I would refer your correspondent [Sigma]., who has put a Query whether
persons who have suffered execution by hanging have outlived the
infliction, to a case of a woman named Anne Green, which appears to be
authenticated upon the most unequivocal testimony of two very estimable
authors. The event to which I allude is described in Dr. Robert Plot's
_History of Oxfordshire_, folio, Oxford, 1705, p. 201.; and also in the
_Physico-Theology_ of Rev. W. Derham, F.R.S., 3rd edit., 8vo., London,
1714, p. 157. The above-mentioned Anne Green was executed at Oxford,
December 14, 1650.
I will not trespass upon your space, which appears pretty well occupied,
with a lengthened detail from the authors pointed out, as their works are
to be found in most libraries; and thinking Polonius's observation that
"brevity is the soul of wit" may be more extensively applied than to what
relates to fancy and imagination. I would, however, crave one word, which
is, that you would suggest to your correspondents generally that in
referring to works they would give, as distinctly as possible, the heads of
the title, the name of the author, the edition, if more than one, the place
of publication, date, and page. I have experienced much loss of time from
incorrect and imperfect references, not to mention complete disappointment
in many instances, which I trust may plead my apology for this remark.[4]
[Gamma].
[Footnote 4: As our pages are frequently consulted for literary purposes,
the suggestion of [Gamma] is extremely valuable, and we trust his hints
will be adopted by our numerous correspondents.--ED.]
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