Sect. XII. 7. 2. ' AND EXERTION. 6 9 



So in fainting fits, or fyncope, there is a temporary deficien- 

 cy of fenforial exertion, and a confequent quiefcence of a great 

 part of the fyftem. This quiefcence continues, till the fenforial 

 power becomes again accumulated in the torpid organs ; and 

 then the ufual diurnal flimuli excite the revivefcent parts again 

 into action ; but as this kind of quiefcence continues but a 

 fhort time compared to the cold paroxyfm of an ague, and lefs 

 affects the circulatory fyftem, a lefs fuperabundancy of exertion 

 fucceeds in the organs previoufly torpid, and a lefs excefs of ar- 

 terial activity. See Seel. XXXIV. 1. 6. 



2. In the difeafes occafioned by a defect of fenforial exertion, 

 as in cold fits of ague, hyfteric complaint, and nervous fever, 

 the following means are thofe commonly ufed. 1. Increafe the 

 ftimuiation above its natural quantity forfome weeks, till a new 

 habit of mere energetic contraction of the fibres is eftablifhed. 

 This is to be done by wine, opium, bark, fteel, given at exact 

 periods, and in appropriate quantities ; for if thefe medicines be 

 given in fuch quantity, as to induce the lead degree of intoxica- 

 tion, a debility fucceeds from the ufelefs exhauftion of fpirit cf 

 animation in confequence of too great exertion of the mufcles 

 or Organs of fenfe. To thefe irritative ftimuli mould be added 

 the fenfitive ones of cheerful ideas, hope, affection. 



3. Change the kinds of ftimulus. The habits acquired by 

 the conftitution depend on fuch nice circumftances, that when 

 one kind of ftimulus ceafes to excite the fenferial power into 

 the quantity of exertion neceflary to health, it is often fufficient 

 to change the ftimulus for another apparently fimilar in quanti- 

 ty and quality. Thus when wine ceafes to ftimulate the con- 

 ftitution, opium in appropriate dofes fupplies the defect: ; and 

 the contrary. This is alfo obferved in the effects of cathartic 

 medicines, when one lofes its power, another, apparently lefs 

 efficacious, will fucceed. Hence a change of diet, drink, and 

 ftimulating medicines, is often advantageous in difeafes of de- 

 bility. 



4. Stimulate the organs, whofe motions are afibciated with 

 the torpid parts of the fyftem. The actions of the minute vef- 

 iels of the various parts of the external fkin are not only affociated 

 with each other, but are ftrongly affociated with thofe of fome of 

 the internal membranes, and particularly of the ftomach. Hence 

 when the exertion of the ftomach is lefs than natural, and indi- 

 geftion and heartburn fucceed, nothing io certainly removes 

 thefe fymptoms as the ftimulus of a blifter on the back. The 

 coldneis of the extremities, as of the nofe, ears, or fingers, are 

 hence the beft indication for the fuccefsful application of blifters. 



5. Decreafe the ftimulus for a time. By leifening the quan- 



tity 



