fir ft as our benefador : the 
latter aftifted us by his fcientific labours, and drew up the 
conftitution of this Society. For his extenfive erudition 
and philanthropic heart, he ever ought to be remembered, as a 
delight and ornament to human nature. May the example 
of the illuftrious dead provoke the emulation of the living ; 
of the rich, that they imitate their bounties ; of the learned, 
that they contribute by their abilities and influence to pro- 
mote the interefts of humanity. May one and all of us Life 
every effort in our power, to leffen the natural evils of life. 
Let us take for our example the great Redeemer of mankind, 
who devoted his attentions particularly to the children of 
afflidion. 
May our light Jhine before men, that they feeing our good 
works,'and the fruits of our beneficence, may not only copy 
but exceed us in charity. And may we, by pious affedions 
toward God, and by focial virtues toward mankind, be pre- 
pared for the Jecond coming of Jefus Chrift, when he fhall 
wipe amay all tears from all faces, and banifh natural evil 
and death from the creation. 
# To thefe names may be added—The Hon. James Bowdoin, late 
Governor of this Commonwealth, and firft Prdldent of this Society ; 
.eminent as a Statcfman, a Philofopher, and a friend to humanity. APPENDIX. 
Letter from William Hawes, M. Tt.Treafurer of the Royal Humane Society 
in London, to the Correfpondlng Secretary. 
O magna vis veritatis, quae contra hominum ingenia, calliditatem, 
folertiam, contraque fidas omnium inlidias, facile fe, per fe ipfam 
defendat ! Cic. Orat- pro Coelio. 
SIR, 
Spital-Squa&e, Sept. 18, 1799' 
I FEEL a. particular pleafare.in writing to you upon a fubjecl, which, 
in the language of Lord Bacon, comes home to every man’s buhnefs and 
bofom.—It will redound to the honor of this country and this age, that 
in fpite of difficulties apparently infuperable, a fociety has been formed 
for the falutary purpofe of abridging the triumphs of death. The fuc- 
cefs of this humans inilitution, in a variety of cafes, has convinced the 
hardell fceptic, that ligns of death are equivocal and fallacious ; and 
that thoufands have been prematurely configned to the grave, for want 
of ufmg the means fo ftrongly recommended by the unwearied benevo- 
lence of a few individuals. 
It was referved for the prcfent age to forward and facilitate a plan 
fraught with ineditriable bleffings to this and future generations ; a plan 
which (lands an illuftrious monument of the zeal, philanthropy and abi- 
lity of the faculty.—lt will afford you the higheff fatisfadlion to be in- 
formed, that your kind prefentation of feveral copies of Dr. Walter’s 
truly ingenious difeourfe, delivei'ed before the Maffachufetts Humane 
Society, arrived fafe. With what rapture, with what heart-felt fatisfac- 
tionmnft the Directors ofother Humane Societies reflect, that the benefi- 
cent exertions of profeffional characters, have triumphed over death, and. 
that each fucceeding year is attended with additional caufes of exulta- 
tion.—lt will be a reflection highly gratifying to the aCtive friends of your 
humane inditutionto.be informed that our fociety has increaled the 
(lock of human happinefs, by exhibiting this year at their Ann'tverfary 
Fejhval, a greater number than ever, of men, women and children, refco- 
red to their friends and relatives ; fo that the Medical A Aidants enjoyed 
the inexpreffible pleafure of being applauded by more than four hundred 
exalted and philanthropic characters. 
“ Hail Science ! to thy mighty power, 
“We confecrate this joyful hour, 
“ Teeming with bleffings given : 
“ Recall’d by thee to life’s warm day, 
“To thee we dedicate this lay, 
“ Hail harbinger of Heaven,” 1 he Rev. Vicesimus Knox, in his lucubrations on Life and Manners 
■ ibferves—■“ Many were the prejudices formed againft the Society for the 
v£ recovery of drowned and other fuffocated perfons ; but let any one 
place himfelf a moment in the fituation of a parent fuddenly bereaved of 
“ his child, and if he is not unfeeling in his nature, he will want no argu- 
<£ nient to induce him to give it every encouragement.—Doubts were 
“ once entertained of its fuccefs, but they may now be removed by 
“ ocular demonftration.” 
May heaven profper every inftitution, which has for its objeft the 
prefervation and re.ftoration of the human race. 
