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Surgeon General's Office
—^
DISSERTATION
INFLUENCE OF THE PASSIONS
PRODUCTION AND MODIFICATION
DISEASE.
BY PETER S. TOWNSEND, A. B.
Member Of the Literary Institution of Columbia CoHege, of the Medico-Chirurgicai
Society of this city, and Honorary Member of the Columbian
Peitho-Logian Society.
■'r»jv..
Passiones sunt tanquam rotae in curru quibus vehimur hoc mundo. Bzr.is ard. Ser. 35.
NEW-YORK:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY VAN WINKLE AND WILEV,
No. 3 Wall-Street.
1816.
*
(
AN
INAUGURAL DISSERTATION
THE INFLUENCE OF THE PASSIONS
IN THE
PRODUCTION AND MODIFICATION
»
OF ■■ ^
DISEASE.
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC EXAMINATION
*■ * -. OF THE ,
s
TRUSTEES AND PROFESSORS
«■*■ NOF
\
THE COLLEGE. OKNPHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF THE
** j ,. * »v ■» „■
UNIVERSITY OF NEW-YORK,
SAMUEL BARD, M. D. &c. PRESIDENT,
Degree of Doctor of Medicine,
On the 6th day of May, 1816.
7+
v%- {T/L^t* (? S+t*s*S*^
s
• TO
DAVID HOSACK, M. D.
F. L. S. LONDON;
Profctsor of the Theory and Practice of Physic, Midwifery, and Clinical Medicine, in the
University of the State of New-York; Vice President of the Literary and Philosophical
Society of New- York; Fellow of the American Philosophical Society, and of the College of
Physicians at Philadelphia; Member of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Pres-
ton, (Eng j) Honorary Member of the Royal Medical and Physical Societies of Edinburgh;
Corresponding Member of the Medical Society of London, and of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, kc. &c.
Sir, -
Whatever may be your opinion of my character, I wish it now
to be solemnly understood, that I should consider it the very basest
act in my whole life, were I ever, wilfully, to eulogize any one being
in creation whom I knew to be destitute of merit. Thank heaven!
affairs have not arrived to that state, at least in this country, to make
it necessary for one man to prostitute himself at the footstool of another.
What is said here must be said with frankness and truth, or the offender '
writhes under the lash of deserved ignominy. Nothing is more de-
testable than the fulsome language of a European dedication; and I
know you too well, sir, to suppose that you could ever expect from me
the assumption of so degrading a vice.
It will be my endeavour to show, that, at all events, the crime of
perjury dare not be imputed to the person who now addresses you.
After this exposition of my sentiments, I take this public method of
expressing to you my sincere and unreserved thanks for the ardent,
indefatigable, and devoted interest which you have constantly mani-
fested, in the education of those who have had the happiness of being
placed under your instruction; an interest, sir, that would have
availed nothing, had it not been associated with politeness so unde-
viating, and talents so commanding, as your's.
That you may continue to shine with that halo of unsullied celebrity
that now surrounds you, and that you may still, as heretofore, victo-
riously oppose the machinations of Envy, Ignorance, and Malignity, is
the undissembled wish of one who feels it an honour to adorn even
t/tis fugitive essay with your name.
Believe me to be,
Sir,
W ith the highest consideration,
Vour friend and pupil,
P. S. TOWNSEND.
TO
SAMUEL LATHAM MITCHILL, M. D.
F. R. S. EDINBURGH ;
Prifessor of Natural History inthe University oftheState of New-York; Fellowofthe Society
of Arts at Albany; Member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences at Boston; Associate of the
American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia; Member of the Wernerian Natural History,
and of the Philosophical Society of Edinburgh, and Honorary Member of the Society of the
Antiquarians of Scotland; Corresponding Member of the Academy at Marseilles, of the
Medical Society in London, and of the Institution for Arts and Sciences at Leghorn, also, of
the Society for promoting Natural and Physical Scitnct at Paris, and of the Royal Medical
Academy at Madrid, also, of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Preston, and of Uit
Agricultural Society of Philadelphia; late a Member of the House of Assembly, bf the Con-
gressional House of Representatives, and of the Federal Senate, for the State of New-York;
Fellow of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York, and one of Us Corresponding
Secretaries, &c. &c.
