170 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 



be expected. This springs in part from the suppression 

 of the secretion of the gastric juice and in part from the 

 retarding of the motor mechanisms of the stomach and 

 intestine. The progress of food is delayed and so 

 is its digestion. As a result there is constipation, ab- 

 normal decomposition of the intestinal contents, and 

 gas formation. More or less poisonous products of 

 putrefaction may be absorbed into the circulation and 

 do mischief, a prominent consequence of such absorp- 

 tion being an increased demoralization of the nervous 

 system. 



Other functions which suffer are the action of the heart 

 and the control of the blood-vessels. The last-men- 

 tioned disturbance shows itself in great sensitiveness to 

 temperature changes, the skin flushing or paling in 

 response to comparatively slight shifts. The perspira- 

 tion breaks out at times in excessive volume and again 

 is suddenly checked. Irregularity and instability of 

 reaction are to be observed in every field. The kidneys, 

 the bladder, and the reproductive organs misbehave 

 and often encourage the sufferer in the conviction that 

 he has grave local disease. 



Meanwhile the temperamental signs are most char- 

 acteristic. There is morbid absorption in self with utter 

 disregard of the feelings and rights of others. Self-pity 

 is a leading symptom. The feelings of the neurasthenic 

 are always being wounded but he has no realization of 

 the injustice he inflicts upon his housemates. He is 

 unreasonable and exasperating. It is one of the most 

 difficult of life's duties to deal kindly, firmly, and con- 

 sistently with such people. They deserve sympathy 

 but the free expression of it confirms them in their 

 pessimism. The problem is too large a one to be dis- 

 cussed in a book like this. 



Naturally the cure for nervous fatigue must be found 

 in rest, but the high irritability which prevails makes it 

 difficult to secure the rest which is so obviously needed. 

 Some strong inhibition must fall upon the overdriven 



