352 PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH. 



who is naturally of a kind and generous temper, but subject to 

 occasional fits of painful indigestion, said, a few weeks since, 

 that the world, at different times, wore two entirely different 

 aspects, varying according to the state of his stomach. 

 " Now all is bright and promising ; I have an abundance of 

 friends, and every body is kind ; I see nothing to mar the 

 present, and feel no doubt of the future. But last week, when 

 my stomach was in trouble, and my food oppressed me, every 

 thing was as different as darkness from light. Then it 

 seemed that I had no friends, and no one cared for me ; the 

 world was selfish, and gave me no sympathy nor encourage- 

 ment; their actions and their speech were hostile to my 

 character and peace. I put an unfavorable construction upon 

 what was said to and concerning me. The very language 

 that now seems to be that of kindness, seemed then to be in- 

 jurious. The present was then full of doubt and fear, and 

 the future promised nothing better. The cloud has now 

 passed away, the sun shines brightly again in my heart and 

 my prospects. It is allowing to the state of my stomach." 



This is not an uncommon case. It may be frequently 

 found, though perhaps in a less degree, and sometimes in a 

 greater degree in the world. The connection between the 

 indigestion and depression of spirit or suspicious temper 

 is not so clear ; but it is none the less certain. 



810. On the contrary, the states of the mind and feelings 

 affect the stomach and the other physical organs and their func- 

 tions. Cheerfulness excites the respiration, and favors the 

 purification of the blood. ( 322, p. 143.) It aids the action 

 of the heart ( 235, p. 108) and the nutritive process through- 

 out the body. But in sorrow and care, the respiration is 

 languid, the purification of the blood imperfect, the heart 

 moves heavily, and nutrition is sparing. Muscular power is 

 increased and diminished by the same causes. The languid 

 limb goes with the heavy heart, and the laborer works feebly 

 whose spirit is weighed down with sorrow or discontent. 

 ( 713, p. 308.) Those who gain add more and more energy 

 to their exertions, and those who labor unsuccessfully make 