May fuch unwearied exertions unite us all in the bonds of permanent 
frieudfhip, is the ardent with of a fincere labourer in the great caufe of 
refufcitation ;—and permit me to conclude with this remark, that the 
efforts of the Truftees of the Maffachufetts Humane Society cannot but 
reded: a peculiar luftre upon their inftitution. 
I have the honour to be Sir, 
Your moil humble fervant, 
To Dr. Aaron: Dexter. 
WILLIAM HAWTES. 
THE Truftees of the Humane Society, having, in their private 
capacity, been informed of feveral instances of perfons who had 
incurred apparent death by drowning or otherwife, and been fortunately 
recovered by the means recommended by the Society, and no commu- 
nication made thereof; and convinced that publilhing the circumftan- 
ces of fuch incidents would be attended with beneficial effeds, hereby 
requeft the citizens of this commonwealth, and particularly the gentle- 
men in the Medical line, to communicate to the Correfponding Secre- 
tary, all the inftances that have, or fhall come to their knowledge, of 
reanimation, and the means whereby thofe happy events are accomplifh- 
ed, with fuch other particulars of the time refpiration was fufpended, &c. 
as they fhall think of importance to notice : As it is by comparing the 
fuccefs of different means and operations, that this important art can be 
brought toperfedion. The Truftees are alfo deftrous of extending the 
rewards promifed by the Society for fignal exertions throughout the 
Commonwealth, and for this reafon they requeft information of all at- 
tempts of reanimation, even if they prove unfuccefsful. 
N. B. The Truftees requeft the fame favour from the citizens of the 
neighbouring States. 
An Extract from the Minutes of fald Truflees,, 
JOHN AVERY, Recording Sec’ry. At a Meeting of Humane Society, June nth, 1799s 
THE Trustees of the Humane Society, having had fre- 
quent applications for reward in cafes for which the Conftitu-. 
tion of faid Society does not authorize their granting a Premium, with 
their fellow-citizens to be informed, with a view to prevent fruitlefs appli- 
cations, that the, few ices for which faid Society holds out a reward are. 
First. That when any accident fhall happen producing apparent 
death, the perfonwho fhall firft difcover and’endeavour to recover the 
fubjeft, fhall be entitled to a rewardbut in no cafe are the Truftees- 
allowed to exceed ten.Dollars. 
Secondly. The Perfon who fhall receive into his or her houfe, the 
body of one apparently dead, with a view that means may be ufed for 
its recovery, is alfo entitled to fuch a compenfation as the Truftees fhall 
judge adequate. 
Thirdly. That any perfon who fhall, by any fxgnal exertion, fave 
another from death, is entitled to a reward in proportion to the rifque 
and danger incurred. 
By a fignal exertion the Truftees conceive, muft be underftood fome- 
thing more than barely reaching out the hand, or throwing a rope from 
a wharf, or a boat, or even wading into the water to half a man’s depth,, 
and refeuing a man from drowning ; for the principles of common hu- 
manity and fympathy are fufficient motives for fuch exertions, but it muft 
include the endangering his own life, or incurring fome damage by im- 
pairing the health, or injuring his apparel or other property. In any 
or all thefe cafes the Truftees are ready to grant adequate reward, when 
properly authenticated, but do not think themfelves warranted by the 
regulations of the fociety to bellow them in other cafes. 
An ExiraS from the Minutes of faid Society, 
JOHN AVEIIY, Rec. Sec'ry PREMIUMS adjudged by the TRUSTEES. 
fince June, 1799. 
3799. 
June, 13. To Jonathan Loring, for a fignal exertion in faving a 
Child of Mr. Knap’s from Drowning, . - 8 
Aug. 3. To Aaron Clap, for faving the life of a Child of Mr. 
John Ripley, - - 8 
2. To Chriftian Howland, for faving the life of a Boy who 
had fallen into the dock, by the glafs houfe, - 2 
Otlob. 7. To Solomon Dennis, for faving the life of a Woman, 4 
To Thomas May, for faving the life of aWoraan named 
Ducas, who had fallen into a Well, on Copps Hill, 8 
Decern. 5. To Peter Moody, alias Andricour, for faving aMan and 
1800. Boy from drowning, in eroding from DorchefterNeck, 1 o 
FeFry. 3. To Warren. Chafe, for faving from drowning a Boy, 
named John Roberts, near the North battery, . t 
To Anthony Paine, for faving the life of Thomas Harris, 
who fell through the ice near Weft-Bofton bridge, 2 
May 5. To Benjamin Burnett, for faving the life of a fon of 
Samuel Lines, - - 2 
Dollars... 
