When we cease to breathe and when our heart stops beating, we are to all appearances dead. Almost everyone would judge that we are dead. But has the soul really left the body? Fr. Ferreres draws on medical testimony to show that there is a substantial interval between apparent death and real death. He offers the most convincing of all proofs: countless examples of persons "dead" for some hours, so far as science could ascertain, who later "came back to life". This truth gives rise to grave questions: how long is the usual interval between apparent and real death? How may we be certain when death has occurred? Can the apparently dead patient still hear and understand? What measures can be used to restore life to an apparently dead patient? What can the priest do for the soul if he arrives after the cessation of the vital functions? How long should burial be delayed? Fr. Ferreres's work will rivet every reader's attention and will reward him with information of the greatest usefulness.