guage are
termed involuntary motions, either of mind or body, are perpetually exerted
in weak constitutions, the pulse becomes quick; which is occasioned by the
too great expenditure of the sensorial power in these unceasing modes of
activity. In the same manner as in very weak people in fevers, the pulse
sometimes increases in frequency to 140 strokes in a minute, when the
patients stand up or endeavour to walk; and subsides to 110, when they lie
down again in their beds. Whence it appears, that when a very quick pulse
accompanies convulsion or insanity, it simply indicates the weakness of the
patient; that is, that the expenditure of sensorial power is too great for
the supply of it. But if the strength of the patient is not previously
exhausted, the exertions of the muscles are attended with temporary
increase of circulation, the reciprocal swellings and elongations of their
bellies push forwards the arterial blood, and promote the absorption of the
venous blood; whence a temporary increase of secretion and of heat, and a
stronger pulse.

SPECIES.

1. _Jactitatio._ Restlessness. There is one kind of restlessness attending
fevers, which consists in a frequent change of posture to relieve the
uneasiness of the pressure of one part of the body upon another, when the
sensibility of the system, or of some parts of it, is increased by
inflammation, as in the lumbago; which may sometimes be distinguished in
its early stage by the incessant desire of the patient to turn himself in
bed. But there is another restlessness, which approaches towards writhing
or contortions of the body, which is a voluntary effort to relieve pain;
and may be esteemed a slighter kind of convulsion, not totally
unrestrainable by opposite or counteracting volitions.

M. M. A blister. Opium. Warm bath.

2. _Tremor febrilis._ Reciprocal convulsions of the subcutaneous muscles,
originating from the pain of the sense of heat, owing to defect of its
usual stimulus, and consequent accumulation of sensorial power in it. The
actual deficiency of heat may exist in one part of the body, and the pain
of cold be felt most vividly in some other part associated with it by
sensitive sympathy. So a chillness down the back is first attended to in
ague-fits, though the disease perhaps commences with the torpor and
consequent coldness of some internal viscus. But in whatever part of the
system the defect of heat exists, or the sensation of it, the convulsions
of th