To Nathan Buck-man, for faving the lives of aMan and 
Boy, who had been upfet in a fmall boat in Charles Riv. 6 
To Rufus Lucas, for faving the life of a fon of Mr. 
John S. Auilin, who was near drowning, - 5 
To Dr. Samuel Brown, for his Treatife on the Yellow 
Fever, a piece Plate value - . 5:4. 
11l 
State of \Treafurer's Accounts for Tear pafl. 
Dolls. Cents. 
To Balance due to Treafurer per laftAccount, 96 95 f- 
To Expenfes of femiannual meetings, - n 50 
To building a Pint on Pettlck’s Ifland, - 5° 
To repairing Huts & furnilhing themwithNeceflaries, 14 83 
To Mefs’rs. Fleet’s Account printing t)r. Hurd’s 
Difcourfe and Receipts, - - 47 66 
To Manning and Loring, for printing Dr. Brown's 
Treatife, - - 118 81 
To Jacob Kuhn, for his fervices,, - - 38 
To Premiums adjudged, - - - 111 
To Union Bank Stock purchafed, - - 122 10 
Td Balance in Treafurer’s hands, - - 162 371 
Dots. 773 33 Contra Cr. 
Dots. Dts* 
By Interefl on funded Stock of United States, 174 62 
By do. Maffachufetts State Notes 5 per Cent. 105 68 
By Dividends at Union Bank, - - ,69 12 
By Subfcriptions of Members, - - 417 66 
By Donation from Mr. EliphaletPearfon, Cambridge, 6 15 
Dots. 773 23 
Society's Property in hands of Preafurer. 
United States 6 per Cent. Stock. Dots. 1442, 77 1 Dol’s. Cts\ 
8 per Cent Principal paid, 115, 37 31326 80 
Ditto 3 per Cent. - - - 708 83 
Ditto deferred, - - - 46 60 
Ditto 8 per Cent. 600 
Malfachufetts State Notes, 5 per Cent. - 2113 71 
Union Bank Stock, - - 868 
Weft-Bofton Bridge, 2 Shares, coft 417 17 
Malden Bridge, 1 Share, coft - - 140 
Accumulating Fund, on the above Share, in 
deferred Stock, - ■>- - 28798 
N. B. The late Honorable Thomas Russell, Efq. prefented the 
Share in Malden Bridge, to the Society, on the exprefs condition, 
that the Dividend fhould be annually kept at Interefl: for the Apace 
of twenty Years, and then the Principal and Interefl be at the dif- 
pofal of the Truftees. 
We the Subfcribers, appointed a Committee by the Huriiane Society 
of Maflachufetts, at their annual meeting in December 1799, to ex- 
amine the accounts of Rev. Doftor Parker, the Treafurer, having 
attended that bufmefs, Do find every article in the debet fide of the 
foregoing account vouched, the fame right Call, and a balance of 
one hundred fixty two Dollars 37i Cents due to faid Society from 
faid Treafurer. We alfo find in his hands the evidences of the 
Property enumerated above. 
Thomas Dawes, 
John Hancock, 
Sampfon Reed, 
Bojlon, June 9, 1800. 
Committee^ OFFICERS of the Humane Society, chofen in Dec. 1795. 
John Warren, M. D. Prefident, 
Rev. Simeon Howard, D. D. firft Vice Prefident, 
Rev. John Lathrop, D. D. fecond Vice Prefident, 
Rev. Samuel Parker, D. D. Treasurer, 
Aaron Dexter, M. D. Correfponding Secretary', 
John Avery-, Efq. Recording Secretary, 
Rev. Peter Thacher, D. D. 
Nathaniel Balch, Efq. 
Jeremiah Allen, Efq. 
William Spooner, M, D. 
Samuel Parkman, Efq. 
James Scott, Efq. 
Trustees. 
MEMBERS deceafed ft nee the lajl Fabrication. 
Dr. Jofiiua Barker, Hingham, Ebenezer Hall, Efq. Medford\ 
His Honor Mofes Gill, Efq, Edward Pulling, Efq. Salem. 
CATALOGUE of the MEMBERS of the HUMANE SOCIETY, 
Names and Places of abode. 
