SECT. XII. 7. 2. AND EXERTION. 69 



So in fainting fits, or fyncope, there is a temporary deficien- 

 cy of ienforial exertion, and a confequent quiefcence of a great 

 part of the fyftem. This quiefcence continues, till the fenforial 

 power becomes again accumulated in the torpid organs ; and 

 then the ufual diurnal ftimuli excite the revivefcent parts again 

 into action ; but as this kind of quiefcence continues but a 

 fhort time compared to the cold paroxylm of an ague, and lefs 

 affects the circulatory fyftem, a lefs fuperabundancy of exertion 

 fucceeds in the organs previoufly torpid, and a lefs excels of ar- 

 terial activity. See Sett. XXXIV. i. 6. 



2 In the difeafes occafioned by a defect of fenforial exertion, 

 -as in cold fits of ague, hyfteric complaint, and nervous fever, 

 the following means are thofe commonly uied. i. Increafe the 

 flimulation above its natural quantity for fome weeks, till a new 

 habit of more energetic contraction of the fibres is eftablifhed. 

 This is to be done by wine, opium, bark, fteel, given at exact: 

 periods, and in appropriate quantities ; for if thefe medicines be 

 given in fuch quantity, as to induce the lead degree of intoxica- 

 tion, a debility fucceeds from the ufelefs exhauition of fpirit of 

 animation in confequence of too great exertion of the mufcles 

 or organs of fenfe. To thefe irritative ftimuli fliould be added 

 the fenfitive ones of cheerful ideas, hope, affection. 



3. Change the kinds of ftimulus. The habits acquired by 

 the conftitution depend on fuch nice circumftances, that whert 

 one kind of ftimulus ceafes to excite the fenforial power into 

 the quantity of exertion necefTary to health, it is often fufficient 

 to change the ftimulus for another apparently fimilar in quanti- 

 ty and quality. Thus when wine ceafes to ftimulate the con- 

 ftitution, opium in appropriate dofes fupplies the defect ; and 

 the contrary. This is allo obferved in the effeds of cathartic 

 medicines, when one lofes its power, another, apparently lefs 

 efficacious, will fucceed. Hence a change of diet, drink, and 

 ftimulating medicines, is often advantageous in difeafes of de- 

 bility. 



4. Stimulate the organs, whofe motions are aflbciated with 

 the torpid parts of the fyftem. The actions of the minute vef- 

 fels of the various parts of the external fkin are not only aflbciated 

 with each other, but are ftrongly aflbciated with thofe of fome of 

 the internal membranes, and particularly of the ftomach. Hence 

 when the exertion of the ftomach is lels than natural, and indi- 

 geftion and heartburn fucceed, nothing fo certainly removes 

 thefe fymptoms as the ftimulus of a blifter on the back. The 

 coldnefs of the extremities, as of the nofe, ears, or fingers, are 

 hence the beft indication for the fuccefsful applicationof blifters. 



5. Decreafe the ftimulus for a time. By leflening the quan- 



tity 



