often advantageous in diseases of debility.

4. Stimulate the organs, whose motions are associated with the torpid parts
of the system. The actions of the minute vessels of the various parts of
the external skin are not only associated with each other, but are strongly
associated with those of some of the internal membranes, and particularly
of the stomach. Hence when the exertion of the stomach is less than
natural, and indigestion and heartburn succeed, nothing so certainly
removes these symptoms as the stimulus of a blister on the back. The
coldness of the extremities, as of the nose, ears, or fingers, are hence
the best indication for the successful application of blisters.

5. Decrease the stimulus for a time. By lessening the quantity of heat for
a minute or two by going into the cold bath, a great accumulation of
sensorial power is produced; for not only the minute vessels of the whole
external skin for a time become inactive, as appears by their paleness; but
the minute vessels of the lungs lose much of their activity also by concert
with those of the skin, as appears from the difficulty of breathing at
first going into cold water. On emerging from the bath the sensorial power
is thrown into great exertion by the stimulus of the common degree of the
warmth of the atmosphere, and a great production of animal heat is the
consequence. The longer a person continues in the cold bath the greater
must be the present inertion of a great part of the system, and in
consequence a greater accumulation of sensorial power. Whence M. Pomè
recommends some melancholy patients to be kept from two to six hours in
spring-water, and in baths still colder.

6. Decrease the stimulus for a time below the natural, and then increase it
above natural. The effect of this process, improperly used, is seen in
giving much food, or applying much warmth, to those who have been