Excellency John Adams, Efq. 
Prejtdent of the United States, 
Jeremiah Allen, Efq. 
Mr. John Barrett, Braintree., 
Dr. Jofiah Bartlett, Charlejiown, 
Dr. John Bartlett, Roxbury, 
Mr. William Allen, 
Mr. Thomas Amory, 
Mr. Thomas C. Amory, 
Mr. Jonathan Amory, jun. 
John Andrews, Efq. 
Mr. James Andrews, 
Mr. John Apthorp, 
Rev. Noah Atwater, Weffeld, 
John Avery, Efq. 
Mr. John Avery, jun. 
Jonathan L. Auftin, Efq. 
Mr. George Bartlett, Charlfotvn, 
Dr. Thomas Bartlett, 
Dr. Zaccheus Bartlett, Plymouth, 
Major William Bell, 
Mr. Shubael Bell, 
Mr. Afahel Biglow, 
Mr. Edward Blake, 
Mr. George Blanchard, 
Samuel Blodget, Efq. Haverhill, 
Mr. William Boardman, jun. 
Mr. Nathan Bond, 
Mr. Kirk Boot, 
Mrs. Elifabeth Bowdoin, 5 Dollars, 
Hon. James Bowdoin, Efq. 
John Boyle, Efq. 
Rev. John Bradford, Roxbury, 
Mr. John Bray, 
Nathaniel Balch, Efq. 
Loammi Baldwin, Efq. Woburn, 
Mr. Luke Baldwin, Brookfeld, 
Rev. Thomas Baldwin, 
Mr John Ballard, 
Jofeph Barrell, Efq. Charkfto-wn, 3.33 
Rev, Thomas Barnard, D, JL). Salem, 
Samuel Breck, Efq. Philadelphia,3.33c 
Mr, Thomas Brewer, Mr. Johnßrewer, No. 4.Pajfamaquedy, 
, Hon. Thomas Dawes, jun. Efq. 
Mr. Oliver Brewfter, 
Rev. Jofiah Bridge, Eqft Sudbury, 
Hon. E. Bridge, Efq. Chelmsford, 
Martin Brimmer, Efq. Roxbury, 
Henry Bromfield, Efq. Harvard, 
Mr. William Brown, 
Mofes Balien, Efq. Medfeld -f- 
Mr. Jeremiah Bumftead, jun. 
Elias H. Derby, Efq. Salem, 
Richard Devens, Efq. Charlflonvn, 
Hon. Sam. Dexter, Efq. Wejlon, z.zs° 
Aaron Dexter, M. D. 
Mr. Thomas Dickafon, 
Rev. Timothy Dickenfon, Holliflon, 
Ifaiah Doane, Efq. 
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr, 
Hon George Cabot, Efq. Brookline, 
Samuel Bunn’ EfT 
Major Wm. Calder, Charif own, z 
Mr. Jofeph Callender, jun. 
Mr. Benjamin Callender, 
Samuel Cary, Efq. Chelfea, 
Mr. Gardner L. Chandler, 
Retr. Jofeph Eckley, D.D. 
Mr. Edward Edes, 
Samuel Eliot, Efq. 
Rev. William Emerfon, 
Mr. Thomas Extglifh, 
Oliver Everett, Efq. Dorchejler 
Mr. Richard Faxon, 
Benjamin Clarke Efq. 
Mr. William Cleland, 
John Cadman, Efq. 
Hon. Peleg Coffin, Efq. 
Samuel Cooper, Efq. 
Andrew Cragie,Efq. Cambridge, 2.50. 
Mi\ Jofeph Cunha, 
Capt. Nathaniel Curtis, 
Mr. Thomas Curtis, 
Hon. Wm. Cufhing, Efq. Sciiuats, 3. 
Hon. Nathan Cufhing, Efq. Scituate, 
Thomas Cufhing, Efq. Newtown, 
Mr. Edward Cufhing, 
Mr. John Cufhing, 
BenjaminClarkeCutler, Efq. Roxbury, 
Hon.Fran.Dana,Efq.Cambridge, 3.33” 
Mr. John Dabney, Salem, 
Capt. Nathaniel Fellows, 
John Fleet, M. D. 
Mr. Thomas Fleet, 
Dwight Fofler, Efq. Brookfield, 
Mr. Jofeph Fofdick, 
Hon. Samuel Fowler, Efq. Wejljidd\ 
Rev. James Freeman, 
Dir. Nathaniel Freeman, Sandwich, 
Mr. Caleb Gannett, Cambridge, 
Rev. John Sylvefter John Gardiner. 
