Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician, proposed a more humane method of execution, advocating for a machine that would ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of social status. While he didn't design the machine itself, his name became synonymous with it. A German engineer named Tobias Schmidt is credited with building the prototype based on the design by Antoine Louis, a French surgeon. The first execution using the guillotine took place in 1792.
Long live those Haunts with guillotines. With their soft cardboard blades and their bright red blood.
Man, there's so much here. A Hell Hole with a sign saying as much (Hell's always open; even on Christmas). A guillotine where the executioner paints 'Happy Halloween' with the latest victim's blood (assumption: I'd hate to have my head chopped off with a blade that still had some other person's blood on it). Floating eyeballs.
I waited for several seconds. The spasmodic movements ceased. It was then that I called in a strong, sharp voice: "Languille!" I saw the eyelids slowly lift up, without any spasmodic contractions – I insist advisedly on this peculiarity – but with an even movement, quite distinct and normal, such as happens in everyday life, with people awakened or torn from their thoughts.
One day there were three men facing execution by the guillotine. A priest, a farmer, and an engineer. The priest goes first and decides he wants to lay face up. This way he will be facing God when he gets to the here-after. The blade is released and comes screaming towards his exposed neck. Suddenly, the blade stops about three feet from his neck. They untie him and he is free to go. The farmer, seeing this, also asks to lay on his back. The blade is released and the same thing happened. A very happy farmer returns to a grateful family. The engineer also decides to lay on his back. He lays down and looks up, "oh, I see your problem."
Image source.
Audiences to guillotinings told numerous stories of blinking eyelids, speaking, moving eyes, movement of the mouth, even an expression of "unequivocal indignation" on the face of the decapitated Charlotte Corday when her cheek was slapped.
Image by nighthawkjw.
