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by Mawgan on February 21st, 2007

Mawgan

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Is there any truth in the claim that people remained alive for a while after being guillotined?

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  • by MrLugubrious on February 21st, 2007

    MrLugubrious

    Today, the consensus is that people can stay alive for about 13 seconds (+/-) after decapitation, because the decapitation isn't what kills the brain, but the lack of oxygen and all those other chemicals the brain needs from the bloodstream.

    If the force of the guillotine doesn't knock one out, a person could even remain aware of what's happening. But they're not so sure about that part.

    http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/bldyk10.htm
    http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_262.html

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