Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1881 — Performance of a Somnambulist. [ARTICLE]

Performance of a Somnambulist.

Syracuse Journal. A curious psychological study is afforded by the case of u young lad of 14 years whose performances .when asleep are certainly marvelous. The lad’s name is Martin Fiobischer, and it is said of him that from his earliest boyhood he has been the subject of somnambulism. He has a decided talent for drawing, in which art he has lately become deeply interested. This exercise has taken such a hold upon the boy’s mind that he rises in the night in a completely unconscious state, and will continue to work on an unfinished piece of lirawing with as much skill and dexterity as though he were awake. The other night he got up and drew a head from a cast which he had drawn on paper during the previous day, ou the wall of his chamber. In conversation with the boy’s father, the latter said: “I can understand how a somnambulistic subject can go through certain mechanical motions, but it is inconceivable to me how the boy is able to draw with such perfect attention to every detail—to put expression into an eye, for iustance, and spirit into a face.” He exhibited some very clever drawings by the boy, partially done.as he declared, while the little fellow was in this remarkable conditioniN.He is very desirous that the case should have the light of a scientific investigation.