It does not at the time signify to the attendants, the evidence on which the doctrine rests. It is believed, and that is enough to cause the most baneful effects upon the spirits, to inspire the worst apprehensions, and has also, as is well known, produced those very effects they had feared from its operation, has caused the increase of disease, nay, death itself, and that not on one occasion only, but on many. The most common causes of Pestilence, Plague, Putrid and low Fevers, and Cholera, are mostly of a depressing nature, and, usually, the more they partake of that character, they are the more effectual in their operation. Famine is chiefly favourable to the sickness which is usually coincident with it, from the depressed and feeble state of body it produces; and an impure atmosphere is deleterious, chiefly from its allowing the body to become less energetic, by withholding that vigour and elasticity which the respiration of pure air imparts to the system at large, and thence to the mind. These are powerful depressing causes, but not more so than fear, especially that kind that is deep and lasts long. Moral philosophers rank Fear as one of the most depressing passions, and its characteristics with the artist are paleness, contraction of the features, the best and surest indication of a weakened circulation (of blood) and diminution of vital power. The first are well aware of the hurtful influence it imparts to the whole body, and narrate instances, on excellent authority, where death, even immediate death, has been the consequence, where the brain has had its functions impaired, and thus imbecility induced; so that in short, they are accustomed to regard it as one of the most powerful agents, applied both to the mind and body. The Medical Philosopher, too, has frequent occasion to mark the great depression of the powers of the body, the imperfect discharge of its functions, and the general exhaustion consequent upon the long continued operation of apprehension. Be the apprehension of whatever nature, it is always detrimental—in a ratio too, proportionate to its intensity, and its other contingent circumstances. In the lesser degrees, it causes indigestion, flatus, loss of appetite, headach, and often general restlessness, with feelings of great discomfort. It is found operating with great force, whether it arise from apprehension of damnation in respect to a future state, of ruin in a pecuniary point of view, or perhaps from what is most immediate and striking in its effects, of catching the infection of pestilential disease, which is the point with which we have most to do.