Mr. Willard Gay, Dedham, 
Hon. Ethridge Gerry,Efq. Cambridge, 
Mr. Benjamin Goddard, 
Nathan Goodale, Efq. 
Mr. William Dali, 
Mr. Peter Roe Dalton, 
Dr. Thomas Danforth, 
Mr. Ifaac Davenport, 
Amafa Davis, Efq. 
Hon. Thomas Davis, Efq. 
John Davis, Efq. 
Mr. Samuel Davis, Plymouth, 
Mr. William Davis, Plymouth, 
Mr Jolhua Davis, jun. 
Hon. Thomas Dawes, Efq» 
Nathaniel Goodwin, Efq. Plymouth, 
Mr. Samuel Gore, 
Stephen Gorham, Efq. 
Mr. Mofes Grant, 
Mrs. Catharine Gray, 
Mr. Benjamin Gray, 
Edward Gray, Efq. 
Capt. John Gray, 3. 33. 
Mr. Jofeph Green, 
Mr. Richard Green, 
Francis Greene, Efq. Medford. 3vTr. Thomas Green, 
Jofeph Greenleaf, Efq. 
Daniel Greenleaf, Efq. 
Mr. John Greenleaf, 
Rev. John Thornton Kirkland, 
Mr. Jofiah Knapp, 
Mrs. Sufannah Kneeland, 
David S. Greenough, Efq. Roxbury, Mr. Jacob Kuhn, 
Mr. Thomas Knox, 
Mr. Nathaniel Hall, 
Jofeph Hall, Efq. 
Mr. William Lambert, Roxbury, 
Rev. John Lathrop, D. D. 
Hon. Will. Hammett, Efq.Nantucket, 
Capt. Abraham Hammett, Plymouth, 
Ebenezer Hancock, Efq. 
Mr. Caleb Leach, Plymouth, 
Hon. Benja. Lincoln, Efq. Hingham, 
Mr. William Little, 
Mr. Thomas Hancock, 
Mr. John Hancock, 
Mr. William Harris, 
Dr. James Lloyd, 
Mr. Caleb Loring, 
Ifaac Lothrop, Efq. Plymouth, 
Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, Dorche/lery 
Mr. Mofes M. Hayes, 
Hr. Lemuel Hayward, 
Dr. Nathan Hayward, Plymouth, 
Mr. Barnabas Hedge, Plymouth, 
Hon. Sam. Henfhaw, YA<\.Northampt. 
Mr. Jofeph Lovering, jun. 
Hon. John Lowell, Efq. Roxbury, 
John Lucas, Efq. 
Hon. S. Lyman, Efq. Sprlngjleld, 
Rev. Jofeph McKean, Milton, 
Stephen Higginibn, Efq. 
Henry Hill, Efq. 
Hon. Benjamin Hichborn, Efq. 
Hon. Samuel Holten, Danvers, 
Rev. Simeon Howard, D. D. 
Mrs. Abigail Howard, 
Mr. John Clarke Howard, 
Hon. E, Hunt, Efq. Northampton, 
Mr. Samuel Hunt, 
Mr. Edward McLane, 
Mr. John McLean, 
Mr. John Marfton, 
Jonathan Mafon, Efq. Brookline, 
Col. John May, 
Col. Jofeph May, 
Rev. John Mellen, Barnjtable, 
Mr. Charles Miller, jun. 
Hon. George R. Minot, Efq. 
Rev.Jedidiah Morfe, D.D. Charlejlown 
Rev. John Murray, 
Mr. John Nicholfon, Dorchejler, 
Hon. Robert Treat Paine, Efq. 
Mr. William Paine, 
Nathaniel Paine, Efq. Worcejler, 
Rev. Samuel Parker, D. D. 
Mr. Henry Hunter, 
Mr. Jofeph Hurd, Charlejlo'wn, 
Dr. Ifaac Hurd, Concord, 
Mr. Zaccheus Hu (fey, Nantucket, 
Jonathan Jackfon, Efq. 
Henry Jackfon, Efq. 
Mr. John Jackfon, 
Mr. Edward Jackfon, 
Mr. Samuel Janes, 
Patrick Jeffrey, Efq. 10. 
