Although physicians assert that the possibility of being buried alive can only occur where a medical examination has not been made, German papers state that a stronger, absolutely reliable guaranty for discerning actual death is still demanded. The discovery of a new modium for ascertaining death with perfect certainty will, therefore, attract attention. It consists in injecting a solution of fluorescine deep into the tissues. If circulation exists the skin and mucous membranes become very yellow and the eyes assume the color of emeralds; if the circulation has ceased, none of these results occur. The discoverer, Dr. Icard, pro-poses that at least two hours before bodies are place in coffins such an injection with fluorescine be made. If life is not yet extinct the injection does no harm and the coloring disappears.