Of the numerous methods proposed as signs for real death, we select the following:  1.  So long as breathing continues, the surface of a mirror held to the mouth and nostrils will become dimmed with moisture. 2.  If a strong thread or small cord be tied tightly round the finger of a living person, the portion beyond the cord or thread will become red and swollen—­if dead, no change is produced. 3.  If the hand of a living person is held before a strong light a portion of the margin or edges of the fingers is translucent—­if dead, every part of it is opaque. 4.  A coal of fire, a piece of hot iron, or the flame of a candle, applied to the skin, if life remains, will blister—­if dead it will merely sear. 5.  A bright steel needle introduced and allowed to remain for half an hour in living flesh will be still bright—­if dead, it will be tarnished by oxydation. 6.  A few drops of a solution of atropia (two grains to one-half ounce of water) introduced into the eye, if the person is alive, will cause the pupils to dilate—­if dead, no effect will be produced. 7.  If the pupil is already dilated, and the person is alive, a few drops of tincture of the calabar bean will cause it to contract—­if dead, no effect will be produced.

DISLOCATIONS.—­These injuries can mostly be easily recognized; 1.  By the deformity that the dislocation gives rise to by comparing the alteration in shape with the other side of the body. 2.  Loss of some of the regular movements of the joints. 3.  In case of dislocation, surgical aid should be procured at once.  While waiting the arrival of a physician, the injured portion should be placed in the position most comfortable to the patient, and frequent cold bathing or cloths wrung out of cold water, applied to the parts affected, so as to relieve suffering and prevent inflammation.

FOREIGN BODIES IN EARS.—­Great care should be taken in removing foreign bodies from the ear, as serious injury may be inflicted.  Most foreign bodies, especially those of small size, can be easily removed by the use of a syringe with warm water, and in most cases no other means should be used.  Should the first efforts fail, repeat the operation.  A syringe throwing a moderately small and continuous stream is the best adapted for the purpose, and the removal may generally be facilitated by inclining the ear downward while using the syringe.  Severe inflammation may be excited, and serious injury done, by rash attempts to seize a foreign body in the ear, with a forceps or tweezers, or trying to pick it out with a pin or needle, or with an ear scoop.  Should it be necessary from any cause to use instruments, great care should be observed, and but very little force exerted.  It has lately been recommended, when foreign bodies cannot be removed by syringing the ear, to introduce a small brush or swab of frayed linen or muslin cloth, or a bit of sponge, moistened with a solution of glue, and keep it in contact with the foreign body until the glue adheres, when the body may be easily removed.