Mr. John Jenks, Salem, 
Hon. John Coffin Jones, Efq. 
Col. Ifrael Jones, Adams, 
Mr. Thomas K. Jones, 
Mr. John Parker, 
Samuel Parkman, Efq. 
Mr. Eliphalet Pearfon, Cambridge, 
Mr. John Peck, 
Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton, Billerica, 
Mr. Thomas H. Perkins, 
Thomas Perkins, Hfq. 
Charles Phelps, Efq. Hadley, 
Dr. John Joy, 
Mr, Benjamin Joy, Hon. William Phillips, Efq'. 
Hon. Samuel Phillips, Efq. Andover, 
Mr. Barney Smith, 
Mr. Samuel Snelling, 
William Phillips, jun. El'q. 
Mr. John Phillips, Charlefiown, 
Mr. Jolhua Pico, 
Mr. Ifaac Peirce, 
Mr. David Spear, 
William Spooner, M. D. 
Mr. Andrew Spooner, 
John Sprague, Efq. Lancafier, 
Mr. Zebina Stebbins, Springfield, 
William Stedman, Efq. Lancafier 
Rev. Samuel Stillman, D. D. 
Ebenezer Storer, Efq. 2. 
Mr. Bradlleet Story, 
John Stoughton, Efq. 
Mr. RmfelJ Sturgis, 
Hon. James Sullivan, Efq. 
William Sullivan, Efq. 
Mr. John L. Sullivan, 
Mr. Thomas Swain, Nantucket? 
John Sweetfer, Efq. 
Mr. Jofeph Peirce, 
Rev. John Pipon,. ‘Taunton, 
Mr. Jofeph Pope, 
William Powell, Efq... 
Mr. William Pratt, 
Rev. Thomas Prentifs,.Med.fi.tld, 
Ezekiel Price, Efq. 
Capt. James Prince, 
Edward Proftor, Efq. 
Mr. Sampfon Reed, 
Gol. Paul Revere, 
John Rice, Efq. 
Mr. Chandler Robbins, Hallowed, 
Mr. Samuel Rogers, 
Mrs. Hannah Rowe, 5 dollars, 
Mr. John M. Rulfell, 
Mr. Daniel Rulfel, 
Rev. Peter Thacher, D. D. 
Rev. Thomas Thacher, Dedham, 
Dr. James Thacher, Plymouth, 
Dr. Thomas Thaxter, Hingham, 
Dr. Stephen Thayer, 
Hon. Jolhua Thomas, Efq. Plymouth9 
Dr. Jolhua Thomas, 
Major Benjamin Rulfell, 
His Excellency Caleb Strong,Efq. 
Mr. Ifaac Townfend, 
Mr. Francis Sales, 
Mr. Samuel Salilbury, 
Daniel Sargeant, Efq. 
Mr. Daniel Sargeant, jun. 
William Scollay, Efq. 
James Scott, Efq. 
Hon. William Sever, Efq. Ktngfion, 
Hon. David Sewall, Efq. Torh, 
John Tucker, Efq. 
Mr. Edward Tuckerman, 
Mr. Jofeph Tuckerman, 
William Tudor, Efq, 
Charles Vaughan,. Efq. 
Rev. B. Wadfworth, Danvers, 
Hon. Samuel Sewall, Efq.Marblehead, 
Mr. William Shattuck, 
Mr. Ephraim Wales, 
Rev. William Walter, D. D. 
Thomas Walley, Efq. 3. 
Col. Jofeph Ward, Newtown, 
A. Ward, jun. Elq. Wejlown, 
Dr. Samuel W are, Conway, 
John Warren, M.D. 
Warren, Efq. Plymouth, 
Ebenezer Wales, Efq.. D.orchefier, 
Dr. William Sheldon, Spring field, 
Hon. Wm. Shepard, Efq. Wefifield, 
Mr. Abel Sherman, 
Mr. Elilha Sigourney, 
Mr. William Smith, 
Abiel Smith. Efq. 
Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Mr. John C. Warren, 
George Watfon, Efq. Plymouth, 
Mar lion Watfon, Efq. 
Jofiah Waters, Efq. 
Mr. John Waters, 
Arnold Welles, Efq. 
Dr. Thomas Welfh, 
Hon. Oliver Wendell, Efq. 
Rev. Samuel Weft, 
Mr. Ezra Whitney,: 
Mr. Samuel WhitwelT, 
Mr. William Whit well1. 
