JF Ptak Science Books LLC Post 266

There are no doubt many instance of voluntary crucifixtion by religious zealots–the case of Matthew Lovat, seen here in an issue of the compact London-based polite journal called The Mirrour (of Literature, Amusement and Instruction) is particularly pungent because he figured out a way to crucify himself without the help of others.  If you allow yourself to think about this a bit–and I must admit, the thought of self- and un-aided crucifixion had never entered my head before now–it really is a difficult procedure to implement.  Mr. Lovat seems to have thought it out and conquered the lowly demons that stood between him and him cross.  I’ve reprinted some of the explanation of how he undertook this adventure in 1802, included in the continued reading section below. 

I should quickly point out that Lovat, a shoemaker from Italy (“born of poor parents, employed in the coarsest and most laborious works of
husbandry, and fixed to a place remote from almost all society”), survived himself and after having his health restored escaped into the city wearing nothing but a shirt.  He was brought back into custody (“by the servants”) and remanded to the Lunatic Asylum of San Servolo, in Venice.  This was no doubt an unhappy situation, for anyone, crazy or not.  Lovat expired himself finally in 1808, evidently from taking too much sun.