2006-08-28 02:03:24 · 17 answers · asked by bwadsp 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
This was a question asked, and answered, in New Scientist some while ago at up to 30 seconds. The letter is not available on line unless you subscribe ie pay.
There is another article at Wikipedia, link below, that suggests up to 7 seconds is more likely.
2006-08-28 02:06:37 · answer #1 · answered by Auriga 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anecdotal evidence (French royal executed during the Revolution) asked someone to watch him blink his eyes after being guillotined. That lasted 15 seconds apparently. Realistically, the shock of having your neck cut would induce massive blood loss and probably be pretty instant.
2006-08-28 09:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by nert 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I read a story about the French Revolution, and wish I could find it to show you. Seems a man asked a woman he was friends with if she would blink after she was decapitated so he could see how long it took for a person to die. She blinked I believe 14 times.
Another story told of a rich woman killed during the revolution that was so proper and mannered that when she was beheaded she blushed at the embarrassment of it all.
2006-08-28 09:51:58 · answer #3 · answered by Sen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Brain death could take 4 minutes or so. Death is often a process. Hopefully you'd be unconscious after 20 seconds.
Think of yourself as a person who has had most of your body cut away. You'd be lucky to be killed instantly by shock.
2006-08-28 09:12:21 · answer #4 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
8 seconds. it was tested in France during their revolution. a lot of good scientist met their fate and one decided to make it count for something
2006-08-28 13:22:45 · answer #5 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theres a big section on this on the New scientist book, "Does anything eat wasps" get it, its great fun.
2006-08-28 17:28:51 · answer #6 · answered by graeme b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what's on the chopping list
13.13 seconds after the blade has severed your head
2006-08-28 09:12:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you die instantly but your muscles still move after death due to the shock to the central nervous system, this explains eye movement/lips still in prayer reported from many beheddings
2006-08-28 09:11:58 · answer #8 · answered by enigma_variation 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly not long enough to find out what ever would have possessed you to ask this question.
Why don't you answer this as your swansong? Set up a digital recorder....
2006-08-28 09:11:31 · answer #9 · answered by Juble 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All the time I wouldn't want to chop my fingers off.
Sarah C you always manage to come up with the most logical explanation. Good on you!
2006-08-28 09:06:37 · answer #10 · answered by wildwind 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