A GENTLEMAN
NOT LESS PRE-EMINENT FOR HIS INESTIMABLE PRIVATE VIRTOES,
THAN FOR THE
VARIETY, EXTENT, AND PROFUNDITY OF HIS GENIUS,
THIS DISSERTATION
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
AS
A HUMBLE TRIBUTE OF THE ESTEEM AND ADMIRATION
OF
HIS FRIEND,
THE AUTHOR.
A
DISSERTATION
ON
THE PASSIONS.
PART I.
MAN is endowed with a faculty termed Volition,
by which he is rendered a free agent, and made ca-
pable, as a moral being, of choosing for himself the
path which he shall pursue during his earthly resi-
dence. The object of this faculty is under the dic-
tates of the judgment, to control that great principle
of attraction which naturally exists between the
human mind and good and evil.
This attraction, or love, or desire,* as it may be
termed, not less extensive than the attraction which
governs the phenomena of the inanimate world, is,
as I have just hinted, divided into two great spe- .
cies, viz., the Love of Good, and the Love of Evil.
These appear under the various forms of Love of
the Creator, &c., on the one hand, and the Male-
volent Affections, &c, on the other; as in the fol-
lowing table:
f I make Love and Desire here synonymous with Attraction.
o
10
TABLE I.
DESIRE, LOVE, OR ATTRACTION.
CLASS I.
Love of Good.
This class may be subdivided into the following
Sections:
LOVE OF
1. CREATOR. 2. COUNTRY.
1. Faith. 2. Zeal. 3. Piety. 4. Devotedness*. 5. Adoration. 6. Enthusiasm. 1. Obedience. 2. Patriotism. 3. Zeal. 4. Devotedness 5. Enthusiasm.
3. HUMAN SPECIES, OR SYMPATHY.
a. Philanthropy, b. Natural Affection.
1. Regard. -f e-f $ Indulgence.
2. Esteem. °(S~f (Infatuation.
3. Reverence.
4. Admiration.
5. Devotion.
a *>
C a
6. Enthusiasm. I^f
7. The Bene-°|s|
volent Affec-
tions, strictly
so called.
8. The Attri-
butes of Good
Breeding.
Dutifulness.
< Respect.
( Reverence.
( Fondness.
( Affection.
Sexual Love.
Fondness.
Love.
Enthusiasm.
Infatuation.
n
4. SELF. 5. NOVELTY.
Pride. 1. Inquisitiveness.
Vanity. 2. Curiosity.
The Virtues. 3. Enthusiasm.
6. FAME. 7. SUBLIMITY. 8. BEAUTY.
1. Ambition. 1. Admiration.
2. Enthusiasm.
CLASS II.
Love of Evil.
This class may be subdivided into the following
Sections:
1. MALEVOLENT AFFECTIONS.
a. Those founded b. Those founded c. Those founded
on Malice pure- on Hypocrisy and on Pride and
ly. Malice. Malice.
d. Attributes of III Breeding.
2. VICES.
Avarice, &c
THE PASSIONS ARE,
1. JOY. 2. ANGER. 3. GRIEF. 4. FEAR.
The existence of a Repulsive Principle in the mind,
which has been asserted by some, is altogether un-
founded. Where repulsion or aversion appears to
12
exist, it is only the effect of something more power-
fully attractive than that from which we seem to be
repelled. Hence it is, in fact, the most lucid exhi-
bition of the operation of Attraction. Thus, in that
state of mind called Rancour, where the greatest
possible aversion or abhorrence is supposed to exist,
its force is commensurate only with the protraction
of revenge; it dies instantly when our eagerness
to injure the hated object is glutted. This is the
Attraction of the mind to Evil.
The Passions, according to their general accepta-
tion, are merely the intense exertion of some of
these modifications of attraction; or where that at-
traction is no longer obedient to the direction of
Reason. In this state of over-exertion even the
principle which naturally inclines us to good, often
becomes as pernicious as that which makes us prone
to evil.