Rev. Jofeph Willard, D.D. Cambridge, 
Mr. William Williams, 
E. Williams, Efq. Wejl-S'tochhridge, 
Thomas Williams, jun. Efq; Roxbury, 
Mr. Charles W. Windftiip, 
Dr. Ilaac Winflow, Marjhfield, 
Thomas L. Winthrop, Efq. 
Mr. James White, 
HONORARY ME M. B ER S. 
Nathanael Adams, Efq. Portfnouth. 
Rev. Andrew Brown,. D.D. Scotland, 
John Bulkkley, Efq. Lijhon. 
Mr. Thomas Bulkeley, NJhon. 
Am mi Ruhamah Cutter, M. D. Portsmouth, 
Capt. John Calef, St. Chnflopher's, (Wefh-Indies.) 
Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Jufhce. of the United States, 
Rev. John Erskine, D.D. Edinburgh. 
Anthony Fothergill, M. D. Bath. 
Edward Goodwin, M. D. Bath. 
Willi a m Hawes, M .D. London. 
Rev. John Kemp, Edinburgh. 
John C. Lettsom, M.D. London. 
Hon. John Rangoon, Efq. Portfmouth. 
Dr. John Osborne, Middletown, fConnecticut.) 
Hon. Timothy Pickering, Efq, Philadelphia. 
Hon. John Pickering, Efq. Portfmouth. 
Dr. Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia. 
William Russell, Efq. ~Middletown, (ConneClicut.) 
Right Hon. Earl of Stamford, London* 
Hon. James Sheafe, Efq. Portfmouth. 
Hon, Samuel Tenny, Efq, Exeter. APPARENT DEATH LIFE RESTORED. 
u He finks !—is loft !—none near to give relief ! 
“ And hark—that fcream ?—a frantic mother’s grief ! 
“ Fix’d on the flood that would her babe deftroy, 
“ Her eager eye deep fearches for her boy : 
4‘ He’s found!—but ah ! when anxious drawn to fhore,, 
“ Fhe mother breathlefs !—-views her child—no more ! 
“ But, Heav’n-lnftrufted—-ev’ry effort’s try’d 
“ Which Wifdom plann’d, and Study has fupply’d.. 
“ Eager to fave, each panting bofom burns ; 
<! Life, half departed, ’s beckon'd, and returns : 
“■What rapt’rous bllfs the eager mind receives, 
“ When parent Extacy exclaims—He lives !” 
RESUSCITATIVE PROCESS. 
0 CC I D /T, 0 U I N 0 N S E R v A T. 
What thou doest—do quickly. 
CONVEY the perfonto the neareft convenient houfe, with his head! 
raifed ; Strip and dry him as quick as poffible ; clean the mouth and 
noilrils from froth and mud. If a child, let him be placed between two 
perfons naked, in a hot bed. If an adult, lay him on a hot blanket or 
bed, and, in cold weather, near a fire—ln warm weather, the air fhould 
be freely admitted into the room. The body is next to be gently rubbed 
with warm woolen cloths fprinkled with fpirits, if at hand, otherwife dry : 
A heated warming-pan may be now lightly moved over the back,properly 
covered with a blanket—and the body, if of a child, is to be gently Ihook 
every few minutes ; Whilft thefe means areufing, one or two afTiftants 
are to be employed in blowing up tobacco-fmoke into the fundament, 
with the inftrument provided for the purpofe, or a tobacco-pipe, if that 
cannot be had—the bowl filled with tobacco and properly lighted, being 
covered wtha handkerchief, or piece of linen, fo as to defend the mouth 
oi the affiftant in blowing : Bathe the bread: with hot rum, and perfift in 
the ufe ol thefe means for feveral bourse. If no figns of life fhould then 
appear, let the body be kept warm feveral hours longer, with hot bricks, 
or veffels of hot water, applied to the palms of the hands, and foies of 
the feet, and this for a longer or fhorter time, as the circiirnflances of 
the cafe may diffate. 
The toocuffomary method of rolling on a barrel, fufpendlng by the 
feet, and every other violent mode of agitation, particularly in removing 
the body from the water, fhould be mofl carefully avoided. To reftore breathing—lntroduce the pipe of a bellows, (when no 
apparatus is at hand) into one of the noftrils, the other and mouth being 
doled, inflate the lungs, till the bread: is a little raifed ; the mouth and 
noftrils mull then be let free. 
