ASLEEP FOR TWO YEARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22356, 1 September 1934, Page 16

ASLEEP FOR TWO YEARS

GIRL OPENS HER EYES America's “ sleeping beauty ” has opened her eyes after a trance lasting 29 months. She is Miss Patricia Maguire, a pretty Chicago typist, who had been lying unconscious since February, 1932, when she had an attack of “ sleepy sickness.” The girl’s mother and sister, who were watching over her hour by hour, reported that in two days she opened her eyes frequently, and that when she caught sight of them she followed their movements about the room with her eyes. So far, however, she had been unable to speak or even to move. Miss Maguire’s physical condition remains perfect, thanks to the care her family give her, and she has actually gained 10 pounds in the last few months, so that it has been found advisable to reduce' her diet. She is given daily sunbaths, being taken to the veranda of her house in a wheeled chair.

The case of Miss Maguire has puzzled medical experts, who have been unable to do anything to waken her. She grew gradually sleepier and sleepier in the winter of 1932, and at last sunk into a coma from which she has yet to emerge. The girl has had an attack of pneumonia and a minor operation while she lias been asleep, but otherwise her health has remained excellent. Her diet consists of orange juice, eggs and milk. Her family have received many offers- to allow her to be placed on exhibition. They refused the lot.