J. B.
X. Y. Z. is informed that a compilation on the subject to which his Query relates was published a few years since in Leeds by Henry Stooks Smith. Speaking from recollection, it appears to be a work of some research; but I cannot say how far it is to be relied on. It may, perhaps, be one of the unfortunate works which have already fallen under his censure.
J. B.
Prestwich.
Suicide at Marseilles (Vol. vii., p. 180.).—In Montaigne's Essays I find,—
"In former times there was kept, in our city of Marseilles, a poison prepared out of hemlock, at the public charge, for those who had a mind to hasten their end, having first, before the Six Hundred, which were their Senate, given an account of the reasons and motives of their design; and it was not otherwise lawful than by leave from the magistrate, and upon just occasion, to do violence to themselves. The same law was also in use in other places."—Book ii. chap. iii., at end.
This, however, is not the original authority required by your correspondent.
In the earlier part of the same chapter, "Plutarch, On the Virtuous Deeds of Women," is referred to as the authority for the statement which Montaigne makes of
"The Milesian virgins, that by an insane compact hanged themselves, one after another, until the magistrate took order in it, enacting, that the bodies of such as should be found so hanged should be drawn by the same halter, stark naked, through the city."
J. P.