MISCELLANEOUS.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1084, 8 May 1882, Page 2

MISCELLANEOUS.

♦- Dr. Louis, of New Orleans, who is something of a wag, called on a colored minister and propounded a few puzzling questions, " Why is it," said he, that you are not able to do the miracles that the apostles did? They were protected against all poisons and all kinds of perils ; how is it that you are not protected in the same way f Thecolored brother responded promptly, " Don't known about that, doctor ; I s'pect is ; Ive taken a mighty sight of strong medicine from you, and lia alive yet." Ihe efiect of imagination upon the physical condition has been illustrated in Camden in a remarkable way. The death in that city from hydrophobia of a boy, named Edward Gardner, has been already reported. Not long before he died, the boy, in. his frenzy, spat at his father, and some of the froth from his lips flew into the latter's eyes. Mr Gardner at once declared his conviction that he had been poisoned, and and became terribly brightened. Within a few hours he had worked himself into a hysterical condition, and the next morning complained of fever pains, dryness of the throat, and a chilly sensation about the spinal column, and actually gave vent to short, sharp coughs like that of a mad dog. His physician assured him that hydrophobia could not possibly have been transmitted to him from his son's lips, but he remained unconvinced and terrified, and eventually had to ba forced by the aid of drugs to sleep. His physical condition improved, and his reason resumed control of his fancy. It is not improbable thatlhe might havo died if he had been left to himself.