which all the
nerves situated below the injured part are deprived of their nutriment, or
precluded from doing their proper offices; and the muscles, to which they
are derived, are in consequence disobedient to the power of volition.

This sometimes occurs from an external injury, as a fall from an eminence;
of which I saw a deplorable instance, where the bladder and rectum, as well
as the lower limbs, were deprived of so much of their powers of motion, as
depended on volition or sensation; but I suppose not of that part of it,
which depends on irritation. In the same manner as the voluntary muscles in
hemiplegia are sometimes brought into action by irritation, as in
stretching or pendiculation, described in Sect. VII. 1. 3.

But the most frequent cause of paraplegia is from a protuberance of one of
the spinal vertebrae; which is owing to the innutrition or softness of
bones, described in Class I. 2. 2. 17. The cure of this deplorable disease
is frequently effected by the stimulus of an issue placed on each side of
the prominent spine, as first published by Mr. Pott. The other means
recommended in softness of bones should also be attended to; both in
respect to the internal medicines, and to the mechanical methods of
supporting, or extending the spine; which last, however, in this case
requires particular caution.

12. _Somnus._ In sleep all voluntary power is suspended, see Sect. XVIII.
An unusual quantity of sleep is often produced by weakness. In this case
small doses of opium, wine, and bark, may be given with advantage. For the
periods of sleep, see Class IV. 2. 4. 1.

The subsequent ingenious observations on the frequency of the pulse, which
sometimes occurs in sleep, are copied from a letter of Dr. Currie of
Liverpool to the author.

"Though rest in general perhaps renders the healthy pulse slower, yet
under certain circumstances the contrary is the truth. A full meal
without wine or other strong liquor does not increase the frequency of
my pulse, while I sit upright, and have my attention engaged. But if I
take a recumbent posture after eating, my pulse becomes more frequent,
especially if my mind be vacant, and I become drowsy; and, if I
slumber, this increased frequency is more considerable with heat and
flushing.

"This I apprehend to be a general truth. The observation may be
frequently made upon children; and the restless and feverish nights
experienced by ma