SECT. XIT. 7. OF STIMULUS AND EXERTION. 101 



to the cold paroxyfm of an ague, and lefs affects 

 the circulatory fyftem, a lefs fuperabundancy of 

 exertion fucceeds in the organs previoufly torpid, 

 and a lefs excefs of arterial activity. See Sect. 

 XXXIV. i. 6. 



2. In the difeafes occafioned by a defect of fenfo- 

 rial exertion, as in cold fits of ague, hyfteric com- 

 plaint, and nervous fever, the following means are 

 t hole commonly ufed. i. Increafe the ftimulatioii 

 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 de- 

 gree of intoxication, a debility fucceeds from the 

 ufelefs exhauftion of fpirit of animation in confe- 

 quence of too great exertion of the mufcles or or- 

 gans of fenfe. To thefe irritative ftimuli mould 

 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 when one kind of ftimulus 

 ceafes to excite the fenforial power into the quan- 

 tity of exertion neceffary to health, it is often fuf- 

 ficient to change the ftimulus for another appar- 

 ently fimilar in quantity and quality. Thus when 

 wine ceafes to ftimulate the conftitution, opium in 

 appropriate dofes fupplies the defect ; and the con- 

 trary. This is alfo obferved in the effects of ca- 

 thartic medicines, when one lofes its power, ano- 

 ther, apparently lefs efficacious, will fucceed. Hence 

 a change of diet, drink, and ftimulating medi- 

 cines, is often advantageous in difeafes of debi- 

 lity. 



4. Stimulate the organs, whofe motions are af- 

 fociated with the torpid parts of the fyftem. The 



actions 



