A GERMAN BURIED ALIVE AND RESURRECTS HIMSELF.

Evening Star, Issue 5074, 10 June 1879, Page 4

A GERMAN BURIED ALIVE AND RESURRECTS HIMSELF.

A German gentleman, named Vester, a resident of Newark, has obtained a patent for a safety coffin, designed to provide a way ■of escape to those who might be buried during suspended animation. This invention consists of a coffin constructed similar to those now in use, except that it is a little higher to allow of the free movement of the body; the top lid is moveable fiom head to breast, and in case of interment is left open, with a string attached for closing the same. Under the head is a receptacle for refreshments and restoratives. The important part of the iuvention is a box two feet square, resembling very much a chimney, with a cover and ornamental grave work on the top. 'She box is of sufficient length to extend fiom the head of the coffin to about one foot above ground. Tho cover in fastened down with a catch, and caunot be unfastened from the outside. Just below the cover is a bell with a cord appended, which upon being pulled sounds an alarm, and at the same time a spring throws the cover from the " chimney box." Then, if the person on tiie inside have sufficient strength, he or she can take hold of a ropo suspended from near the top of the chimney, and with the assistance of cleets, ascend to the outer world; or otherwise the individual can ring the bell for the sexton to come and assist him out. Mr Vester gave an exhibition of the working of this invention, by being buried, and after

more than an hour's interment resurrecting himself. The grave-diggers having excavated hj hole six feet deep, a black coffin with silver trimmings was placed upon two supports over it. Mr Vester came forward and took his position iu the coffin, the lid of which was placed over him, at which time he was greeted with many an anxious and jocular " good-by " The. colli u was lowered to the bottom of the grave. The " chimney box" was then set down over the coffin, over which some wreaths of flowers had been strewn. The giavc-diggors set to work with a will, and, in fifteen minutes Mr Tester was effectually buried, with at least four feet of earth between him and daylight. After a lapse of an hour and a-quarter a gentlemen stated that Mr Vester was to remain down below for two hours ; but that some of the spectators were anxious to return home, and consequently, if agreeable, Mr Vester would appear at once, or remain thf specified time. All present being satisfied, a signal was given, and a minute after Mr Vester, unaided, stepped out of his grave with no moro perceptible exhaustion than would have been caused by walking two or tnreo blocks under the hot sun. Mis oxit was received with enthusiasm and applause, and hundreds rushed to emgratulate Mr Vester upon the success of his novel invention.