SF.CT. XXXIV. i. DISEASES OF VOLITION* 



were invifible immediately after coming out of a 

 ftronger light. This is owing to an accumulation of 

 fenforial power during the inaction of thofe fibres, 

 which were before accuftomed to perpetual exerti- 

 ons, as explained in Seel. XII. 7. I. A ilighter de- 

 gree of this difeafe is experienced by every one 

 after great fatigue, when the mufcles gain fuch in- 

 ability to further adlion, that we are obliged to reft 

 them for a while, or to fummon a greater power 

 of volition to continue their motions. 



In all the fyncopes, which I have feen induced 

 after convulfive fits, the pulfe has continued natu- 

 ral, though _the organs of fenfe, as well as the loco<- 

 motive mufcles, have ceafed to perform their func- 

 tions ; for it is necefifavy for the perception of ob- 

 jecls, that the external organs of fenfe fhould be 

 properly excited by the voluntary power, as the eye- 

 lids muft be open, and perhaps the mufcles of the 

 eye put into aclion to diftend, and thence give 

 greater pellucidity to the cornea, which in fyncope r 

 as in death, appears flat and lefs tranfparent. The 

 tympanum of the ear alfo feems to require a volun- 

 tary exertion of its mufcles, to gain its due tenfion, 

 and it is probable the other external organs of 

 fenfe require a (imilar voluntary exertion to adapt 

 them to the diftincl perception of objedls. Hence 

 in fyncope as in fleep, as the power of volition is 

 fufpended, no external objecls are perceived. See 

 Seel. XVIII. 5. During the time which the patient 

 lies in a fainting fit, the fpirit of animation becomes 

 accumulated ; and hence the mufcles in a while be- 

 come irritable by their ufual Simulation, and the 

 fainting fit ceafes. See Seel. XII. 7. i. 



7. If the exertion of the voluntary motions has 

 been dill more energetic, the quiefcence, which fuc- 

 ceeds, is fo complete, that they cannot again be 

 excited into aclion by the efforts of the will. In 

 this manner the palfy, and apoplexy (which is an 



univerfal 



