AND ANIMAL LIFE. 309 



CCCXLVI. " It is during the subsidence that 

 the blood has a tendency to press with unusual 

 force upon the brain." Dr WOLL ASTON supposes 

 this to be the case, as he feels, at that time, more 

 than at any other, the unpleasant sensation. It 

 is most assuredly during the subsidence that the 

 sensation of nausea is particularly experienced ; 

 and any one that has watched individuals at this 

 time must have observed, that there is an appear- 

 ance not unlike that of fear or dread pictured in 

 the countenance ; the raised chest and anxious 

 expression, indicate one continued inspiration. 



CCCXLVII. If we can by any means divert 

 the attention of the mind by an interesting story 

 or anecdote, the proper order of inspiration and 

 expiration is maintained, and the nausea is 

 unfelt for the time; but allow the individual 

 to look upon the undulating waves, and to 

 attend to his own sensations, and he instantly 

 becomes considerably worse. If we raise a slight 

 alarm of danger, the fainting, retching, and vo- 

 miting almost immediately cease. The natural 

 impulse to preserve life inspires fresh efforts, and 

 these efforts necessarily break the irregular chain 

 of respiration ; expirations, either more perfect or 

 frequent, succeed, and destroy the order of the 

 inspirations, and, as previously explained, diffuse 

 new vigour throughout the system. 



CCCXLVIII. I had an opportunity, a short 

 time ago, of experiencing a slight attack of sickness 

 at sea ; and 1 have also induced it by other 



