nes are likely to present
themselves, and new objects arise, which call forth his attention. A
journey likewise withdraws the patient from many objects of
uneasiness and care, which might present themselves at home.

With respect to medicines, costiveness, which often attends these
diseases, ought to be carefully avoided, by some mild laxative.
Calcined magnesia, and lemonade, have always seemed to me to answer
the purpose; but the most effectual method is to acquire a regular
habit, which may be done by perseverance, and strict attention.

Chalybeate waters have been frequently tried, and may in general be
recommended with success, particularly, as the amusement and exercise
generally accompanying the use of these waters, aid the tonic powers
of the iron. The bark may likewise be exhibited with advantage.

There is yet another class of nervous diseases which we have to
notice, which are by no means uncommon; yet they have, like the first
class, escaped the attention of writers on this subject, and of
medical practitioners in general: I mean those where the system is in
a state of torpor, or exhausted excitability.

This state of the system may be brought on by various causes, but
principally by the long continued use of opium, tobacco, or fermented
liquors.

When these substances, which are powerful stimulants, have been taken
for some time, they bring on a state of the system so torpid, that
the usual exciting powers, and the usual occurrences, which in
general produce pleasant sensations, do not occasion a sufficient
degree of excitement, in those whose excitability is thus exhausted.
They therefore feel continual languor and listlessness, unless when
under the influence of the stimulus which brought on the exhaustion.
Every scene, however beautiful, is beheld with indifference by such
patients, and the degree of ennui they feel is insupportable: this
makes them have recourse to the stimulus which has exhausted their
excitability, which in some degree removes this languor for a time;
but it returns with redoubled strength, and redoubled horror, when
the stimulant effect is over: and as this repetition exhausts the
excitability more and more, the stimulus is repeated in greater
quantity, and thus the disease increases to a most alarming degree.

There is no way of curing this state of nervous torpor, but by
leaving off the stimuli which caused the exhaustion; and if the
patient have resolution to do this for a