This article discusses the increase of suicide in England in the 19th century, possibly due to factors like terrible poverty & the erosion of the belief in God. Punishment was severe, with suicide victims buried in shallow graves at a crossroads with a stake driven through their hearts, & their goods forfeited to the court. The article also describes many famous people, including Florence Nightingale, who displayed suicidal behavior. The infamous case of Margaret Moyes is described. (VM)