eeing
objects in a gloomy room; which were invisible immediately after coming out
of a stronger light. This is owing to an accumulation of sensorial power
during the inaction of those fibres, which were before accustomed to
perpetual exertions, as explained in Sect. XII. 7. 1. A slighter degree of
this disease is experienced by every one after great fatigue, when the
muscles gain such inability to further action, that we are obliged to rest
them for a while, or to summon a greater power of volition to continue
their motions.

In all the syncopes, which I have seen induced after convulsive fits, the
pulse has continued natural, though the organs of sense, as well as the
locomotive muscles, have ceased to perform their functions; for it is
necessary for the perception of objects, that the external organs of sense
should be properly excited by the voluntary power, as the eye-lids must be
open, and perhaps the muscles of the eye put into action to distend, and
thence give greater pellucidity to the cornea, which in syncope, as in
death, appears flat and less transparent.

The tympanum of the ear also seems to require a voluntary exertion of its
muscles, to gain its due tension, and it is probable the other external
organs of sense require a similar voluntary exertion to adapt them to the
distinct perception of objects. Hence in syncope as in sleep, as the power
of volition is suspended, no external objects are perceived. See Sect.
XVIII. 5. During the time which the patient lies in a fainting fit, the
spirit of animation becomes accumulated; and hence the muscles in a while
become irritable by their usual stimulation, and the fainting fit ceases.
See Sect. XII. 7. 1.

7. If the exertion of the voluntary motions has been still more energetic,
the quiescence, which succeeds, is so complete, that they cannot again be
excited into action by the efforts of the will. In this manner the palsy,
and apoplexy (which is an universal palsy) are frequently produced after
convulsions, or other violent exertions; of this I shall add a few
instances.

Platernus mentions some, who have died apoplectic from violent exertions in
dancing; and Dr. Mead, in his Essay on Poisons, records a patient in the
hydrophobia, who at one effort broke the cords which bound him, and at the
same instant expired. And it is probable, that those, who have expired from
immoderate laughter, have died from this paralysis consequent to violent
exertion. Mrs. Sco