A MAN “POSSESSED OF A DEVIL.”

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 630, 26 June 1876, Page 3

A MAN “POSSESSED OF A DEVIL.”

The personality of the devil has of late been so much discussed that unusual interest attaches to the case of a Pennsylvanian farmer who, in the opinion of the physicians who have attended him and of all who have the ill-luck to live near him, is beyond doubt “ possessed of a devil.” The name of this afflicted gentleman is Mr William Hutchison. He is described as a well-to-do farmer, living near Springfield, Erie county. He is about fifty years of age and has a large family. He v.as always a remarkably healthy man, is a devout Christian, and much respected. He is, however, subject to the most unaccountable convulsions. His contortions during these attacks are, it is stated, “simply horrible ; every muscle in his body seems to writhe and twist, his limbs and arras are Hung about convulsively, his face becomes hideous, he assumes all manner of shapes—actually ties himself in a knot, until it seems as though every bone in his body must break.” Allremedies have been tried in vain, Oholoroform produces no more effect upon him than water. Morphine taken internally or injected into the blood proves as useless as chloroform. He has been plied with liquor until he was “dead drunk,” but as soon as the hour arrives for the visitation the effects of the liquor disappear, and after “ convulsing” for the usual time he emerges a sober man. He put himself at one time under the watchful care of sixty physicians at the Cleveland Institute, who all witnessed his “ turns ” at the same time, in silent awe and unable to

assist him. “The stupendous knowledge and ponderous brains of these men of many pills, when all piled together, failed to throw any light upon the subject, and Mr Hutchison passed his time in tumbling around and making an involuntary fool of himself two hours each day, and the rest of his waking hours in wondering what he did it for.” He is now convinced, and so are his friends and doctors, that he is possessed by a devil, and that nothing more can be done for him. He has been good enough to suggest to his friends that they should hang him ; but. they hardly like to take advantage of this kind permission.