nd arteries would
acquire this accumulation of sensorial power sooner or in greater degree
than other parts. This indeed so happens, where the pulse is previously
strong, as in febris irritativa; or where another sensorial power, as that
of sensation, is exerted on the arterial system, as in inflammations. The
heart and arteries in these cases soon recover from their torpor, and are
exerted with great violence.

Many other parts of the system subject to perpetual motion in health may
rest for a time without much inconvenience to the whole; as when the
fingers of some people become cold and pale; and during this complete rest
great accumulation of irritability may be produced, But where the heart and
arteries are previously feeble, they cannot much diminish their actions,
and certainly cannot rest entirely, for that would be death; and therefore
in this case their accumulation of the sensorial power of irritation or of
association is slowly produced, and a long fever supervenes in consequence;
or sudden death, as frequently happens, terminates the cold fit.

Whence it appears, that in fevers with weak pulse, if the action of the
heart, arteries, and capillaries could be diminished, or stopped for a
short time without occasioning the death of the patient, as happens in cold
bathing, or to persons apparently drowned, that a great accumulation of the
sensorial powers of irritation or of association might soon be produced,
and the pulse become stronger, and consequently slower, and the fever
cease. Hence cold ablution may be of service in fevers with weak pulse, by
preventing the expenditure and producing accumulation of the sensorial
power of irritation or association. Stupor may be useful on the same
account. Could a centrifugal swing be serviceable for this purpose, either
by placing the head or the feet in the outward part of the circle, as
described in Art. 15. 7. of this Supplement?

IV. _Return of the cold Fit._

1. If the increased action of the cutaneous and pulmonary capillaries, and
of the heart and arteries, in febris irritativa continues long and with
violence, a proportional expenditure or exhaustion of sensorial power
occurs; which by its tendency to induce torpor of some part, or of the
whole, brings on a return of the cold fit.

2. Another cause which contributes to induce torpor of the whole system by
the sympathy of its parts with each other, is the remaining torpor of some
viscus; which after the last