The brain is the root of the nerves, and consequently the fountain of all sensation, and life itself. That part of the human fabric is extremely delicate, and blood vessels plentifully distributed. When therefore these vessels become either so distended with blood, so as to press the substance of the brain, that it is hindered from its motion, confusion to the animal œconomy must naturally ensue; thence an apoplexy in its various gradations is liable to be the consequence; but as the vessels in such a distention are liable to break, and the extravasated blood pressing the brain more forcibly without a chance of dispersing, we plainly see one reason, why such a malady is apt to turn out fatal, as we find it sometimes does. Such causes may either proceed from external, or internal injuries; thence we see that a heavy fall, or contusion on the head, may occasion an apoplexy, or at other times, a congestion of blood to the head may produce the same malady. Sometimes the patient is motionless; and to all appearance dead, and nothing but a faint pulsation remains; at other times there is indeed more signs of life, but more terrible in appearance,—namely a convulsive breathing and foaming at the mouth, without the least signs of sensation or perception; in which case there is much to be feared, that vessels in the brain are burst. However in all these extremities, nothing can contradict the indication of bleeding, except extreme weakness, and debility of the system; which here is very rarely the case.—After bleeding, a large blister between the shoulders should immediately be applied, and treated as directed in the second lecture, page 75.—A draught like No. XXX. will also be of singular service, till the patient comes to; after which he will require such treatment as is directed under fevers; for that disorder will always attend the shock that the apoplexy gives to the animal system. _Of the Frenzy and Delirium._ When the root of the nerves are stimulated by acrimony, so as to heighten their sensibility, or set their regulated perception in confusion, the ideas become bewildered, and the sensations act at random. This is generally the case with patients in acute and malignant fevers; and this conception differs from dreaming in this respect, that the phantoms of the confused imagination may be somewhat guided by the objects around them; as they may be said to dream with their eyes open and full awake. When the frenzy attends acute fevers, the blood is generally in a great confusion, and the pulse high and fluctuating. Yet bleeding should by all means be avoided, unless indeed the disorder has come on remarkably sudden. Blisters here are requisite; and in order to take off the stimulus of the nerves, give the patient the following draught. No. XXXI