Repeat this procefs till life appear. 
Eleftricity is recommended to be early employed by judicious. 
Praftitloners, 
INTENSE COL D. 
Rub the body with fnow, ice or cold water; reftore warmth by flow 
degrees, and;after fome time, if there be no appearance of life, the plans, 
of refufeitation tor the. drow ned mu ft be employed. 
A few ounces of blood may be taken from the jugular vein, cupplng- 
glafles applied to the head and neck, and bleeding at the temples. The 
other methods of treatment, the fame as recommended for die apparently 
drowned. 
SUSPENSION by the CORD. 
The body to be laid on a bed, with the head a little raifed ; the neck, 
cloth, See. removed. 
INTOXIC ATIO N. 
Obtain, immediate medical assistance, as the modes of treatment 
muit be varied according to the circumfiances of the patient. 
SUFFOCATION by NOXIOUS VAPOURS. 
Cold water to be repeatedly thrown upon the face, &c. drying the 
body at intervals. If the body feels cold, employ gradual warmth: and 
the plans for reftoring the drowned, in all cafes of apparent death. 
G.ENER AL, O B S ERVATIONS. 
R?e suscitati ckn .. 
On the dawn or firft indication of returning life, the prudent prac- 
titioner will refign the office of Ait to Nature.—lt is evident that Art 
has contributed her ffiare by enabling Nature to ftruggle with the imme- 
diate caufe of opprefliom 
It is in ta6l this judicious blending of Nature with Art that gives to 
the latter all its efficacy. 
i.—On Signs of returning Life, 
A. tea-fpoonful of warm water may be given ; and, if fwallowing be re- 
turned, warm wine, or diluted- brandy. The patients mu ft be in a warm 
bed, and if difpofed to fleep, they will generally awake perfetfly reftored. 
2—The plans above recommended are to be ufed three or lour hours. 
It is an abfurd and vulgar opinion to Jubpofe perfons irrecoverable, 
becaufe life does not foon make its appearance. 
3-—Bleeding never to be employed, unless by the 
direction of a Physician. REFLECTIONS on REANIMATION. 
Suppose yourselves but for a few moments in your evening 
walk of rural retirement, imagine your contemplations interrupted by 
an uncommon appearance.—Behold a young man dragged to the fhore 
without life or motion. 
Scarce an hour has puffed fmce the obje£l of their attention had 
left his circle of domeflic happinefs.—And now his body fwoln, hus eyes 
funk, and his face livid. Without the leafl figns of life they convey 
■him in hopelefs defpondence to his own home.—Fear, Despondency, 
and Horror, are fpread over the afflifted family. On one fide behold 
the aged mother lamenting her -loft child ; on the other {lands mute the 
dift raided wife, afraid to look up to the horrid fpe£lacle; whilft the 
innocent little ones look with amazement, and wonder at the filence of 
him who always fo kindly greeted them on his return-. 
Those who would mofl gladly take upon them the tafk of refto- 
ration are mofl unable to perform it:; and ail the precious moments 
which fhould have been employed in the means of his recovery, arelofl 
in fruitlefs lamentation.—They hang over him in filent anguifh, take 
their lafl farewell in the agonies of defpair, and confign him to the 
grave. 
And now obferve the change.—lt chances that one of the fans of 
humanity (which is but another name for this inflitution) is puffing by.— 
As foon as he hears of the event, he flies, like the Good Samaritan, to 
the chamber of forrow ; he flops thofe who had affembled but to gaze 
at and defert him, calls on them to affifl him, and affiduoufly applies 
with zeal proper means to refufcitate.—Death, unwilling to relinquifh 
his devoted prey, flruggles powerfully to detain it ; feems to fmile, as 
it were, at the ineffeflual labour ; till at length fubdued by fortitude and 
perjeverance he gives up the contefl. 
“A ray of hope breaks in upon the gloom, and lights up every 
countenance.—Behold, at lafl, again HE MOVES, he breathes, 
HE li ves.—What follows is not within the power of language to de- 
scribe : imagination alone can fuggefl to true Philanthropies the delight- 
ful fcene of wonder and aflonifhment, of mutual joy, tranfport, and 
felicity.” 
N. B. The above and two preceeding Pages are, with Tome alterations, 
taken from the Annual Report of the Royal Humana Socisrr in 
London for 1799-