[SIGMA refers our correspondent to Ryan's _Medical Jurisprudence_,
and Elliotson's _Physiology_, for a medical explanation of the
phrase--not quite suited to our pages.--ED.]
_Miniature of Cromwell_ (Vol. v., p. 189.).--Miniatures of Oliver
Cromwell do not appear to be very rare. At least, in addition to those
which have been noted in your columns, I may state that I picked up at
Stockholm, a few years ago, a very well-executed miniature of the
Regicide, which was in all probability brought to Sweden by his
ambassador Whitlock. The miniature is very small, is protected by a
thick glass, and is framed in an ornamented, richly gilt, copper frame.
It is, I think, painted in ivory, and is backed by a gilt copper plate,
on which is engraved, in characters apparently of the period, "_Ol,
Cromwáll_, Anno 1684." The accent over the _á_ renders it probable that
setting and inscription are foreign. The painting itself gives the
features of Cromwell very exactly, and represents him in plain armour,
with a plain falling collar round the neck, and long flowing hair.