becomes almost immediately slower, and the fever gradually subsides."

From these observations of Dr. Currie it appears, that, while in common
sleep the actions of the heart, arteries, and capillaries, are strengthened
by the accumulation of sensorial power during the suspension of voluntary
action, and the pulse in consequence becomes fuller and slower; in the
feverish sleep above described the actions of the heart, arteries, and
capillaries, are quickened as well as strengthened by their consent with
the increased actions of the stomach, as well as by the stimulus of the new
chyle introduced into the circulation. For the stomach, and all other parts
of the system, being more sensible and more irritable during sleep, Sect.
XVIII. 15. and probably more ready to act from association, are now exerted
with greater velocity as well as strength, constituting a temporary fever
of the sensitive irritated kind, resembling the fever excited by wine in
the beginning of intoxication; or in some people by a full meal in their
waking hours. Sect. XXXV. 1.

On waking, this increased sensibility and irritability of the system ceases
by the renewed exertions of volition; in the same manner as more violent
exertions of volition destroy greater pains; and the pulse in consequence
subsides along with the increase of heat; if more violent efforts of
volition are exerted, the system becomes still less affected by sensation
or irritation. Hence the fever and vertigo of intoxication are lessened by
intense thinking, Sect. XXI. 8; and insane people are known to bear the
pain of cold and hunger better than others, Sect. XXXIV. 2. 5; and lastly,
if greater voluntary efforts exist, as in violent anger or violent
exercise, the whole system is thrown into more energetic action, and a
voluntary fever is induced, as appears by the red skin, quickened pulse,
and increase of heat; whence dropsies and fevers with debility are not
unfrequently removed by insanity.

Hence the exertion of the voluntary power in its natural degree diminishes
the increased sensibility, and irritability, and probably the increased
associability, which occurs during sleep; and thus reduces the frequency of
the pulse in the feverish sleep after a full meal. In its more powerful
state of exertion, it diminishes or destroys sensations and irritations,
which are stronger than natural, as in intoxication, or which precede
convulsions, or insanity. In its still more powerful degre