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Zoonomia, Vol. I - Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Erasmus Darwin
page 76 of 633 (12%)
6. A contraction of the fibres somewhat greater than usual introduces
pleasurable sensation into the system, according to the fourth law of
animal causation. Hence the pleasure in the beginning of drunkenness is
owing to the increased action of the system from the stimulus of vinous
spirit or of opium. If the contractions be still greater in energy or
duration, painful sensations are introduced, as in consequence of great
heat, or caustic applications, or fatigue.

If any part of the system, which is used to perpetual activity, as the
stomach, or heart, or the fine vessels of the skin, acts for a time with
less energy, another kind of painful sensation ensues, which is called
hunger, or faintness, or cold. This occurs in a less degree in the
locomotive muscles, and is called wearysomeness. In the two former kinds of
sensation there is an expenditure of sensorial power, in these latter there
is an accumulation of it.

7. We have used the words exertion of sensorial power as a general term to
express either irritation, sensation, volition, or association; that is, to
express the activity or motion of the spirit of animation, at the time it
produces the contractions of the fibrous parts of the system. It may be
supposed that there may exist a greater or less mobility of the fibrous
parts of our system, or a propensity to be stimulated into contraction by
the greater or less quantity or energy of the spirit of animation; and that
hence if the exertion of the sensorial power be in its natural state, and
the mobility of the fibres be increased, the same quantity of fibrous
contraction will be caused, as if the mobility of the fibres continues in
its natural state, and the sensorial exertion be increased.

Thus it may be conceived, that in diseases accompanied with strength, as in
inflammatory fevers with arterial strength, that the cause of greater
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