to, should be exhibited, and this at frequent and stated intervals, so that
the effect of one quantity may be observed before the exhibition of
another.

If these circumstances are not attended to, as the sensorial power becomes
accumulated in the quiescent fibres, an inordinate exertion takes place by
the increase of stimulus acting on the accumulated quantity of sensorial
power, and either the paralysis, or death of the contractile fibres ensues,
from the total expenditure of the sensorial power in the affected organ,
owing to this increase of exertion, like the debility after intoxication.
Or, secondly, the violent exertions above mentioned produce painful
sensation, which becomes a new stimulus, and by thus producing
inflammation, and increasing the activity of the fibres already too great,
sooner exhausts the whole of the sensorial power in the acting organ, and
mortification, that is, the death of the part, supervenes.

Hence there have been many instances of people, whose limbs have been long
benumbed by exposure to cold, who have lost them by mortification on their
being too hastily brought to the fire; and of others, who were nearly
famished at sea, who have died soon after having taken not more than an
usual meal of food. I have heard of two well-attested instances of patients
in the cold fit of ague, who have died from the exhibition of gin and
vinegar, by the inflammation which ensued. And in many fevers attended with
debility, the unlimited use of wine, and the wanton application of
blisters, I believe, has destroyed numbers by the debility consequent to
too great stimulation, that is, by the exhaustion of the sensorial power by
its inordinate exertion.

Wherever the least degree of intoxication exists, a proportional debility
is the consequence; but there is a golden rule by which the necessary and