opposites, namely, when the necessity is at an end, the first character of the pulse is not the first that leaves it, but it loses first that which it last acquired, becoming first rare, then slow and last small. But if the slowness and smallness should go on increasing, the rarity will again change to density, in order that the necessary want may be supplied. Such are the causes of greatness, quickness, density, and their opposite pulses. To these we shall connect the alteration of the pulse in regard to one dimension only. Breadth alone then is increased, principally by a redundancy of humidity, either natural, or from external causes, as loftiness is occasioned by the softness of the instrument, assisted by the vital power; but length is rendered apparent by the dryness and melting of the surrounding flesh, the other dimensions being contracted. For an artery cannot, in fact, become longer than natural; and this ought more properly to be called _the lean_ pulse, as the opposite one, namely, that which is increased only in breadth and depth, should be called _the fat_. The pulse sometimes falls under the opposite characters to this, when it is restrained as to any of its dimensions, and appears low, narrow, and short, when it is not so in reality, but seems so, owing to the thickness of the fat, flesh, or membranes which press upon it. Sometimes, too, the whole seems small, when it is not so in reality; and feeble in like manner. And what do I say? Sometimes an asphyxy, or complete loss of pulsation, hath seemed to take place over the whole arteries, when there is no such thing in reality; and this has happened, more especially to those who have felt them carelessly, when the motion, being really indistinct, escapes notice, owing to the quantity of flesh; for it is impossible that a complete asphyxy could take place while the man is alive. In like manner again in the emaciated, small pulses appear great. When, therefore, the body is greatly wasted, the artery which runs along the spine has often been felt by persons touching the abdomen, and also the pulses in members which before used not to be felt. Wherefore we must attend to all circumstances, that we may not be mistaken in our diagnosis. A strong pulse is occasioned by the force of the natural faculty, when not counteracted by any other cause, such as the want failing, or from hardness of the instrument. But a feeble pulse may arise from weakness of the natural powers alone, although no other causes contribute. For a strong pulse stands in need of all the other causes for its formation; but the feeble is produced by weakness alone. The originally strong pulse accompanies moderate ages, seasons, places, and temperaments; but the feeble the immoderate. A pulse changing from feebleness to strength is formed by the vital faculty growing strong, from a preceding state of debility. It is strengthened either by things within the body, such as concoction of the