Electrocution the Only Humane Killing
A paper by R. Spitzka before the American Philosophical Society argues electrocution as the only humane death method. He cites thirty one witnessed electrocutions across prisons in New York New Jersey Ohio Massachusetts and Virginia and describes procedure times and physiological effects. He contrasts hanging noting post drop movements and durations with electrocuted deaths and references Oscar Wilde and a poem. A second portion quotes a street song about Wall Street and the cruelty of economic systems.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
R. Spitzka
American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia
Sing Sing
Auburn
Dannemora
Trenton
New York
New Jersey
Ohio
Massachusetts
Virginia
Moyamensing
Oscar Wilde
Reading Jail
Jefferson Hospital
The Meaning of a Smile from a Michigan Bequest
An elderly man left 25000 dollars to a nonrelative woman in Michigan praising her smile that comforted his wife. The piece extols genuine kindness over calculated grins, warning against hypocritical smiles and praising spontaneous joy from true benevolence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michigan
The Value of Criticism From an Actor’s View
The author reflects on how genuine criticism, especially from strangers, sharpens self judgment and acting method. Professional critique prompts self review and intent, while unprofessional letters offer practical tips on conveying Juliet’s youth and pacing in key scenes.
Danny Scot Teases Tamson’s Second Wedding
The line quotes Danny Scot noting Tamson has married again while recalling friendship and gifts given, including three wedding presents and two wreaths, as reported in London Tit-Bits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Danny Scot
Tamson
London
Parisians Embrace Hospitals More Widely
The text notes rising hospital use in Paris with about half of illnesses treated there now, up from a quarter a decade ago, indicating a declining prejudice toward hospital care among residents.
Speaking of Ills Sets Off Cautionary Dialogues
A remark on how focusing on illness can worsen mood and trigger headaches or nervous problems, noting that talk itself can influence both self and others and suggesting mindful discussion reduces distress.
Custom Dies Hard Skeptic Parody Reveals Dueling Stances
A fragment from The Sketch shows a theatrical exchange where a character insists a counterparty will commit suicide if refused. The line frames a dramatic, darkly humorous conflict between custom and personal choice.
Cornelia Goes Visiting Ends in Longing for Home
Cornelia leaves with Cousin Laura for a week long visit and endures an anxious roll of days. She grows homesick as time drags with train rides, car sickness worries, and the scent of home tugging at her heart.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cornelia
Mother
Laura
Cousin Laura
Corneliae
Uncle Samuel
Samuel
Billy
Christian Register
Internationale Hotel Turns Into Nunnery in Havana
An American visitor seeks the old Inter nationale in Havana and finds the Spanish hotel now a nun nery after its sale to the church following the Spanish–American War. The tale ends with a wagging joke as the inn becomes a convent.
Reflections on Night Sky Glows From Distant Lights
The piece explains how nocturnal sky glows seen from rural areas are reflections of urban streetlamp illumination. It notes that higher glows mean nearer sources and lower glows indicate distant sources. It cites England's discussions and anecdotes of observed distances from two miles to twelve and a half miles, and one claim at fifty miles, pending corroboration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Nature
New York Tribune
Heart Weight Averages Nine to Eleven Ounces
An historical health note states that the weight of the human heart ranges from nine to eleven ounces. It emphasizes typical adult heart mass and uses plain physiology language common to medical explanations of the era.
Reflections on Dinner Guests and Dinner Party Etiquette
A humorous explorations of social dining rituals discusses the boredom of hosts and the anxiety of guests. It muses on inviting and accepting invitations, the role of a butler, and the fear of saying nothing clever at the table. The piece ends with a witty admonition about leaving the stomach at home.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Heaven
Grand Magazine
Child Alarm As Bug Is Spotted In Yard
A young boy yells for his mother to see a large bug in the yard, causing a rush indoors while the family worries about the strange intruder.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Little Jr
Tour
Cebtatie Te
Philanthropist Donates 10000 for Rindge Soldiers Memorial
Morton E. Converse of Winchendon Massachusetts funds a soldiers' memorial building in Rindge New Hampshire, his birthplace, with a gift of ten thousand dollars.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Morton E. Converse
Winchendon
Magss
Soldiers’ Memorial
Rindge
N. H
Also Mentioned on This Page
E. A. Spitzka
DS Pod Yn
Wall Street
Carnegie
Shere
Walter Beverley Crane
New York Times
Winifred Black
Ellen Terry
Juliet
McClure
Havana
Cuba
Boedecker
Fonda
Internationale
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