362 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



BOOK II. 



OF ADYNAMIA ; OR DISEASES CONSISTING IN 

 A WEAKNESS OR LOSS OF MOTION IN EITHER 

 THE VITAL OR NATURAL FUNCTIONS. 



CHAP. I. OF SYNCOPE OR FAINTING. 



MCLXXI. This is a disease in which the action of the 

 heart and respiration become considerably weaker than usual, 

 or in which, for a certain time, these functions cease alto- 

 gether. 



MCLXXII. Physicians having observed that this affection 

 occurs in different degrees, have endeavoured to distinguish 

 these by different appellations : but, as it is not possible to as- 

 certain these different degrees with any precision, so there can 

 be no strict propriety in employing those different names ; and I 

 shall here comprehend the whole of the affections of this kind 

 under the title of Syncope. 



MCLXXIII. This disease sometimes comes on suddenly to 

 a considerable degree, but sometimes also it comes on gradually ; 

 and, in the latter case, it usually comes on with a sense of lan- 

 guor, and of anxiety about the heart, accompanied at the same 

 time, or immediately after, with some giddiness, dimness of 

 sight, and sounding in the ears. Together with these symp- 

 toms, the pulse and respiration become weak ; and often so 

 weak, that the pulse is scarcely to be felt, or the respiration to 

 be perceived ; and sometimes these motions, for a certain time, 

 cease altogether. While these symptoms take place, the face 



