Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Agony

AGONY is a term used to signify an extreme degree of pain, or the last pangs of death. The terror of death appears, in a great degree, occasioned by the contortions and convulsions with which the agony seems attended; though the general opinion of physiologists is, that in such cases the sensations of pain are not very acute; a course of affliction during sickness, having naturally indisposed the nerves for any quick sensations.

Various means have been employed for mitigating the agonies of death, such as opium, etc.; but these attempts are, by judicious persons, generally discountenanced: the conscious reflection of having spent an active and useful life, is, on this occasion, the most effectual remedy which suggests itself to the christian and the philosopher.