lied to the fibres, becomes now accumulated
in them, owing to the want of its being expended by their accustomed
contractions. And thence a less stimulus of heat will now excite them into
violent contractions.

If the quiescence of fibres, which had previously been subject to perpetual
stimulus, continues a longer time; or their accustomed stimulus be more
completely withdrawn; the accumulation of sensorial power becomes still
greater, as in those exposed to cold and hunger; pain is produced, and the
organ gradually dies from the chemical changes, which take place in it; or
it is at a great distance of time restored to action by stimulus applied
with great caution in small quantity, as happens to some larger animals and
to many insects, which during the winter months lie benumbed with cold, and
are said to sleep, and to persons apparently drowned, or apparently frozen
to death. Snails have been said to revive by throwing them into water after
having been many years shut up in the cabinets of the curious; and eggs and
seeds in general are restored to life after many months of torpor by the
stimulus of warmth and moisture.

The inflammation of schirrous tumours, which have long existed in a state
of inaction, is a process of this kind; as well as the sensibility acquired
by inflamed tendons and bones, which had at their formation a similar
sensibility, which had so long lain dormant in their uninflamed state.

3. If after long quiescence from defect of stimulus the fibres, which had
previously been habituated to perpetual stimulus, are again exposed to but
their usual quantity of it; as in those who have suffered the extremes of
cold or hunger; a violent exertion of the affected organ commences, owing,
as above explained, to the great accumulation of sensorial power. This
violent exertion not only diminishes the accumulated spirit of animation,
but at the same time induces pleasure or pain into the system, which,
whether it be succeeded by inflammation or not, becomes an additional
stimulus, and acting along with the former one, produces still greater
exertions; and thus reduces the sensorial power in the contracting fibres
beneath its natural quantity.

When the spirit of animation is thus exhausted by useless exertions, the
organ becomes torpid or unexcitable into action, and a second fit of
quiescence succeeds that of abundant activity. During this second fit of
quiescence the sensorial power becomes again accumulate