210 THE XEKVOUS SYSTEM AND ITS CONSERVATION 



(dose to the lower ribs on tho left side) and the other is at 

 the -igmoid flexure lower down on the same side. Severe 

 pain is said to arise from the overloaded sigmoid and to bo 

 referred to the left groin and hip-joint. 



These various pains are not readily attributed by the 

 neurasthenic to their ignoble and commonplace cause. He 

 is half-anxious to find grounds for the belief that he is 

 Mit'fering from a mortal disease, and he prefers the idea 

 of a cancer to constipation of nervous origin. Courtney 

 says incisively that his fears lead only to an anticlimax- 

 he is very likely to develop hemorrhoids. 



The genito-urinary tract does not escape the influ- 

 ences of the overact ive centers. The concentration of 

 the urine varies in an erratic way between extremes. 

 When it is scanty and high colored, depositing sediment 

 on standing, the subject may diagnose his case as Bright 's 

 di>ea.-e. If, a little later, it becomes pale and profuse, 

 he may decide that he has diabetes. There is plenty of 

 pernicious advertising mat.er to confirm any of his con- 

 clusions. The bladder is likely to be irritable and micturi- 

 tion frequent. The reactions of the reproductive organs 

 come in for a share of anxious surveillance, especially in 

 the young. Here, even more than with the kidneys, the 

 insidious suggestions of quacks sent broadcast in their 

 repulsive literature may stimulate agonies of fear. 



4. Many glimpses of the subjective state in neurasthenia 

 have already been afforded. It is one of euotism, disregard 

 of others, and self-pity. We have most of us reason to 

 cherish memories of men and women who have gone with 

 splendid heroism and unselfishness through seasons of 

 suffering and even to death. We know of sainted invalids. 

 But these cases which move us so deeply to reverent ad- 

 miration are the ones in which the nervous system in its 

 higheV parts has been left relatively unscathed. When it 

 i> disordered we can no more expect an exhibition of fine 

 and -tronu character than we can expect beautiful music 



from an instru nt which is altoget her out of tune. The 



neurasthenic is not hi> best self. 