A Passion, in strict language, however, means a
sudden and violent commotion of the mind, accompanied
and distitiguished by certain preternatural phenomena
of the voice, gesture, or expression ; and " opposed to
that state of tranquillity wherein a man is master of
himself''
The Passions, in this sense, are certain attributes
of the mind, which, though in the mouth of every
13
one, and almost constantly before us, are but little
understood. To form some notion of them, we may
suppose them to have, in common, two states of ex-
istence; first, that state where the passion causes no
commotion in the mind, barely having existence
there; or, in other words, where it is only latent:
and, secondly, where, clothed in dictatorial robes, it
rushes fearlessly forth in defiance and contempt of
Reason, and imposes itself upon our observation by
the most unequivocal phenomena. This is the state
of a passion, strictly and properly so called, and
which receives an easy solution by an attention to
the various ramifications of that great principle
of Attraction which determines the aspect and tenor
of human conduct.* It will then be seen that the
origin of those four great primary passions of the
mind, which we have merely marked in this table, is
explicable by the most simple deduction.
Thus, since there exists in the mind this great
attractive principle, it is rational to conclude that
its action may either be accelerated or consum-
mated, retarded or annihilated. Those causes
which tend to accelerate or consummate it, must
be in conformity or unison with the volition which
directs that action; and hence a source of satisfac-
tion, the prelude to Joy. Those causes, on the
* See Table I.
14
other hand, which tend to frustrate or destroy its ac-
tion, must, at the same time, contravene the opera-
tions of the will. There follows, hence, a natural
resistance to such obstacles, which resistance is dis-
played under the shape of Fear, Grief, or Anger.
To be a little more specific; whatever conspires
with our volition, or wishes, may excite our Joy;
whatever opposes them may excite our Anger, our
Fears, or our Griefs.
Our Joy fills the measure of our happiness when
we have accomplished or obtained that which we
loved, or to which we were attached, whether it be
good or evil.
Our Grief denotes the powerful attraction which
existed between ourselves and something which we
have now lost, or expect to lose.
Our Fear discovers the strong prepossession we
have that we are about to part with that to which
we are vehemently attached;
And our Anger expresses not only opposition or
obstruction to our volition, but a strong determina-
tion to avenge ourselves upon the offendino- ob-
ject.
Hence, they all spring ultimately from this great
principle of Attraction.*
* The only writer who seems to have formed an opinion of the Pas-
sions, similar to the doctrine I have advanced, is the ingenious author
of an anonymous work, printed at London, in the year 1772, in 2
15
All the passions (says Dr. Reid) imply the desire
of some object. If he had meant that the existence
of that original Desire, or Attraction, of which I
speak, is implied in every Passion, this observation
vols., 8vo., and entitled the " Philosophy of the Passions." " It seems to
me," says this writer, " that they (meaning Plato and Aristotle) give
several names to the same thing, that they divide the unity of Love,
and take its various effects for different Passions. So that after a due
examination of this matter, I am inclined to think that Love is the
only Passion whereby we are agitated; for all those movements that
trouble our soul are but so many distinguished loves ; our fears, and our
desires, our hopes and our despairs, our pleasures and our pains, are
visages assumed by Love, according to the good or ill success it meets
with; and, as the sea bears different names, according to the differ-
ent parts of the earth it washes with its waters, so love changes its
names according to its different situations. In the Pagan mythology
each perfection, of God passed for a divinity: in like manner the
qualities of Love have been taken by the ancient philosophers for dif-
ferent Passions; and those great men imagined that as often as it
changed its way of acting, or employment, it also changed its nature
and name. But if this argument were true, the soul must lose her
unity every time she produces different effects ; whence she that di-
gests meats, and distributes the blood through the veins, cannot be
the same that speaks with the tongue, and hears with the ears."
