652 Moral Epidemics and Contagions. [November, 
11. If we study with care the circumstances which are in 
connection with that reflex aCtion which produces contagion, 
we see that some of them are common alike to it and to 
direCt or ordinary reflex aCtion, whilst others are peculiar. 
Here are some of the conclusions at which the author has 
arrived on this point : — 
The reflex movements which produce contagion are some- 
times conscious, sometimes unconscious. They may be 
automatic, instinctive, or, on the other hand, conscious and 
voluntary. They may even sometimes change their nature, 
passing from the instinctive to the conscious and voluntary, 
or inversely. 
Various simultaneous or successive movements may be 
produced in an assemblage of individuals, and may give 
rise to reflex movements concurring to some common objeCt. 
In the military state especially these faCts may be produced 
in a signal manner. 
A contagious reflex movement under the influence of the 
same causes is not produced equally and always in all 
persons. We have explained these faCts, as well as the 
influence of repetition upon reflex aCtion. 
Furthermore, one and the same reflex aCtion may, ac- 
cording to circumstances, produce effects quite opposite. 
We have cited above certain instances, such as the sound- 
waves of a military march ; the aCtion which they tend to 
produce aids those who have to aCt by saving them the 
fatigue of a direCt movement, and wearies those who wish 
to remain quiet by compelling them to resist the reflex 
aCtion. By generalising these diverse and opposite actions 
of one and the same contagious reflex movement, it is easy 
to explain scientifically all the apparent contradictions ob- 
served in nervous, intellectual, and moral contagions, and 
to throw a light upon the most obscure points. 
12. By following out this order of ideas it is easy to see 
that man is not subjected by necessity to the contagion of 
the phenomena in question, but that by a direCt movement 
he can struggle against the contagious reflex aCtion, and 
may either neutralise it in part or completely, or, on the 
other hand, may allow it to become developed. 
