Of course I shall not pretend to consider it any matter for wonder, that the extraordinary case of M. Valdemar has excited discussion. It would have been a miracle had it not—especially under the circumstances. Through the desire of all parties concerned, to keep the affair from the public, at least for the present, or until we had farther opportunities for investigation—through our endeavors to effect this—a garbled or exaggerated account made its way into society, and became the source of many unpleasant misrepresentations; and, very naturally, of a great deal of disbelief.

— First lines

[N]o person had as yet been mesmerized in articulo mortis. It remained to be seen, first, whether, in such condition, there existed in the patient any susceptibility to the magnetic influence; secondly, whether, if any existed, it was impaired or increased by the condition; thirdly, to what extent, or for how long a period, the encroachments of Death might be arrested by the process.

I have been sleeping—and now—now—I am dead.

Upon the bed, before that whole company, there lay a nearly liquid mass of loathsome—of detestable putrescence.

— Last line

Upon the bed, before that whole company, there lay a nearly liquid mass of loathsome—of detestable putridity.

— Last line variant

Critique • Quotes