unnatural violence of action by their accustomed stimulus, as is seen in
the hot fits of intermittent fevers, which are in consequence of the
previous cold ones. Thus the minute vessels of the skin are constantly
stimulated by the fluid matter of heat; if the quantity of this stimulus of
heat be a while diminished, as in covering the hands with snow, the vessels
cease to act, as appears from the paleness of the skin; if this cold
application of snow be continued but a short time, the sensorial power,
which had habitually been supplied to the fibres, becomes now accumulated
in them, owing to the want of its being expended by their accustomed
contractions. And thence a less stimulus of heat will now excite them into
violent contractions.

If the quiescence of fibres, which had previously been subject to perpetual
stimulus, continues a longer time; or their accustomed stimulus be more
completely withdrawn; the accumulation of sensorial power becomes still
greater, as in those exposed to cold and hunger; pain is produced, and the
organ gradually dies from the chemical changes, which take place in it; or
it is at a great distance of time restored to action by stimulus applied
with great caution in small quantity, as happens to some larger animals and
to many insects, which during the winter months lie benumbed with cold, and
are said to sleep, and to persons apparently drowned, or apparently frozen
to death. Snails have been said to revive by throwing them into water after
having been many years shut up in the cabinets of the curious; and eggs and
seeds in general are restored to life after many months of torpor by the
stimulus of warmth and moisture.

The inflammation of schirrous tumours, which have long existed in a state
of inaction, is a process of this kind; as well as the sensibility acquired
by inflamed tendons and bones, which had at their formation a similar
sensibility, which had so long lain dormant in their uninflamed state.