Analyzes & compares historical & literarty precedents for the Nov 1978 suicide by members of the People’s Temple under the direction of Rev. Jones at Guyana. In AD 73, 960 Jews committed suicide at the fortress Masada to avoid Roman capture. Although similarities between the 2 cases exist, it is generally held that there are more differences. Also discussed is the literary example of Capt. Ahab in Moby Dick. Described are various techniques used to bring about these mass suicides. (EJF)