1809. ] 
. cations of his disease. But this is very fre- 
quent in paralytic aflections. Aman may 
have the muscles of his face distorted with- 
out being aware ot ic, except from the tes- 
timouy of a friend, or the reflexion of a 
mirror 5 unfortunately, or perhaps, for- 
tunately, there is, in these cases, no mil 
rur for the mind, which, ou that account, 
is seldom conscious Of ifs own decay. A 
withering of the memory is 12 veneral ie 
earliest symptom of Mciprent iinbe cility. 
Next to paralysis, ranks that  ime- 
lancholic depression of the spirits, a 
kind of mental palsy, which is often 
snarked by an Maptilude approaching to 
an wicapacity for the most wifling exer- 
tion. Insuch instances, the pussession 
ot that opulence which alfiords a man the 
eMerlur convenicuces au od accommoda- 
tious of life, 1s au unfortunate cireum- 
stunce in his fate. Lo use exertion tor 
the valetudinarian purpose of gaining 
liealtn seldonma succeeds ; but, on the Bou. 
trary, indulges and confirms that hypeo- 
chondriasis ‘which it is intended to cure, 
The more a man’s mind 1s drawn off tron 
himself, the better is it for das comfort 
aud well-being. By not thinking of our 
own interest we most effectually, although 
indirectly, promote it.. Not a merely 
seutimental, but an acting benevolence is 
re;uired to avert those attacks of unrea- 
sonable dejection, which are most apt to 
oppress amable, bue at the same time 
indolent, minds. ‘Some of vour finest wri- 
ters bias regretted the completion of 
their most elaborate works. Wien Gib- 
bon had finished his History of the De- 
efine and Fall*of the Roman Empire, 
which will ever remain a monument of 
his se) his taste, and his ee 
energies, he lanents rather than ee 
at the conclusion. of bis ta isk 5 this em- 
ployment, combined, perhaps, sith a 
prospect ‘of fame tram the result of it, 
cousututed the happiest moments of his 
hie. 
The gigantic author of the Finglish 
Dictionary complamed of bis inorbid in- 
Progress of the French Armies in Spatn. 183 
dolence. Johnson fancied that he had 
dove nothing when be had achieved the 
greatest literary work that had ever, per 
haps, been executed by any unassisted 
individual. But alter chat edifice of ta- 
leut had been completed, le almost 
wept over its accomplishment. Some 
passages in the preface to lis great werk 
are the most perfect models of the pue 
thetic to be found in the English laa 
guage: they exhibit the heart, rather than 
the art, of eloquence. Johnson Was & 
most exquisite specimen of hypochun 
driasis, and is sullicient to make hypo. 
chondriasis respectable, although the seb 
jects of it may be objects of compassion, 
Johnson, had he nut been himself rich 
In the’ Moule of conversation, would 
have been a mendicant for society. Bat 
society fortunately courted him. Ta the 
latter part of his life he seemed are 
to live wpon tea and talking. fn @ jess 
advanced stage he was selfindulsene uz 
the exhilaration of the bottle; but oO 
by the advice of his physicians, hé afte 
wards resolutely resigned, = Vhisr athe 
tion, however, did not ubate his relish fer 
social intercourse... This account of Dic. 
Johnson is not a literary anecdote mere- 
ly, but a medical case—an instance of 
the morbid phenomena which may be 
produced by the influence of the iui 
nation acting upon, and perhaps partly 
produced by, an enervated corporeal 
Guonstitunon. | 7 
The Reporter prescribed the other 
day to an hypochondriae of some talert, 
and much refinement of feeling, te bea 
hermit in abstinence, but not m “solitude's 
and this he has recommended in igang 
former instances ; in some of which, che 
practical adoption ef the maxim has 
been attended with signal and speedy 
advantage. 
“* Be not solitary, be not idle.¥ 
Rebruary 21, 1809, 
Grenville-street, ah unsick- “square. 
aa 0 ass Namie Nea 
STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN FEBRUARY. 
Containing official Papers and authentic Documents. 
IE 
_ SPAIN. 
Tienty- Fifth Bulletin = Army of Spain. 
BENEVEN?E, Fan. 5.—His Majesty be- 
ing informed that the English army, was 
reduced to less than 20,000 men, resolved upon 
moving his head-quarters from Astorga to Be-~ 
nevente, where he will remain some days, and 
roe whence he will proceed to take a cen- 
tal position at Valladlid, leaviog to the 
Duke of Dalmatia the task of Facatr roying the 
English army. 
The rear-guard of the English, by accepte 
ing batthe at Prievas, had hoped to enable 
the left column, which was chiefly compo- 
sed of Spaniards, to.form its Junction at Vijla 
Franca. He also hoped to gein a night, in 
urder more completely to evacuate Vitia 
Franca. We Youndin-the hosp:tal at Villa 
Franva 
i erie 
