344 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



prefer discussing the merits of general changes 

 in the mode of circulation, as such are apparently 

 more consistent or more easy to demonstrate. 



CCCCVIII. When an individual is acted upon 

 by fear, the first symptoms we perceive, are deep 

 inspirations and paleness. I look upon the lat- 

 ter as invariably the consequence of altered res- 

 piration. The veins of the face have the same 

 dependence upon the action of the respiratory 

 organs as those belonging to the whole surface of 

 the body ; and when the influence of the cause 

 applied to the mind is violent, the general capil- 

 lary system suffers equally ; and when this is mo- 

 derate, the face seems alone to exhibit a sympa- 

 thy, on account of its vicinity to the heart, and being 

 also the seat of expression. The former circum- 

 stance places it more immediately under the con- 

 trol of the disordered function of respiration, and 

 the latter, from the delicacy and sensibility of 

 the part affected, allows us to mark every sudden 

 change. 



CCCCIX. Inspirations, as frequently alluded 

 to, have the tendency to bring the blood towards 

 the chest in greater quantity than usual, and, 

 if we have a superabundance here, it is obvi- 

 ous that a diminution will occur in other situa- 

 tions ; and it is these modifications in its distri- 

 bution that explain the paleness of the face, 

 coldness of the extremities, and the oppression of 

 the chest in fear. It is not intended by this opi- 



