BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 353 



fainter and fainter efforts. These principles have been known 

 from the times of old, when Solomon said, " A merry heart 

 doeth good like rneHicine, but a broken spirit drieth the 

 bones." 



809. The work of digestion goes on best in company with 

 the warm and gentle affections, where love is predominant, 

 and tenderness animates the soul. ( 166, p. 78.) There 

 the food is best converted into blood, and the blood into 

 flesh, and this has most permanent power of action. But 

 bitter and harsh feelings impair this work in all its processes. 

 Fat people are usually supposed to be cheerful and contented 

 with themselves and the world. They are not easily dis- 

 turbed by the ordinary affairs about them. But the lean are 

 usually more anxious and careful ; they worry and fear more; 

 they are not so easily satisfied, and are more affected by the 

 mischances of every-day life. 



812. Thus there is a remarkable and a beautiful harmony 

 between the flesh and the spirit. Cheerfulness and love add 

 to the physical powers ; and, on the contrary, robust health 

 and bodily vigor aid in the buoyant flow of spirits. Melan- 

 choly people are, therefore, usually less healthy and strong, as 

 well as less happy, than the cheerful ; and, moreover, they are 

 more unprofitable workers. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Brain superintends physical and mental Operations ; sustains these 

 well when it is vigorous, and several at the same Time, if they 

 are easy, but not if they become difficult. Mind works best 

 when Body is easy. Uncomfortable Seats interrupt Study. 

 Bad Light and Temperature, and Fatigue, have the same Effect. 



813. THE brain superintends, or is connected with, the 

 operations of all the organs of the body ; both those which 

 are involuntary and beyond the control of the will, and those 

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