Title: Some Experiments with a Head
Author: Dick Donovan
Date of First Publication: 1889
Place of Publication: Cornhill Magazine
Type: Short story
Characters: No Character
Critical Summary: The narrator is a medical student studying at a college in Paris, France. Out of all his studies, his main focus is on decapitation, and whether or not death is instantaneous or if the victim has time to think and observe.
After discussing the experiment with Doctor Francois Grassard, a celebrated doctor and family friend, the Doctor shows interest in helping. The narrator begins his studies after a murder spree in which a man named Gaspard Thurreau has slaughtered his wife, mistress, and four children. Thurreau was once an analytical chemist and man of high intelligence, but he is sentenced to death and given a surprise execution day.
Shortly after being imprisoned, Doctor Grassard asks Gaspard Thurreau to participate in the experiment—to which, Gaspard agrees. On execution day, Gaspard is decapitated, and his head is immediately sealed with wax at the veins of his neck and brought in a basket to the narrator and Doctor Grassard. Doctor Grassard goes up to Gaspard’s ear and begins to ask him questions to test how long the brain can remain active. Their questions include, “Are you in pain?”, “Do you recognize those about you?”, “Do you remember what you have been executed for?”, and “Are you happy?”. In the end, Gaspard’s brain remains active for three minutes and eight seconds.
Both the narrator and Doctor Grassard are disappointed to get no answer to their last question due to the minor mistake in which Doctor Grassard asked Gaspard the last question facing him rather than whispering it in his ear. They both agree to attempt to gain a response from Gaspard through electric current. The experiment is a success and the narrator’s theory is proven correct when Gaspard’s decapitated head comes to life. He blinks at the narrator when Doctor Grassard asks if he is conscious of what is happening. Horrified by what he sees, the narrator runs to the door and faints. Once he regains consciousness, both Doctor Grassard and him agree never to do such an experiment again.
Donovan’s story is similar to Frankenstein in how the creature is brought to life with a flash of lightning. The lead scientist in the story is very much like Victor Frankenstein. Both had a desire to achieve something that was believed to be impossible. Following an obsession, the scientist continued until something terrible was created. Another connection between the two is the creations effect on the creators. Both Frankenstein and the narrator of this story become ill and feel faint at the sight of their creations. Most importantly, this story emphasizes the limits of the human and consciousness, like Mary Shelley’s “hideous progeny.”
Administrative Notes: Aristy Inguanzo, CSUF; Travis Asis, CSUF; Mark LaMonica (editing)