We now come to our third Principle, namely, that certain actions which
we recognize as expressive of certain states of the mind, are the
direct result of the constitution of the nervous system, and have been
from the first independent of the will, and, to a large extent, of
habit. When the sensorium is strongly excited nerve-force is generated
in excess, and is transmitted in certain directions, dependent on the
connection of the nerve-cells, and, as far as the muscular system is
concerned, on the nature of the movements which have been habitually
practised. Or the supply of nerve-force may, as it appears, be
interrupted. Of course every movement which we make is determined by
the constitution of the nervous system; but actions performed in
obedience to the will, or through habit, or through the principle of
antithesis, are here as far as possible excluded. Our present subject
is very obscure, but, from its importance, must be discussed at some
little length; and it is always advisable to perceive clearly our
ignorance.
The most striking case, though a rare and abnormal one, which can be
adduced of the direct influence of the nervous system, when strongly
affected, on the body, is the loss of colour in the hair, which has
occasionally been observed after extreme terror or grief. One authentic
instance has been recorded, in the case of a man brought out for
execution in India, in which the change of colour was so rapid that it
was perceptible to the eye.[301]
Another good case is that of the trembling of the muscles, which is
common to man and to many, or most, of the lower animals. Trembling is
of no service, often of much disservice, and cannot have been at first
acquired through the will, and then rendered habitual in association
with any emotion. I am assured by an eminent authority that young
children do not tremble, but go into convulsions under the
circumstances which would induce excessive trembling in adults.
Trembling is excited in different individuals in very different degrees
and by the most diversified causes,—by cold to the surface, before
fever-fits, although the temperature of the body is then above the
normal standard; in blood-poisoning, delirium tremens, and other
diseases; by general failure of power in old age; by exhaustion after
excessive fatigue; locally from severe injuries, such as burns; and, in
an especial manner, by the passage of a catheter. Of all emotions, fear
notoriously is the most apt to induce trembling; but so do occasionally
great anger and joy. I remember once seeing a boy who had just shot his
first snipe on the wing, and his hands trembled to such a degree from
delight, that he could not for some time reload his gun; and I have
heard of an exactly similar case with an Australian savage, to whom a
gun had been lent. Fine music, from the vague emotions thus excited,
causes a shiver to run down the backs of some persons. There seems to
be very little in common in the above several physical causes and
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