572 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



constriction affecting the excretories of these secretions. An- 

 other symptom depending on the same cause, is the preter- 

 natural thirst. Sometimes it arises purely from the spasm, as 

 in the cold fit of fever where the constriction prevents the 

 mouth and fauces from being supplied by saliva; but in the 

 hot fit, there is joined to this cause, the state of heat in the sys- 

 tem : thirst, therefore, is constantly a mark of the excess of sti- 

 mulant power. 



:> " The diminution of the secretions in general is a mark of 

 spasm as giving occasion to the increase of stimulant power. 

 We have not always an opportunity of judging of the degree 

 of secretion on the skin, as it may be diminished even when the 

 halituosus mador appears there. Sometimes we have evidence 

 of it from the scantiness of the urine, and its high colour, which 

 is an expression of the state of heat in the system. We observe 

 the same thing in the state of the intestinal secretions ; as they 

 are more or less copious, we conclude that these parts are more 

 or less dry ; a dry and bound belly, therefore, is to be consider- 

 ed as a mark of the excess of stimulant power. 



" This finishes what I have to say with respect to the first 

 prognosis, from the excess of stimulant power." 



CIV. The symptoms which denote a great degree of debility, 

 are, 



In the Animal Functions : 1. The weakness of the voluntary 

 motions ; 2. The irregularity of the voluntary motions, depend- 

 ing on their debility ; 3. The weakness of sensation ; 4. The 

 weakness and irregularity of the intellectual operations. 



In the Vital Functions : 1. The weakness of the pulse ; 

 2. The coldness or shrinking of the extremities ; 3. The tend- 

 ency to deliquium animi in an erect posture ; 4. The weakness 

 of respiration. 



In the Natural Functions : 1. The weakness of the stomach, 

 as appearing in anorexia, nausea, and vomiting ; 2. Involuntary 

 excretions, depending upon a palsy of the sphincters ; 3. Dif- 

 ficult deglutition, depending upon a palsy of the muscles of the 

 fauces. 



" I have said that the excess of stimulant power, with the 

 concurrence of other causes, may be the cause of death in fevers, 

 but it is especially the excess of sedative power that proves so ; 



