About the year 1775, Zamperini, one of the actresses at the opera,
returning from Lisbon by sea, was so terrified by a storm, that she
fell into a state of stupidity, from which nothing could relieve her.
Upon her arrival at Venice, among her family, she received every
assistance which medicine could give, but in vain. She ate, drank,
slept, and performed all the functions of animal life; but she knew
nobody, took no interest in any thing, and seemed to be sunk into the
most profound state of unconsciousness. Some persons recommended that
a harpsichord should be played in her presence: she was immediately
affected; shortly after, she appeared so far sensible, as to take a
part in the music, and even sung some favourite airs which were played
to her. This was repeated frequently, during six months, and always
with the same symptoms and the same effects. At first sight, any one
would have taken her for an idiot: as soon as the harpsichord was
touched her countenance changed, and, by degrees, she sang with as
much expression and fire as ever; but, in a moment after, she relapsed
into her former state of insensibility. Madame Durazzo, the lady of
the imperial ambassador at Venice, had the curiosity to see her: she
was moved with her situation, took her to her own house, and by care,
medicine, and _above all, by music_, had the satisfaction of seeing
her, in two years, completely restored to her original state of health
and rationality: and in 1778, she appeared upon the stage at Venice,
with the greatest success.