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Story
February 8, 1792
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In Falmouth, Mr. Jonathan Ilsley, aged 40-50, endured over four years of melancholy-induced torpor, losing speech and nearly all bodily functions. Recently, he suddenly regained speech volubly and is gradually recovering mobility, retaining full memory and having mentally pursued arithmetic and architecture.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
PORTLAND; Jan. 23.
SOMETHING UNCOMMON.
Mr. Jonathan Ilsley, an inhabitant of Falmouth, a person between forty and fifty years of age, was seized with a fit of melancholy, which gradually increased until it produced a total suspension of speech, and almost entirely the necessary action of the body for the execution of those offices which are essential to the preservation of life. In this torpid state of body, he has continued more than four years, till within a few days past, when the organs of speech instantaneously, and voluntarily assumed their wonted tone, even to a degree of volubility surprising to those who beheld him. The restoration of vigor to the limbs, was more gradual, and not as yet perfectly restored. His family at so unexpected and almost miraculous a change, stood mute with astonishment; but suppressed the external marks of it as much as possible, to prevent a relapse, which they were apprehensive of from the weak state of body he was then in. What is most extraordinary, Mr. Ilsley has a perfect remembrance of the most minute circumstances that occurred during the above mentioned period; and his mind has been continually employed in making curious calculations in Arithmetic, in forming extensive ideas of building, architecture, &c.
He is now in this town, and we hope will soon recover so far as to resume his former occupation.
SOMETHING UNCOMMON.
Mr. Jonathan Ilsley, an inhabitant of Falmouth, a person between forty and fifty years of age, was seized with a fit of melancholy, which gradually increased until it produced a total suspension of speech, and almost entirely the necessary action of the body for the execution of those offices which are essential to the preservation of life. In this torpid state of body, he has continued more than four years, till within a few days past, when the organs of speech instantaneously, and voluntarily assumed their wonted tone, even to a degree of volubility surprising to those who beheld him. The restoration of vigor to the limbs, was more gradual, and not as yet perfectly restored. His family at so unexpected and almost miraculous a change, stood mute with astonishment; but suppressed the external marks of it as much as possible, to prevent a relapse, which they were apprehensive of from the weak state of body he was then in. What is most extraordinary, Mr. Ilsley has a perfect remembrance of the most minute circumstances that occurred during the above mentioned period; and his mind has been continually employed in making curious calculations in Arithmetic, in forming extensive ideas of building, architecture, &c.
He is now in this town, and we hope will soon recover so far as to resume his former occupation.
What sub-type of article is it?
Medical Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Recovery
What keywords are associated?
Melancholy Fit
Speech Loss
Torpor
Miraculous Recovery
Mental Calculations
What entities or persons were involved?
Jonathan Ilsley
Where did it happen?
Falmouth And Portland
Story Details
Key Persons
Jonathan Ilsley
Location
Falmouth And Portland
Event Date
January 23
Story Details
Mr. Jonathan Ilsley of Falmouth suffered a fit of melancholy leading to four years of speech loss and bodily torpor; he suddenly regained speech recently and is gradually recovering, with full memory and mental pursuits in arithmetic and architecture.