CHAPTER IV 

 ON NERVOUS ENERGY 



THE nature of nervous energy is very obscure. The 

 facts essential to the theory, however, may be noted by 

 the intelligent reader in his own experience. The term 

 " nervous energy " should not be confounded with the 

 term " energy " when the latter is used in the sense of 

 a well-developed liking and capacity for work. It would 

 be difficult to excel the plodding industry of a Chinese 

 peasant, but he is not conspicuous for nervous energy. 

 An individual may be of a very indolent disposition 

 and yet possess a highly charged nervous system. Such 

 an individual will usually have a strong aversion to 

 drudgery, but yet be capable of great exertions when 

 stimulated by interest or necessity. This temperament 

 is often associated with genius. Dr. Johnson was an 

 example. 



The amount of energy developed tends to proportion 

 itself to the needs of the organism. If much is expended, 

 much will be produced. If little is expended, little will 

 be produced. If a man accustomed to heavy physical 

 labour takes a holiday, he will find in his muscles a feeling 

 of unusual strength. This is due to the accumulation 

 of energy. If the holiday be prolonged, the feeling will 

 gradually fade away ; and if very prolonged, he may 

 find, on resuming work, that it will take him some time 

 to regain his full working capacity. This power of the 

 organism to produce an increased supply of energy on 



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