78 THE PRINCIPLE OF THE DIRECT Chap. III. 



Most of these symptoms are probably the direct result, 

 independently of habit, of the disturbed state of the 

 sensorium; but it is doubtful whether they ought to be 

 wholly thus accounted for. When an animal is alarmed 

 it almost always stands motionless for a moment, in 

 order to collect its senses and to ascertain the source 

 of danger, and sometimes for the sake of escaping de- 

 tection. But headlong flight soon follows, with no hus- 

 banding of the strength as in fighting, and the animal 

 continues to fly as long as the danger lasts, until utter 

 prostration, with failing respiration and circulation, with 

 all the muscles quivering and profuse sweating, renders 

 further flight impossible. Hence it does not seem im- 

 probable that the principle of associated habit may in 

 part account for, or at least augment, some of the above- 

 named characteristic symptoms of extreme terror. 



That the principle of associated habit has played an 

 important part in causing the movements expressive of 

 the foregoing several strong emotions and sensations, 

 we ma} r , I think, conclude from considering firstly, some 

 other strong emotions which do not ordinarily require 

 for their relief or gratification any voluntary move- 

 ment; and secondly the contrast in nature between 

 the so-called exciting and depressing states of the 

 mind. Xo emotion is stronger than maternal love; but 

 a mother may feel the deepest love for her helpless 

 infant, and yet not show it by any outward sign; or 

 only by slight caressing movements, with a gentle smile 

 and tender eyes. But let any one intentionally injure 

 her infant, and see what a change! how T she starts up 

 with threatening aspect, how her eyes sparkle and her 

 face reddens, how her bosom heaves, nostrils dilate, and 

 heart beats; for anger, and not maternal love, has ha- 

 bitually led to action. The love between the opposite 



