576 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC, 



arises upon various other occasions, and in them it is not a 

 symptom of so much importance, but occurring in adults it is a 

 strong mark of powerful convulsions ; and it frequently arises to 

 affect a considerable part of the system at once, and to give 

 plainly epileptic fits. 



" With respect to convulsions, and even spasms, it may 

 be doubtful, in many cases, whether they are properly men- 

 tioned here as marks of debility, and whether they ought not 

 rather to be considered as marks of a particular irritation? 

 They are no doubt marks of particular irritation, but we know 

 that they are very often likewise the consequence of mere de- 

 bility, and that irritation will not produce them but from a 

 state of debility. When we come to consider these convulsive 

 motions as a peculiar disease, we shall have occasion to shew 

 the proof of their depending upon and concurring with de- 

 bility, and that the marks of debility are at the same time pre- 

 sent, so that these marks are but an expression of the same state 

 of the system. So much with respect to this part of the animal 

 functions, the voluntary motions. 



" 2. In the animal functions we also attend to the exercise of 

 Sensations, external and internal, which are often variously 

 affected and vitiated. We first take notice of the general tone 

 or temper of mind, as I may express it. In consequence of the 

 debility prevailing in fever, a languor of sense and thought 

 appears very early, and is commonly increased in the course of 

 fevers, forming what we call the dejected state of mind, which 

 is a consequence of a degree of timidity ; this is in a great 

 measure involuntary and without any improper object; for 

 while reflection remains, an object is constantly before the pa- 

 tients' eyes, viz. the event of the disease, with regard to which 

 their temper of mind commonly arises to an actual despair ; and 

 the worst sort of fevers are remarkable in this that they imme- 

 diately inspire the patient with despair with respect to the event. 

 Whatever theory we assume with respect to the passions in 

 general, we will find that these timid passions, as fear, dejec- 

 tion, and despondency, correspond with a state of debility in 

 the energy of the brain, while the passions of a contrary kind 

 are marks of vigour and strength in this energy. 



" In like manner, the intellectual faculties are disturbed and 



