280 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



CHAP. XIII. 



On Palpitation. 



SECT. I. The General Causes which produce this 

 Affection. 



CCXCVIII. WE have scarcely a slight cough 

 or pain, if the pulse be quick or small no uneasi- 

 ness of stomach, shooting or fixed pain of head 

 no heaviness or lightness palpitation of heart, or 

 irregular pulsation in any part of the system, but 

 now comes within the definition of a nervous 

 affection and the treatment of a nervous princi- 

 ple. The idea of a nervous power has had great 

 influence in the treatment of diseases of the heart. 

 When indications of practice were not well mark- 

 ed, or did not appear very urgent, we have too 

 frequently disregarded them as mere nervous de- 

 rangements, till, from neglect, they have demand- 

 ed prompt and active measures, at a time proba- 

 bly when our means allow us to palliate only. 



CCXCIX. Palpitation occurring in the nervous 

 temperament is characterised by its quickness, 

 and the gentle impulse which it gives ; the chest 

 is not elevated by its action ; the pulse is frequent 

 and small, and the animal heat scarcely at all 

 changed. 



