FEVERS. 603 



and which keeps none of them long in a state of contraction. 

 Speaking, as it accelerates respiration, is particularly to be re- 

 frained from. 



It is to be observed, that every motion of the body is the ' 

 more stimulant in proportion as the body is weaker. 



3. The exercise of the mind also is a stimulus to the body; 

 so that all impressions which lead to thought, and those especi- 

 ally which may excite emotion or passion, are to be carefully 

 shunned. " Not only impressions, but their consequences, sen- 

 sation, thought, and emotions, are powerful stimuli, which com- 

 monly ought to be avoided. It will be obvious, that the exer- 

 cise of thought proves more or less a stimulus to the system. 

 It is next to impossible to suspend its operations ; but we can 

 avoid presenting such impressions as engage the attention, or 

 draw necessarily into a train of thinking. If we cannot prevent 

 thinking altogether, our next measure is to present such objects 

 as require least attention, and lead least to any prosecution of 

 thought. These are seemingly small circumstances, but we 

 must neglect none, and they are indeed of more consideration 

 than may be readily imagined." 



With respect to avoiding impressions of all kinds, an excep- 

 tion is to be made in the case of a delirium coming on, when the 

 presenting of accustomed objects may have the effect of interrupt- 

 ing and diverting the irregular train of ideas then arising in the 

 mind. " We are disposed to fall into such a delirium when we 

 are without the impression of external objects, as when we are in 

 absolute darkness ; and upon many other occasions, when our 

 thoughts are liable to wander, the recalling them to usual and 

 well accustomed objects interrupts the confused train. Fre- 

 quently, when a delirium has come on, the patients having been 

 kept in darkness and silence, they can be recovered by bringing 

 them to the light, by a familiar voice speaking to them, and by 

 presenting to them their more usual and accustomed objects. 

 It must be left to the physician's discretion to judge of the cir- 

 cumstances when this is practicable ; and when, on the contrary, 

 objects exciting new and more forcible impressions may be dan- 

 gerous in leading again to a train which increases the confu- 

 sion." 



4. The presence of recent aliment in the stomach always 



2u2 



