388 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



CCCCLX. In the preceding chapter on the 

 Physiology of Passion I have endeavoured to ex- 

 plain the influence of those feelings which are of 

 a depressing nature, and, therefore, on the pre- 

 sent occasion, shall allude only to such as are 

 in strict relation with the present investigation. 

 It is well known that the depressing feelings of 

 the mind disturb, according to their severity, 

 the regularity of the vital functions. If only 

 slight, the appetite is lessened or becomes fasti- 

 dious, the ordinary complexion of the counte- 

 nance is changed, and the energy of the mental 

 faculties is rendered of little avail ; but if such 

 be severe, we scarcely observe the slow and pro- 

 gressive diminution of the powers of life; the 

 individual affected sometimes dies after a few 

 days indisposition ; and in such cases it is re- 

 marked, that the blood coagulates with difficulty, 

 or sometimes not at all. It is impossible to bring 

 forward a more direct instance in illustration of 

 the influence of the mind upon the body, or one 

 that applies so immediately to the subject of vi- 

 tality. 



CCCCLXI. To those who are well acquaint- 

 ed with the language of grief it is unnecessary 

 to insist particularly on the character of respira- 

 tion. When an individual is suffering from an 

 affection of this kind, his habits are retired ; he 

 finds little or nothing to interest him in the so- 

 cial circle, or in pursuing his ordinary amuse- 



