This work is based on the lecture given by Dr. Bernard M. Vance, then Assistant Chief Medical Examiner of New York, to the Homicide Squad Detectives of New York City on November 2, 1933, at the New York Police Academy. He entitled his presentation "Death, simulation of death and suspicion of death." Dr. Vance was an outstanding member of the New York Office's Forensic Pathology Group and was known for his colorful renditions of the scene and autopsy findings in medicolegal cases.