THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



DXXIX. This view is much strengthened 

 by finding the pulse quicker, and still small, im- 

 mediately after the first act of vomiting. Dur- 

 ing the continuance of this operation, the return 

 of the blood from the head, and from other parts 

 of the body to the lungs, is retarded ; but as soon 

 as the vomiting subsides, it flows in increased 

 quantity to the chest. If, on one occasion, the 

 pulse is small and weak, because the quantity 

 and quality of the blood are altered, we ought to 

 expect, on another, that these phenomena would 

 become more apparent when the influence of those 

 changes that produce these conditions is particu- 

 larly exerted. I have shown that during nausea 

 the pulse has certain well marked symptoms of 

 debility, and have also endeavoured to explain 

 their origin. If the rationale be deemed satisfac- 

 tory, and if it be still further allowed, that a 

 greater quantity of blood Jlows to the chest after the 

 first act of vomiting, the increased frequency of 

 the pulse is not only in harmony with the opinion 

 proposed, but tends materially to strengthen the 

 principles on which it is founded. 



Vomiting is always accompanied by great mus- 

 cular exertion, and the co-operation of this cause 

 is another, and probably a more efficient reason, 

 to be assigned for the increased frequency of 

 pulse immediately after the emetic effect. 



DXXX. I have endeavoured to depress the 

 force and increase the frequency of the pulse by 



