84 PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH. 



gist has adopted, there have been combinations and mixtures 

 of traits, forming other and intermediate classes, such as the 

 nervous-bilious, the nervous-sanguine, &c. 



179. In persons of lymphatic temperament, the form is 

 generally full and round, fat, or tending to fatness; the 

 skin is soft and rather full ; and the flesh is loose, and some- 

 what flabby ; the muscles are weak, and the whole body is 

 inactive. There is an indisposition to exertion, either of 

 body or of mind ; the temper is calm and inexcitable, 

 and the passions are not easily roused. Men of this temper- 

 ament are not easily excited, and can bear much stimulation. 

 They should therefore have food of a stimulating nature, 

 such as beef, mutton, coffee, which tend to counteract their 

 indolent disposition. On the contrary, their natural indo- 

 lence is increased by a weak and unstimulating diet. Fish, 

 oysters, eggs, and most of the vegetable roots, would aggra- 

 vate the peculiarities of this temperament. 



180. The nervous temperament is marked by predomi- 

 nance of the brain and nerves, and by great nervous excita- 

 bility. Men of this class, are easily excited, and as easily 

 depressed. They are susceptible of high pleasures and 

 great distress. They are very sensitive to external influence, 

 both upon their body and upon their mind. A strong stimu- 

 lating diet would increase these peculiarities ; but, to coun- 

 teract them, a mild and cooling, yet a nutritious diet is 

 necessary. 



181., In the sanguine temperament, there is greater devel- 

 opment and activity of the apparatus for the circulation of 

 the blood, and nutrition of the heart and blood-vessels. All 

 the physical powers are strong, elastic, and easily excited. 

 Men of this class are bold and resolute; they are ready to 

 act, but not persevering ; they soon become weary, especially 

 if difficulties present themselves. Their bodily faculties 

 predominate over their mental, and they are men of action 

 rather than of thought. They are not scholars, nor the most 

 cautious men of business. The boys are foremost at play, 

 but. not in school. These cannot bear excitements or stimu- 

 8* 