The same author, with equal perspicuity, confutes the objection
which has been raised to this doctrine on the supposition of a
principle of repulsion, or aversion, coinciding with myself in the
opinion which I have already expressed on this head. " These
cavillers forget (says he) that the same cause produces contrary
effects; that the heat which melts wax, dries clay; that the mo-
tion which raises our hearts to heaven, withdraws us from the
earth ; that our inclination of self-preservation is an aversion from
every thing that may contribute to hurt us, &c."
16
would have been correct. But when, immediately
after, he observes that this desire cannot exist, with-
out aversion to its contrary, it is clear that he could
not have had a correct view of this part of his
subject; for, admitting the existence of this aversion,
or repulsion, how could the mind act under two
principles directly the reverse? The result must
be a state of quiescence; but this is incompatible
with the idea of Passion. To repeat what
I wish so much to enforce, whatever conspires
with, or opposes, our volition, may excite our Pas-
sions. Passion is the concordance or resistance
of the mind to such causes, and he who tells what
makes up that concordance or resistance, gives us
an analysis of a Passion. If Dr. Reid had told us
that this analysis proves that desire, or attraction,
forms the chief constituent in a Passion, he would,
with regard to Anger, Grief, and Fear, have spoken
the truth. But when he attempts to accommodate
Joy, also, to this definition, he assuredly fails; for
who would be so inconsistent as to desire that which
we have accomplished.
Instead of Desire constituting the perfection of a
Passion, or that characteristic mark whereby it may
always be distinguished, (as Lord Kaims asserts,) it
is, in regard to Joy, directly the contrary. Thus the
attraction between parents and offspring, or Natu-
ral Affection, (see Table 1.,) which no one calls Pas-
17
sion, prompts a devoted mother ardently to desire
the return of a son who has been long absent. But
when once returned, and in her embrace, what more
can she wish! Desire can no more exist now than
two bodies can occupy the same place at once. It
is, in fact, superseded by the most ecstatic trans-
ports of joy. "We have then only to feel; the
gratified wish has no prospective object."* The
same may be said of Sexual Love, the consum-
mation of which is the most celestial and unadulte-
rated Joy: far above desire, either mental or animal.
Thus, listen to the language of a lover who had been
seated by his mistress :
fit 17<5co o-f, to»\iw nt tpwvSf
OuSJv !t' iTmi,
'A\Ka xajijiiv yk&crcra. laq/f Awtov 5'
AcWxa x? ""u? uiroSiSodnauv
'OmroiTtcrcnv 5' iSiv ojnji, fffippo/i-
£tuai 5' axsi.
Ka55' [opus -J/uXf oi \Urai, tjom®* Si
n&crav otyf i", x^w?"T«?a & 'r0'ai
'Ejijii'- Ttfiv&xiriv 5' bkiya 'mScWtiv
foi'vojiai dirvbi.T (Sappho.)
* MSS. Lecture on the connexion of " Physical Derangement
with Moral Character," by W. J. M'Neven, M. D. Professor of
Chemistry, &c, in the University of New-York; politely communi-
cated by the author.
f Or in the charming translation of this ode by Mr. Ambrose Phil-
lips.
---- While I gaz'd, in transport tost,
>Jy breath was gone, my voice was lost,
3
18
Were we to coincide with Lord Kaims, in respect
to Desire, we should have to believe, with Hume,
that every principle of action is passion. We ac-
knowledge that every principle of action, in other
words, every species of Attraction comprehends
Desire, but that desire itself points out the existence
of passion we absolutely deny.
The word Emotion, which, as well as Desire, has
also given rise to much discussion, is a vague term,
sometimes applied to simple sensation, sometimes to
denote the degree of action in a passion, strictly so
called. (See Table II.)
Emotion should be made to signify the sudden
conflict of contending passions and affections, pro-
ducing, of course, a restriction of action. Thus the
indignation of a father towards his son, counteracted
My bosom glow'd; the subtle flame
Ran quick through all my vital frame ;
O'er my dim eyes a darkness hung;
My ears with hollow murmurs rung :
In dewy damps my limbs were chill'd;
My blood with gentle horrors thrill'd;
My feeble pulse forgot to play ;
I fainted, sunk, and died away.
