Zoonomia; Or, the Laws of Organic Life, Vol. II

by Erasmus Darwin

Thirdly. The stomach is sometimes much slower in recovering from a previous torpor, and is then the remote cause of continued fever with weak pulse; which is owing to a torpor of the heart and arteries, produced in consequence of the deficient excitement of the power of association by the too weak actions of the stomach; and to an orgasm of the capillaries of the other parts of the system, in consequence of the accumulation of sensorial power occasioned by the inactivity of the heart and arteries.

Fourthly. The torpor of the stomach is sometimes so complete, that probably the origin of its nerves is likewise affected, and then no accumulation of sensorial power occurs. In this case the patient dies for want of nourishment; either in three or four weeks, of the inirritative fever; or without quick pulse, by what we have called paresis irritativa. Or he continues many years in a state of total debility. When this torpor suddenly commences, the patient generally suffers epileptic fits or temporary insanity from the disagreeable sensation of so great a torpor of the stomach; which also happens sometimes at the eruption of the distinct small pox; whence we have termed this disease anorexia epileptica. See Class [II. 2. 2. 1]. and [III. 1. 1. 7]. and Suppl. I. [14. 3].

Fifthly. When this torpor of the stomach is less in degree or extent, and yet without recovering its natural irritability by accumulation of sensorial power, as it does after the cold fit of intermittent fever, or after the operation of mild emetics, or during syncope; a permanent defect of its activity, and of that of the upper intestines, remains, which constitutes apepsia, cardialgia, hypochondriasis, and hysteria. See Class [I. 3. 1. 3]. and [I. 2. 4. 5].

Sixthly. If the torpor of the stomach be induced by direct sympathy, as in consequence of a previous torpor of the liver, or spleen, or skin, an accumulation of sensorial power will sooner be produced in the stomach; because there has been no previous expenditure of it, the present torpor of the stomach arising from defect of association. Hence some fevers perfectly intermit, the stomach recovering its complete action after the torpor and consequent orgasm, which constitute the paroxysm of fever, are terminated.

Seventhly. If the torpor of the stomach be owing to defect of irritation, as to the want of food, an accumulation of sensorial power soon occurs with an increase of digestion, if food be timely applied; or with violent inflammation, if food be given in too great quantity after very long abstinence.

Eighthly. If the torpor of the stomach be induced by defect of pleasurable sensation, as when sickness is caused by the suggestion of nauseous ideas; an accumulation of sensorial power soon occurs, and the sickness ceases with the return of hunger; for in this case the inactivity of the stomach is occasioned by the subduction of agreeable sensation, which acts as a subduction of stimulus, and not by exhausting the natural quantity of sensorial power in the fibres or nerves of the stomach.

Ninthly. If the torpor of the stomach be induced by a twofold cause, as in sea-sickness. See Vertigo rotatoria. Class [IV. 2. 1. 10]. in which the first link of association acts too strongly, and in consequence expends more than usual of the sensorial power of irritation; and secondly in which sensation is produced between the links of association, and dissevers or enfeebles them; the accumulation of sensorial power soon occurs in the stomach; as no previous expenditure of it in that organ has occurred. Whence in sea-sickness the persons take food with eagerness at times, when the vertigo eases for a few minutes.

Tenthly. If the gastric torpor be induced by previous violent exertion, as after intoxication, or after contagious matter has been swallowed, or some poisons, as digitalis, or arsenic; an accumulation of sensorial power very slowly succeeds; whence long sickness, or continued fever, because the quantity of sensorial power already wasted must first be renewed, before an accumulation of it can be produced.

[12]. This leads us to a second indication of cure in continued fevers, which consists in strengthening the actions of the stomach; as the first indication consisted in decreasing the actions of the cutaneous capillaries and absorbents. The actions of the stomach may sometimes be increased by exhibiting a mild emetic; as an accumulation of sensorial power in the fibres of the stomach is produced during their retrograde actions. Besides the evacuation of any noxious material from the stomach and duodenum, and from the absorbents, which open their mouths on their internal surfaces, by their retrograde motion.

It is probable, that when mild emetics are given, as ipecacuanha, or antimonium tartarizatum, or infusion of chamomile, they are rejected by an inverted motion of the stomach and œsophagus in consequence of disagreeable sensation, as dust is excluded from the eye; and these actions having by previous habit been found effectual, and that hence there is no exhaustion of the sensorial power of irritation. But where strong emetics are administered, as digitalis, or contagious matter, the previous exhaustion of the sensorial power of irritation seems to be a cause of the continued retrograde actions and sickness of the stomach. An emetic of the former kind may therefore strengthen the power of the stomach immediately after its operation by the accumulation of sensorial power of irritation during its action. See Class [IV. 1. 1].