fanciful, though I should like to believe in it. Sir H. Holland alludes to
this subject of the influence of the mind on local circulation frequently,
but gives no clear evidence. (472/3. Ibid., pages 339 et seq.)


LETTER 472. TO W. TURNER.
Down, March 29th [1871].

Forgive me for troubling you with one line. Since writing my P.S. I have
read the part on the influence of the nervous system on the nutrition of
parts in your last edition of Paget's "Lectures." (472/1. "Lectures on
Surgical Pathology," Edition III., revised by Professor Turner, 1870.) I
had not read before this part in this edition, and I see how foolish I was.
But still, I should be extremely grateful for any hint or evidence of the
influence of mental attention on the capillary or local circulation of the
skin, or of any part to which the mind may be intently and long directed.
For instance, if thinking intently about a local eruption on the skin (not
on the face, for shame might possibly intervene) caused it temporarily to
redden, or thinking of a tumour caused it to throb, independently of
increased heart action.


LETTER 473. TO HUBERT AIRY.

(473/1. Dr. Airy had written to Mr. Darwin on April 3rd:--

"With regard to the loss of voluntary movement of the ears in man and
monkey, may I ask if you do not think it might have been caused, as it is
certainly compensated, by the facility and quickness in turning the head,
possessed by them in virtue of their more erect stature, and the freedom of