of digestion, has not yet reverted from the muscles, whither the current of blood had been more abundantly directed, to increase the muscular energies and activity, and proportion them to the exertions they were called upon to make while under the stimulus of severe exercise. Hence it is necessary to allow the animal sufficient time for repose, that the muscular system may return. to its ordinary state of quiescence. The animal may then be fed not only with safety, but with advantage; the stimulus which the food creates brings an increased afflux of blood to the stomach; gastric juice is secreted more copiously and poured in sufficient quantity into the cavity of the viscus; and, acting with energy upon the food, readily dissolves it, and prepares it for its final formation into nourishment. The same laws hold good with respect to man; and thus it is that analogies often lead to the adoption of true principles, as well as to their explanation.

Many patients suffer from nervous disorder, originating from another cause, namely insufficiency of food. It is very much the practice with opulent merchants, to bring their sons with them into the City from a very long distance, after having breakfasted at an early hour in the morning. A biscuit, with perhaps a glass of wine, serves instead of luncheon, and no other refreshment or sustenance is taken before they return home to a late dinner. Such a mode of living may agree very well with the father, advanced in life, and engaged in sedentary occupation at the desk; but this protracted abstinence will, by no means, suit the youthful activity of the son constantly employed in more laborious occupation. These young persons moreover are yet growing; consequently they require more nutriment, and at shorter intervals, to enable them to meet and supply the demands for the formation of new material.

Neither should it be forgotten, that the times for taking food, as well as the quantity taken, should be regulated by, and adjusted to, the mode of life, and age of the individual. What agrees with one person, may prove highly injurious to another. Hence it must be evident, that he who trusts solely to medicine in the treatment of such cases, must fail in effecting a cure. The only sure plan consists in removing the cause, by allowing a more liberal as well as a more frequent supply of food.

The temperaments are a study absolutely neccessary on the part of the physician, who aims at even ordinary success in the treatment of disease. If we treat with precisely the same remedies four different persons, all suffering alike from the same nervous disorder, but all of them having different temperaments, and neither take into account the peculiarities of each, nor the effect of the remedies upon the constitution, nor the nature of the disease, we act like a mariner expecting to reach his destination, by steering in a direct line by compass for the point at which he wishes to arrive, totally regardless of lee-way, currents, or any other controlling causes. If, therefore, the merchant must institute strict inquiry into all the circumstances before he incur either risk or responsibility, it is as indispensably necessary for the physician to take into account, not merely the general nature and character of the disease, but also the various concomitant circumstances and peculiarities of each particular case. It is the study of these circumstances, and due attention to them which constitute the accomplished and trustworthy physician; and which alone can insure him success in practice.

In the study of all disorders, we must regard and carefully review both the history of the disease, and the history of the case. The first makes us acquainted with all the general phenomena, and tendencies of the disorder:

B 5

the second brings us into relation with all those specialities, which require peculiar modifications of treatment.

In the nervous temperament, we find that the brain is large and well developed, and its energies, and those of the nervous system, are the most predominant, and take the lead over those of all the other organs. The features are sharp and prominent; the eyes large and expressive; the mouth betokens intelligence and frequently there is Fig. 1.

a full and intellectual forehead; the skin thin and transparent, with flossy silky hair; the muscles small, but well marked, with quick and active motions; the face generally pale, and frequently expressive of anxiety; the brain and whole of the nervous system are in a high state of activity.

Such persons are for the most part quick and intelligent; highly sensitive to every kind of impression; and are readily excited and as easily depressed. At one time you may find them enjoying themselves to the fullest possible extent, and in a very short time afterwards perhaps they will be in tears.

The dispositions of persons in whom this temperament predominates, are much modified by the circumstances in which they happen to be placed. Confinement, especially if the occupation is sedentary, never fails to produce evil effects upon the constitution.

Individuals of this temperament* (fig. 1) are highly sensitive to all those agents which act upon the nervous system. Such persons require to be treated with great care and delicacy.

SANGUINEOUS TEMPERAMENT.

In the lymphatic (fig. 2 page 11) in which the abdomen is remarkably large and prominent; the brain dull and inactive; the body round and soft; the action slow and heavy; the skin muddy and flabby; the circulation weak and languid; the muscles soft and flaccid; there exists a great aversion to either mental or bodily exercise, and the energies of every kind are very feeble.

* The sketches of the different temperaments have been copied from Combe's valuable work on Phrenology.