342 Medicine, [Chap. IV. 



considered as follows. When the torpor of any 

 part of the • system (owing to deficient irritation, 

 occasioned either by the subdiiction of the natural 

 stimuli, and consequent accumulation of sensorial 

 power, or by the application of powerful stimuli, 

 and consequent exhaustion of the same living prin- 

 ciple) is such as to occasix)n diminished action of 

 that part, the following effects will take place : 

 the next link of the tribe of associate motions fails 

 also into a torpor, from defect of excitement of 

 the sensorial power of association; and so the sub- 

 sequent one, till a general torpor affects the system. 

 This constitutes the cold paroxysm of fever. This 

 general torpor remains till the accumulation of the 

 sensorial power of association is formed, which 

 overbalances that defect of excitement of associa- 

 tion ; and then tlie torpor ceases, and the hot fit of 

 fever is produced. When the torpor of the part 

 first affected is occasioned by the subduction of 

 the natural stimuli, this is likewise thrown into in- 

 creased action during the hot fit. But if it arise 

 from exhaustion of sensorial power, the part re- 

 mains in a torpid state during the hot fit. The 

 torpor induced by the subduction of natu;'al sti- 

 muli, as it is overcome at the end of the cold fit, 

 always gives rise to fevers of strong pulse ; since, 

 in such case, all the parts of the system have their 

 actions increased during the hot fit. The torpor 

 arising from the exhaustion of sensorial power pro- 

 duces various ctfects, according to the part in which 

 it takes place. AVhen seated in the stomach, it 

 always produces continued fever, with weak pulse. 

 In this case, in consequence of the torpid state of 

 the stomach, the arterial system likewise falls into 