(Spectator, No. 229.)
19
by Natural Affection, checks the arm of retribution.
This is what should be termed an emotion of Indigna-
tion. So the contemplation of grandeur and beauty
raises an emotion of Awe mingled with Delight.
More or less Gloom too may be blended with both.
Thus, in that sublime and elegant passage in Con-
greve's Mourning Bride, (a passage which was
termed by Dr. Johnson the finest specimen of
Poetry in the English language,) we find the mind
struggling under the influence of all those three
Passions at the same moment:
" How reverend is the face of this tall pile,
Whose ancient pillars rear their marble heads,
To bear aloft its arch'd and ponderous roof,
By its own weight made steadfast and immoveable,
Looking tranquillity ! It strikes an awe
And terror on my aching sight; the tombs
And monumental caves of death look cold,
And shoot achilness to my trembling heart," &c.
When we speak of an emotion of Fear, we gene-
rally mean a conflict in the mind, between the Pas-
sion and the Affection Pride. Thus, though an
officer, surrounded by his comrades on the field ot
battle, should act in the most undaunted manner.
yet, were he alone, and attacked by some ferocious
animal, though armed and prepared, and even^papa-
ble of destroying his antagonist, his Pride would
20
most probably yield to the overwhelming influence
of Fear. In like manner, there may be an emotion
of Grief, commingled with Joy only. Thus, " the
memory of Joys that are past, (in the language
of Ossian,) are pleasant, though mournful to the
soul."
So there may be an emotion produced by the syn-
chronous action of Fear and Joy—as in that " be-
lated peasant," whom Milton so elegantly speaks of
in the following passage :
" Like that pygmean race
Beyond the Indian mount, or fairy elves,
Whose midnight revels by a forest side
Or fountain, some belated peasant sees,
Or dreams he sees; while over-head the moon
Sits arbitress and nearer to the earth
Wheels her pale course, they on their mirth and dance
Intent, with jocund music charm his ear ;
At once his heart with joy andfear rebounds." &c.
But if the presence or absence of rationality, with-
out regard to the duration of a Passion, be consi-
dered the only test of its characer, the term Passion
may be applied more extensively. Thus, in this
sense, it may properly be made to include certain
permanent habitudes and affections, which occasion-
ally usurp possession of the mind. That this usur-
pation takes place at the expense of Reason, is evi-
dent, from the pervading influence which, when pre-
21
sent, they are seen to have upon all our actions.
Thus, from among the malevolent affections, a man
may have a Passion for Cruelty, Slander, Vulgar-
ity, Insolence, Hypocrisy, Blasphemy, &c. ; from
among the vices, a Passion for Obsequiousness* Ec-
centricity, Procrastination, &c. ; from among the
benevolent affections, a Passion for Benevolence,
(called Prodigality,) for Hospitality, Gallantry, (or
Chivalry,) Politeness, &c.; from among the virtues,
a Passion for Honesty, for Candour, Chastity, &c.
The continued propensity, or subjection of the mind
to any of these affections, is what gives to them also,
in common opinion, the character of a Passion.
There are many other qualities of the mind, which
are so frequently met with, under this modification,
ihat they are by some always placed among the
Passions. Such are Vanity, and Pride ; Love of
Country, (or Patriotism,) of Wealth, (or Avarice,) of
Fame, (or Ambition,) of Novelty, (or Curiosity,f) &c.
Sexual Love,, which is invariably set down among the
* " There are some minds which naturally sink into submission,
which look on grandeur with undistinguishing reverence, and which
can discover no defect where there is elevation of rank or affluence
of riches." Dr. Johnson's Lives of the Poets.
