Guillotine and Death: How Long Does It Take?  07 Sep  There are
very few things that can cause instantaneous death and virtually
all involve severe trauma to the heart, brain, or upper spinal
cord. A gunshot to the head or heart or the sudden fracture of
the neck with spinal cord damage or transection (cutting in
half) as occurs in hanging or severe accidents are events
associated with instantaneous death.  But just how instantaneous
is instantaneous? There is an adage in cardiology that says if
the heart suddenly stops, loss of consciousness will occur in 4
seconds if standing, 8 if sitting, and 12 if lying down. This is
simply a reflection of whether gravity drains blood from the
brain or not. Gravity is a more powerful force if standing as
opposed to reclining.  But what of beheading? Did Marie and
Louie die instantly or did they have a few seconds of
reflection?  The guillotine was a French favorite and some
executions attracted large crowds to the Place de la Revolution,
currently Place de la Concorde, i