the excess
of its stimulus. See Sect. XXXV. 1. 3. and Class IV. 1. 1. 2.

For first, no increase of heat arises from this action of vomiting; which
always occurs, when the secerning system is stimulated into action.
Secondly, the motions of the absorbent vessels are as liable to inversion
as the stomach itself; which last, with the oesophagus, may be considered
as the absorbent mouth and belly of that great gland, the intestinal canal.
Thirdly, the class of sorbentia, as bitters and metallic salts, given in
large doses, become invertentia, and vomit, or purge. And lastly, the
sickness and vomiting induced by large potations of wine, or opium, does
not occur till next day in some people, in none till some time after their
ingurgitation. And tincture of digitalis in the dose of 30 or 60 drops,
though applied in solution, is a considerable time before it produces its
effect; though vomiting is instantaneously induced by a nauseous idea, or a
nauseous taste in the mouth. At the same time there seem to be some
materials, which can immediately stimulate the stomach into such powerful
action, as to be immediately succeeded by paralysis of it, and consequent
continued fever, or immediate death; and this without exciting sensation,
that is, without our perceiving it. Of these are the contagious matter of
some fevers swallowed with the saliva, and probably a few grains of arsenic
taken in solution. See Suppl. I. 8. 8. Art. IV. 2. 6. 9.

3. Some branches of the lymphatic system become inverted by their sympathy
with other branches, which are only stimulated into too violent absorption.
Thus when the stomach and duodenum are much stimulated by alcohol, by
nitre, or by worms, in some persons the urinary lymphatics have their
motion inverted, and pour that material into the bladder, which is absorbed
from the intestines. Hence the drunken diabetes is produced; and hence
chyle is seen in the urine in worm cases.

When on the contrary some branches of the absorbent systems have their
motions inverted in consequence of the previous exhaustion of their
sensorial power by any violent stimulus, other branches of it have their
absorbent power greatly increased. Hence continued vomiting, or violent
cathartics, produce great absorption from the cellular membrane in cases of
dropsy; and the fluids thus absorbed are poured into the stomach and
intestines by the inverted motions of the lacteals and lymphatics. See
Sect. XXIX. 4. and 5.

4. Th