This table represents a first attempt to summarize the mental condition, at or just before death, of distinguished persons from the beginning of history up to the present time. Only the most reliable sources have been utilized, and even here, where there appeared to be any doubt the persons were omitted, so that we have remaining but 794 cases. It must be remembered however that very few death-bed experiences are published, and still fewer described with sufficient accuracy to be made the object of scientific study.

Taking into consideration the very many and varied sources, in all periods of history, which have been consulted, the regularity of the figures in the table is remarkable. Such uniformity coming out of most heterogeneous conditions, when put into statistical form, suggests that death is a great equalizer and leveller for all humanity. In a way the conduct and last words of those facing death, is a mental and moral test of their real character.

The persons, whose records we have studied, are classified according to occupation, into ten divisions, as indicated in the first column of the table. Those whose profession was of a religious character, are the largest in number (192), which is due doubtless to the power of religion throughout all history. Under "philosophers" are included mathematicians and educators. As the number of women was not large enough to make subdivisions, they are all placed together.

It will be seen from the third column of the table, giving the average age, that the great majority of men who become eminent must live at least fifty years. The Royalty and military show the lowest average age due in part to the large number of deaths by violence, which is the case also with the Religious, Statesmen and women. In short, all the ages in divisions where there are many deaths by violence, would of course have a much higher average age had they lived their natural lives.

Eliminating this factor of death by violence, the poets and artists die the youngest, thus Keats died at 26, Byron at 36, Burns 37, Pope 38, and Addison at 47. In the columns for pain or little or no pain at death, it will be seen, that in only 80 cases out of 794, was any reference made to this matter, indicating that the question of pain at death is regarded as of little importance. In the last 14 columns of the table is presented the mental state at death or just before death, as shown by the last words. It will be noted from column 13 at the bottom, that 17 per cent. in their last words just before death were sarcastic or jocose, indicating a high degree of mental control. In fact some of the dying complained, that it was taking too long and they were getting tired. A relatively large number (24, or 37 per cent.) of writers and authors (literateurs) were jocose or sarcastic or both, (column 13); they also were relatively the freest from pain, (column 10).

The military show much the relatively highest number of requests, directions or admonitions (column 14) in their last words. The philosophers stand relatively high in questions, answers and exclamations (column 15). In general it will be noted (columns 12-15) that requests, di:ections and admonitions were most frequent (31 per cent).

More than twice as many (46 per cent.) were contented than discontented (19 per cent.), as seen at end of columns 16 and 17 ; this accords with the fact that 65 per cent. had little or no pain and 35 per cent. pain. Thirty-five per cent. were indifferent (column 18), but they all took about the same number of words to express their feelings averages (columns 23, 24, 25). Whilst relatively few of the statesmen and women were sarcastic (column 13) they took many more words to express it (column 20) than the others; the poets also had as high an average as 24 words. In requests, directions and admonitions the women show an average of 63 words, which is three times as great as any of the others, except Royalty which was 23 (column 21).

As to expressing contentment or discontentment, the religions and Royalty used the most words, except for contentment the physicians and scientists had an average of 22 words (column 23). The artists and scientists used the fewest words of as (averages 9, 10), to express their indifference (column 24).

REFERENCES.

Book of Death.

Chambers Biographical Dictionary.

Egbert, Walter R. Last Words of Famous Men and Women Norristown, Pa., 1898, 792 pages.

Kaines, Joseph. Last Words of Eminent Persons, London 1866, 397 pages.

Lippincott, Biographical History.

Marvin, Frederick R. The Last Words of Distinguished Men and Women, New York, 1901, 80, 336 pages.

THE HEADLESS SACRIFICE.

BY MR. G. E. L. CARTER, I.C.S.

(Read on 26th April 1922.)

A detailed consideration of the custom of the headless sacrifice will help us to trace to a large extent the evolution of religion in India. First let us consider present day survivals in Sind.

A.

In the south of Sind some fifteen miles west of Tatta and two miles from Jungshahi station is the tomb of one Jung Shah, now reputed a Moslem saint, of whom the following story is told :

Once upon a time there was a Baloch couple who had been married many years. The marriage had not been blessed with children and this was a source of grief to the wife. One day while