him, the
surgeon pronounced him to be dead when taken to the men's
watch-house close by. A similar instance took place about three
years ago. I wish to know if, in a case of this kind, a surgeon is
justified in pronouncing life to be extinct without having
previously used the means for restoring suspended animation. We
have the Royal Humane Society's apparatus always close at hand, but
rarely used. Having the honour to hold the Society's silver medal,
as well as its testimonial on vellum, and also a silver medal from
the Board of Trade for saving life from drowning on many occasions,
I feel much interest in this subject; and I shall feel much obliged
if you will give me instructions how to proceed in the event of a
similar case taking place. I believe the Royal Humane Society issue
printed instructions how to treat cases of suspended animation. If
you will send me some of them I shall feel greatly obliged to you.

I am, Sir, with respect,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN ELLERTHORPE.

Our friend received the following answer:--

Royal Humane Society,
Office, No. 4, Trafalgar-square, W.C.
_February 18th, 1863._

Sir,--In reply to your note of the 17th, I beg to say that in the
course of ten days or so, I will send some of the instructions
issued by this Society for the treatment of those who are
apparently dead from drowning, and you can place them in your room.
Of course I am unable to give an opinion as to whether the medical
man called in, in the case you refer to, was or was not right, as I
am not cognizant of the whole state of the case; but I will suggest
that, in all future cases which you may have to treat, you will
persevere in your attempts at recovery for at _least_ half-an-hour
before you give up the patient as dead.

Yours faithfully,
LAMBTON J. H. YOUNG,
Mr. J. Ellerthorpe. Secretary.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE HONOURED HERO.

[Sidenote: THE HONOURED HERO.]

No labour is ever lost that seeks to promote the welfare of men. At