Several
extensive perforations existed; and, at one point, permanent
adhesion to the ribs had taken place. These appearances in the right
lobe were of comparatively recent date. The ossification had proceeded
with very unusual rapidity; no sign of it had discovered a month
before, and the adhesion had only been observed during the three
previous days. Independently of the phthisis, the patient was
suspected of aneurism of the aorta; but on this point the osseous
symptoms rendered an exact diagnosis impossible. It was the opinion of
both physicians that M. Valdemar would die about midnight on the
morrow (Sunday). It was then seven o'clock on Saturday evening.
On quitting the invalid's bed-side to hold conversation with myself,
Doctors D-- and F-- had bidden him a final farewell. It had not been
their intention to return; but, at my request, they agreed to look
in upon the patient about ten the next night.
When they had gone, I spoke freely with M. Valdemar on the subject
of his approaching dissolution, as well as, more particularly, of
the experiment proposed. He still professed himself quite willing
and even anxious to have it made, and urged me to commence it at once.
A male and a female nurse were in attendance; but I did not feel
myself altogether at liberty to engage in a task of this character
with no more reliable witnesses than these people, in case of sudden
accident, might prove.
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