s
immediately to restore the skin to its proper action.

437. _The secretions are much influenced by the mind._ How this is
effected, it is difficult to explain; but many facts corroborate it.
Every one has felt an increased action of the tear-glands from
distressing feelings. Cheerfulness of disposition and serenity of the
passions are peculiarly favorable to the proper performance of the
secretory function. From this we may learn how important it is to
avoid such things as distract, agitate, or harass us.

_Observation._ In fevers and other diseases, when the skin, mouth, and
throat are dry from a suppression of the secretions, let the mind of
the patient be changed from despondency to hope, and the skin and the
membrane that lines the mouth and throat will exhibit a more moist
condition, together with a general improvement of the vital organs of
the system. Consequently, all just encouragement of the restoration to
health should be given to a sick person.

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Give examples of morbid secretions. What is one cause of dysentery and
cholera morbus? How can these affections he relieved? 437. Show the
influence of the mind on the secretions. Mention instances of its
influence.

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CHAPTER XXII.

NUTRITION.

438. NUTRITION is the vital act by which the different parts of the
body renew the materials of which they are composed. Digestion,
circulation, absorption, and respiration, are but separate links in
the chain of nutrition, which would be destroyed by the absence of any
one of them.

439. The nutritive process is also a kind of secretion, by which
particles of matter are separated from the blood and conveyed with
wonderful accuracy to the appropriate textures. The function of the
nutrient vessels antagonizes those of absorption: while one system is
constructing, with beautiful precision, the animal frame, the other is
diligently employed in pulling down this complicated structure.

440. This ever-changing state of the body is shown by giving animals
colored matter, mixed with their food, which in a short time tinges
their bones with the same color as the matter introduced. Let it be
withdrawn, and in a few days the bones will assume their former
color--evidently from the effects of absorption. The changeful state
of the body is further shown by the losses to which it is subjected;
by the necessity of aliment; by the emaciation which follows
abstine