Chap. XIII. BLUSHING. 325 



finger, the surface becomes suffused in less than half a 

 minute with bright red marks, which spread to some 

 distance on each side of the touched point, and persist 

 for several minutes. These are the cerebral macules oi 

 Trousseau; and the)- indicate, as Dr. Browne remarks, 

 a highly modified condition of the cutaneous vascular 

 system. If, then, there exists, as cannot be doubted, an 

 intimate sympathy between the capillary circulation in 

 that part of the brain on which our mental powers de- 

 pend, and in the skin of the face, it is not surprising that 

 the moral causes which induce intense blushing should 

 likewise induce, independently of their own disturbing 

 influence, much confusion of mind. 



The Nature of the Mental States which induce Blush- 

 ing. — These consist of shyness, shame, and modesty; 

 the essential element in all being self-attention. .Many 

 reasons can be assigned for believing that originally 

 self-attention directed to personal appearance, in relation 

 to the opinion of others, was the exciting cause; the 

 same effect being subsequently produced, through the 

 force of association, by self -attention in relation to moral 

 conduct. It is not the simple act of reflecting on our 

 own appearance, but the thinking what others think of 

 us, which excites a blush. In absolute solitude the most 

 sensitive person would be quite indifferent about his ap- 

 pearance. We feel blame or disapprobation more acutely 

 than approbation; and consequently depreciatory re- 

 marks or ridicule, whether of our appearance or conduct, 

 causes us to blush much more readily than does praise. 

 But undoubtedly praise and admiration are highly effi- 

 cient: a pretty girl blushes when. a man gazes intently 

 at her, though she may know perfectly well that he is 

 not depreciating her. Many children, as well as old and 

 sensitive persons blush, when they are much praised. 



