112 



1 together, the fat is accumulated in its cells, and the 

 nutritive particles adhere more plentifully to the in- 

 ner surfaces of the small vessels, and the sides of the 

 fibres. Thus while the spirits are secreted with a less 

 consumption, they are by degrees accumulated in the 

 brain, so as to distend and fill the collapsed nerves* 

 And then we awake out of sleep. 



Let us consider in another view these remarkable 

 incidents of our frame, sleep and dreams ; so remark- 

 able, that they are a kind of experimental mystery, 

 a standing miracle. Behold the most vigorous con- 

 stitution, when resigned to the slumbers of the night. 

 Its activity is oppressed with indolence, its strength 

 suffers a temporary annihilation. The nerves are 

 like a bow unstrung, the whole animal like a motion- 

 less log. Behold a person of the most delicate sen- 

 sations and amiable disposition. His eyes, if wide 

 open, discern no light, distinguish no objects. His 

 ears, with the organs" unimpaired, perceive not the 

 sounds that are rouud about them. The exquisitely 

 fine sense of feeling is overwhelmed with an utter stu- 

 pefaction. Where are his social affections ? He 

 knows not the father that begat him, the friend that 

 is as his own souk Behold the most ingenious scho- 

 lar, whose judgment traces the most intricate scien. 

 ces, whose taste relishes all the beauties of composi- 

 tion. The thinking faculties are unhinged, and in- 

 stead of close connected reasonings, there is nothing 

 but a disjointed huddle of absurd ideas. Instead of 

 well-digested principles, nothing but a disorderly jum- 

 ble of crude conceptions. 



Yet not sooner does he awake, than he is possessed 

 of all his former endowments His sinews aie braced 

 and fit for action, his senses alert antl keen. The 

 frozen affections melt with tenderness : the romantic 

 visionary is again the master of leason. And (what is 

 beyond measure surprising) the intoxicated mind dcx s 

 not work itself sober by slow degrees ; but in trie 

 twinkling of an eye, is possessed of all its faculties ! 

 \\'hy does not the numbness^ which seized the animal 



