or other fluids; that is, without being thrown into so violent action as to
produce sensation; the consequence of which is an increase of daily energy
or activity, till inflammation and its consequences succeed.

7. If a stimulus excites an organ into such violent contractions as to
produce sensation, the motions of which organ had not usually produced
sensation, this new sensorial power, added to the irritation occasioned by
the stimulus, increases the activity of the organ. And if this activity be
catenated with the diurnal circle of actions, an increasing inflammation is
produced; as in the evening paroxysms of small-pox, and other fevers with
inflammation. And hence schirrous tumours, tendons and membranes, and
probably the arteries themselves become inflamed, when they are strongly
stimulated.

IV. _Of Stimulus greater than natural._

1. A quantity of stimulus greater than natural, producing an increased
exertion of sensorial power, whether that exertion be in the mode of
irritation, sensation, volition, or association, diminishes the general
quantity of it. This fact is observable in the progress of intoxication, as
the increased quantity or energy of the irritative motions, owing to the
stimulus of vinous spirit, introduces much pleasurable sensation into the
system, and much exertion of muscular or sensual motions in consequence of
this increased sensation; the voluntary motions, and even the associate
ones, become much impaired or diminished; and delirium and staggering
succeed. See Sect. XXI. on Drunkenness. And hence the great prostration of
the strength of the locomotive muscles in some fevers, is owing to the
exhaustion of sensorial power by the increased action of the arterial
system.