quarrelsome in their cups. Others are rendered quarrelsome in a state of intoxication, contrary to their usual dispositions, through the disagree ́able irritation diffused over the system, by the unusual stimulus. Some persons, on the other hand, who are surrounded with distracting cares, or oppressed with extreme poverty, having, for the instant, drowned thought and reflection in the bewitching draught, which operates like the waters of Lethe, they obtain a temporary release from their mental sufferings, and enjoy an extraordinary and frantic flow of spirits, in the oblivion of their misery.

Instances similar to the above are infinitely numerous; but these are sufficient to illustrate the fact, that many circumstances, by primarily affecting the body, produce a correspondent change upon the Mind; strengthen many of its affections, and pre-dispose to passions and emotions, by which it would not otherwise have been affected. It may be remarked, in general, that the sensibility of the system, or susceptibility of impression, when greatly increased by intoxication or any other cause, will render the same individual, amorous, or generous, or courageous, or passionate and quarrelsome, ac. cording as occasions and incidents, favourable to one or other of these affections and emotions, may present themselves.

Thus have we enumerated the principal causes, exerting a powerful influence over the affections; which occasion that great diversity observable in the human species, endowed with similar capacities, and apparently placed in similar situations: causes, by the influence of which, one class of rational beings differs so essentially from another equally rational; Individuals from Individuals in each class, and Individuals so frequently from themselves.

Our remarks have been extended far beyond the limits proposed: but we have been imperceptibly carried forwards both by the singularity and importance of the subject; which would require volumes to do it justice, and which volumes could scarcely exhaust.

CHAPTER III.

Particular Effects resulting from the Operation of the Passions and Affections, considered.

In every part of our Analytical Inquiries, the powerful influence of the passions and stronger affections, upon the whole system, has been manifested. The sudden changes made in the state of the mind, respecting particular objects, and the effects as instantaneously communicated to the corporeal frame, according to the nature and force of the impression, have been repeatedly considered. We have also remarked, that as the exciting causes are of very different and opposite natures, they possess various degrees of merit and demerit; and that some of them being of a pleasant, others of an unpleasant influence, they excite correspondent sensations within us, as long as we remain under this immediate influence. Such peculiarities are productive of certain effects and characteristic states, different from the primary object of the passion, although they are so intimately connected with

it. These effects may be placed under the following heads: The physical, or medical influence of the passions; their metaphysical, or influence upon the train of our ideas, correspondent language, &c.; their moral, or influence upon character and happiness. These remain to be briefly considered.

SECTION I.

Medical Influence of the Passions.

If we advert to the strong impression made by every violent emotion, upon the corporeal system, we shall not be surprised that the sudden and powerful changes produced should, under certain circumstances, exert a medical influence, in common with many other causes which act powerfully upon the body. Accordingly, have the Passions and Affections of the Mind, uniformly had a place given them among the non-naturals, as they are termed, or those incidental causes, which may occasionally induce either a salutary or morbid effect upon the body; such as air, exercise, rest, watchings, medicaments, food, heat, cold, &c.

To enter minutely into this subject, to enumerate the various facts, upon which our observations and assertions are founded, to advance and defend any particular theory, would be totally foreign from the nature and design of this treatise, and become tedious to the class of Readers, for whom it is principally designed. Yet some observations upon the influence of the passions in the medical department, necessarily belong to a general history of the passions.

It is not agreed in what manner salutary or pernicious effects are produced, by the instru mentality of the passions. Without adopting any particular hypothesis, it will be sufficient for our purpose to remark, that the Physicians of the present day generally ascribe the primary changes to their influence upon the nervous power, or grand principle of vitality; by which animated bodies are rendered susceptible of an infinite variety of impressions. In consequence of this influence, either the system in general, or some particular organ, is made to deviate from the exercise of those functions on which health depends; or is restored to its pristine office, after such deviations have taken place.

Not to inquire deeply into the laws of phy