MUSCULAR MOVEMENT AND MENTAL ACTION. 209 



tal energy generated is greater than can find vent along 

 the narrow channel of thought that is o[)en to it ; and if, 

 in consequence, it is apt to produce confusion by rushing 

 into other channels of thought ; then by allowing it au 

 exit through the motor nerves into the muscular system, 

 the pressure is diminished, and irrelevant ideas are less 

 Ukely to intrude on consciousness. 



This further illustration will, I think, justify the posi- 

 tion that something may be achieved by pursuing in other 

 cases this method of psychological inquiry. A complete 

 explanation of the phenomena, requires us to trace out 

 all the consequences of any given state of conscious- 

 ness ; and we cannot do this without studying the effects, 

 bodily and mental, as varying in quantity at each other's 

 expense. We should probably learn much if we in 

 every case asked — Where is all the nervous energy 

 gone? 



