following fact is related by Mr. Young, in the Edinburgh Geographical
Journal. A blackbird had been frightened in her cage by a cat; when it
was relieved, it was found lying on its back, quite wet with
perspiration. The feathers fell off, and were renewed, but the new ones
were perfectly white.

A similar phenomenon has been observed in the human species, who have
been exposed to the effects of inordinate passion. Borrelli relates the
case of a French gentleman, who was thrown into prison, and on whom fear
operated so powerfully as to change his hair completely grey in the
course of one night. Dr. Darwin ascribes this phenomenon to the torpor
of the vessels, which circulates the fluids destined to nourish the
hair. Nothing will, perhaps, demonstrate more fully the effects of moral
causes in producing disease than the structural alterations discoverable
in the bodies of those who have died whilst labouring under nostalgia,
or the Swiss malady. This disease is considered peculiar to the Swiss,
and is occasioned by a desire of revisiting their own country, and of
witnessing again the scenes of their youth. This desire begins with
melancholy sadness, love of solitude, silence, bodily weakness, &c. and
is only cured by returning to their native country. Avenbrugger says,
that in dissecting the bodies of those who have died in consequence of
this disease, organic lesions of the heart generally are detected.
A particular musical composition, supposed to be expressive of the
happiness of the people, is in great vogue in Switzerland. If this tune
or piece of music is played among the Swiss in any foreign country, it
tends strongly to recall their affections for their native soil, and
their desire of returning, and to induce the desire called nostalgia
consequent on their disappointment. The effects of this musical
composition is so powerful, that it is forbidden to be repeated in the
French camp on pain of death, it having at one period had the effect of