IN THE FEBRILE STATE. 



337 



organ is often congenital, and not unfrequently asso- 

 ciated with it we find that degree of vigour as regards 

 the ganglionic nervous system which, although consis- 

 tent with prolonged, steady, and equable work, is liable 

 to fail if the demand for greatly increased activity 

 should arise. The cardiac mechanism especially may 

 be well adapted for the ordinary requirements of the 

 system in health, but, nevertheless, unable to bear a 

 strain, and quite incompetent to discharge double 

 duty even during a short period of time. Many 

 persons who are capable of performing steadily and 

 regularly a moderate amount of labour without suffer- 

 ing, and who may perhaps continue to do so, without 

 being laid up for even a short time, and reach, in 

 fair health, the period of life when the capability to 

 labour ceases, would be much deranged, and perhaps 

 made seriously ill, if double or treble the amount 

 of work were suddenly thrown upon them. In all 

 cases of fever it is important that the physician should 

 endeavour to form a correct estimate of the heart's 

 healthy power. By good management we may be able 

 to keep steady the force of the circulation throughout 

 the whole period of the malady. During a critical 

 period it may be necessary to excite the organ to 

 increased action by stimulants ; and at another time it 

 may be desirable to pour in highly nutritious food 

 instead of stimulants. In this way we may improve 

 the health, and gradually renovate the strength. 



There are cases in which, by the failure of the 



