290 FEAR. Chap. XII. 



man at first stands like a statue motionless and breathless, 

 or crouches down as if instinctively to escape observa- 

 tion. 



The heart beats quickly and violently, so that it palpi- 

 tates or knocks against the ribs; but it is very doubtful 

 whether it then works more efficiently than usual, so as 

 to send a greater supply of blood to all parts of the body; 

 for the skin instantly becomes pale, as during incipient 

 faintness. This paleness of the surface, however, is 

 probably in large part, or exclusively, due to the vaso- 

 motor centre being affected in such a manner as to cause 

 the contraction of the small arteries of the skin. That 

 the skin is much affected under the sense of great fear, 

 we see in the marvellous and inexplicable manner in 

 which perspiration immediately exudes from it. This 

 exudation is all the more remarkable, as the surface is 

 then cold, and hence the term a cold sweat; whereas, 

 the sudorific glands are properly excited into action 

 when the surface is heated. The hairs also on the skin 

 stand erect; and the superficial muscles shiver. In con- 

 nection with the disturbed action of the heart, the breath- 

 ing is hurried. The salivary glands act imperfectly; the 

 mouth becomes dry, 16 and is often opened and shut. I 

 have also noticed that under slight fear there is a strong 

 tendency to yawn. One of the best-marked symptoms 

 is the trembling of all the muscles of the body; and this 

 is often first seen in the lips. From this cause, and from 

 the dryness of the mouth, the voice becomes husky or 



16 Mr. Bain (' The Emotions and the Will,' 1865, p. 54) 

 explains in the following manner the origin of the custom 

 " of subjecting criminals in India to the ordeal of the 

 morsel of rice. The accused is made to take a mouthful 

 of rice, and after a little time to throw it out. If the 

 morsel is quite dry, the party is believed to be guilty, — 

 his own evil conscience operating to paralyse the salivating 

 orerans." 



