DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70266#0397
NARRATIVE OF JOANNA SOUTHCOTT. 353
unmarried female of 64. The intestines were much dis-
tended by flatulency, and hence that protuberance, which
led to the conclusion of pregnancy. The omentum (which
in animals is called the caul), was loaded with fat, and a
very considerable quantity of calculi or stones, were found
in the gall bladder. Reports having been circulated as to the
former pregnancy of the subject, a particular examination
took place for the purpose of deciding that point, but from
all that appeared, there was no foundation for such an asser-
tion. Another report existed, that her death had been oc-
casioned by poison; and the coroner had expressed his de-
termination to summon a jury to enquire into the fact. To
prevent this unnecessary proceeding, the medical gentlemen
present signed a certificate, stating, that her dissolution
was produced by natural causes. The curiosity of the pro-
fession having been gratified by this inspection, they took
their departure, and the result having soon become public,
the street was for a time in an uproar. Those of the fol-
lowers, who anxiously waited the event, skulked off’ in
great tribulation, and were happy to escape the view of the
populace, who were outrageous towards any person whom
they suspected of adhering to the doctrines of the pro-
phetess. This excusable indignation had in the early part
of the morning, nearly proved fatal to an old lady, who,
with a most demure and sanctified countenance, rapped at
the late Joanna’s door with intent to make enquiries respect-
ing her re-animation. No sooner was she suspected to be
a disciple, than she was assailed with mud and filth.
After the dissection, the body was put in a plain coffin by
the undertaker’s men, in the presence of three gentlemen.
From the putrefaction which had taken place, the stench
was most intolerable. In consequence, when the lid was
screwed down, pitch was applied to the edges and rim, to
confine and prevent the egress of the miasmata. While this
was performing, the strictest injunctions of secrecy were
VOL, V. Z Z
unmarried female of 64. The intestines were much dis-
tended by flatulency, and hence that protuberance, which
led to the conclusion of pregnancy. The omentum (which
in animals is called the caul), was loaded with fat, and a
very considerable quantity of calculi or stones, were found
in the gall bladder. Reports having been circulated as to the
former pregnancy of the subject, a particular examination
took place for the purpose of deciding that point, but from
all that appeared, there was no foundation for such an asser-
tion. Another report existed, that her death had been oc-
casioned by poison; and the coroner had expressed his de-
termination to summon a jury to enquire into the fact. To
prevent this unnecessary proceeding, the medical gentlemen
present signed a certificate, stating, that her dissolution
was produced by natural causes. The curiosity of the pro-
fession having been gratified by this inspection, they took
their departure, and the result having soon become public,
the street was for a time in an uproar. Those of the fol-
lowers, who anxiously waited the event, skulked off’ in
great tribulation, and were happy to escape the view of the
populace, who were outrageous towards any person whom
they suspected of adhering to the doctrines of the pro-
phetess. This excusable indignation had in the early part
of the morning, nearly proved fatal to an old lady, who,
with a most demure and sanctified countenance, rapped at
the late Joanna’s door with intent to make enquiries respect-
ing her re-animation. No sooner was she suspected to be
a disciple, than she was assailed with mud and filth.
After the dissection, the body was put in a plain coffin by
the undertaker’s men, in the presence of three gentlemen.
From the putrefaction which had taken place, the stench
was most intolerable. In consequence, when the lid was
screwed down, pitch was applied to the edges and rim, to
confine and prevent the egress of the miasmata. While this
was performing, the strictest injunctions of secrecy were
VOL, V. Z Z