THE CAUSE OF TODLEBEN'S DEATH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1252, 14 October 1884, Page 3

THE CAUSE OF TODLEBEN'S DEATH.

According to the Russian Novosti, Todleben died of over-eating. When he was first taken ill the doctor told him his case was not at all hopeless, only he must be strict in his diet, and only eat with the greatest regularity in order not to impair his weak digestion. For this purpose, the daily meals of the Count were divided into six portions, and the hour was fixed when to take each meal. But Todleben, who never in his life had listened to the advice of doctors, laughed at Dr Schweninger's instructions. " The doctor is mistaken," he said. "My organism is weakened, -and needs strengthening. My good appetite is a clear proof of this." The six meals were taken, but at each meal of them he ate all the portions assigned for the whole day. Thus three weeks went by. The condition of the patient did not not grow worse, and the day was fixed for him to start for Russia, when he fainted during a walk. He had hardly reached his residence after recovering consciousne s when he asked for the bilfof fare. When it was given to him he expressed his astonishment at having received a blank sheet of paper—be had lost his sight. His feet had for some time past shown signs of dropsy, but, curiously enough, the Count had hidden this from those around him. He fought indomitably against the disease, but in vain. Two days before his death he lost consciousness, and died on the day which had been fixed for his return to Russia,