Science: Falling

Death by falling from great heights is pleasant—provided the smash-up at earth is thorough. Professor Heim of Zurich, who stated so last week, once fell off a precipice of Mount Saentis. He lit on his head and distinctly heard the thud. Stout, he recovered; introspective, he recalled his falling sensations. Delicious music soughed by his ears. He was very calm. Only after an hour from his rocky landing did he feel the pain of his broken bones.

The experience set him researching. He questioned Alpinists who had tumbled over precipices. He talked with people fallen with disabled airplanes, with foiled suicides. From...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!