INFLUENCED BY EMOTIONS. 22 7 



' We have examples of the influence of these 

 states upon the circulation, in the palpitation of 

 the heart, which is produced by an agitated state 

 of feeling; in the syncope or suspension of the 

 heart's action, which sometimes comes on from a 

 sudden shock ; in the act of blushing or turning 

 pale, which consists in the dilatation or contrac- 

 tion of the small arteries ; and in the sudden 

 increase of the salivary and lachrymal secre- 

 tion under the influence of particular states of 

 mind. 



"In asphyxia the deficient supply of arterialized 

 blood to the brain soon paralyzes its functions; 

 and the nervous stimulus (electric current) re- 

 quired for the respiration being withheld, the 

 movements cease. But if the chest be artificially 

 inflated and emptied, and the alternate move- 

 ments be prolonged, vital action may again be 

 set in motion." 



In drowning, the water in the mouth and 

 throat keeps the oxygen of the air from the 

 lungs, producing coagulation of the blood, and 

 consequent cessation of the vital current. 



" Kiihne maintains that the albuminoid mat- 

 ter of muscle, liquid during life, coagulates after 

 death, and thereby gives rise to the cadaveric 

 rigidity which then invades the muscles. 



" If the cessation of respiratory movements re- 

 sults, as when narcotism is induced by poisoning 

 with opium, continuance of vitality may be pro- 



