“Hanging until death?”

The article in this issue by Rengachary et al about a young woman in England, who became pregnant out of wedlock by a grandson of her wealthy employer and delivered a stillborn child, is a fascinating read. She tried to hide the body of the child, but it was discovered. She was convicted of murder without legal representation and sentenced to death by hanging. She was hanged, and her presumed death was hastened by the actions of the moblike crowd who pulled on her body while she was hanging. Eventually, when her body was given to Sir Thomas Willis for use in anatomical dissections, she was found to be breathing in the casket and was revived by the doctors. She recovered and lived a normal life while her father exploited her appearances for money. She was viewed as being spared by God's miracle.

This is a fascinating case that documents how life transpired more than 300 years ago and a case of resuscitation that is remarkable. The fact that she did not have a spinal cord injury from the hanging is amazing. Even more so are the social attitudes common of that time, as compared to those today. In 2009, governments worldwide are rescuing wealthy bankers and businesses regardless of the sins they have committed. The government systems of justice have advanced, but are still corrupt, as seen by allowing corrupt greedy business people and politicians to escape fair punishment for their acts as in today's worldwide economic collapse. No one is even talking about bringing these people to justice. The attitude of the masses about certain human behaviors has not changed either, although there is greater understanding of women and their rights. Yet, we have the bias of people (and also bias by governments) against religions that is still going on against Jews, Muslims, and others after centuries. A black man was elected president in the United States as a symbol that some of that prejudice is fading, but in other countries around the world, there is marvel that the United States would make this choice because people in other countries know that such a choice would never happen in their country. Medicine has advanced enormously in 300 years and new discoveries are prolonging life beyond the 30 years common in the 1600s. Now life expectancy is in the 70s in advanced countries.

We have much for which to be grateful. What life will be like in 100 years is exciting to contemplate. Reading about what was happening 300 years ago is enlightening. Science is advancing, but are human values?