t I cannot pass by this opportunity of promulgating the following
ingenious definition of this affection, by my friend and fellow student
Dr. B. P. Aydelott: " Novelty, (says he, in a MS. letter to the au-
thor,) you know, excites the curiosity, and thus becomes the keenest
spur to mental exertion. How great, therefore, should be our admi-
22
Passions, has, in truth, no stronger claims to that title
than those affections which I have just enumerated;
for it never becomes, in strict language, a Passion,
unless success crowns it with Joy, or disappoint-
ment shrouds it in Grief. Hence, we naturally
arrive at last to those four Primary Passions, only
to which our definition may be applied in every par-
ticular—viz. Joy, Grief, Anger, Fear. But since,
from the predominating influence of Sexual Love upon
the system, (more than almost every other species
of Attraction,) it most usually presents itself to us as
one of the continued forms of Grief or Joy, or as the
theatre of all the Passions indiscriminately, we have
thought proper to consider it, as regards its. Me-
dical Influence, in the light of a Passion.
To invariably connect, however, with our idea of
a Passion that latitude of meaning of which we have
just spoken, (see p. 20, 21.,) though, perhaps, in a mo-
ral sense, highly proper, would involve us in a good
deal of obscurity. It even throws a cloud over the
distinction between virtue and vice. Thus, though
ration and gratitude, when we consider what a listless, leaden-
minded race we should have been, had not the Almighty endued us
with Curiosity, or a capability of being excited by novelty__that
relative attribute of existence." To which he annexed the following
explanatory note : " Ideas or substances may be new to one and not
to another ; hence, I say, novelty is relative, or, in other words, that.
it depends upon the condition of the mind with regard to former per-
ceptions. It is an attribute of existence, because it may be perceived
in every thiugthat has being, both material and immaterial."
23
the opinion of the world may, on most occasions, be
correct, who shall take upon himself to decide, in all
instances, upon the rationality of a man's conduct ?
who shall say where that system of Prudence which
virtue and wisdom recommend becomes Parsimony,
or even Avarice ? who shall tell when Politeness de-
generates into Punctiliousness, or where Pride rises
to Arrogance ?
Though the true definition of a Passion is such
as we have given it above, and though the four
radical Passions, which I have just mentioned,
(viz., Anger, Joy, Grief, and Fear,) are all measura-
ble by this definition; yet, certain it is, that they
are capable of appearing under a more permanent
and continued form than that to which the defini-
tion strictly applies. This state of the mind resem-
bles that of an affection where it runs into a propen-
sity, (see p. 20, 21.,) but it is more justly entitled to
the appellation of Passion, because it is originally
moulded in Passion. It is, in fact, a Passion " in ex-
tenso." This form might have been inferred, when
we brino- to our recollection that the Passions are
capable, also, of combining with many of the Affec-
tions.* The Passions vary, also, in their degree of
action; this applies only to the action of a Passion,
strictly so called.
Hence the Passions are to be viewed under two
important heads, viz., 1st, according to their dura-
* See the following Table.
24
tion, whether transient or permanent; the first kind
constituting the only true form of a Passion, and va-
rying according to degree of action. And, 2d, ac-
cording to their combinations. To make this sub-
ject a little more plain, I subjoin the following Ta-
ble :
TABLE II.
THE PASSIONS.
« 8 °
a
s <
> S-
1. Disagreeable Sensation.
2. Irritated.
3. Indignant.
4. Enraged.
■ t B ■{ 5. Incensed.
6. Furious.
7. Mad.
8. Frenzied.
9. Outrageous.
" Antipathy.
Disgust.
Animosity.
Abhorrency
Malignancy
Revenge.
Rancour.
Mistrust. ) g
Suspicion. > c
Jealousy. ) %
Emulous. ~\
Rivalling. f §
Invidious. t 4
Envious. )
f Peevishness.
j Fretfulness.
^ Disinterestedness.
Churlishness.
L Freakishness, &c.
r Cholerickness.
High-mettled.
Passionate.
Inflammable.
Hasty.
Quarrelsome.
Distemperate, Lc.
fo
= 4)
of
4)
1. Disagreeable Sensation.
2. Wonder.
3. Surprise.
4. Fluttered.
5. Startled.
6. Amazed.
7. Alarmed.
8. Astonished.
9. Shocked.
10. Terrified.
11. Horror.
^12. Dismay.
r Skittish.
1 Irresolute.
} Timorous.
' Faint-heartedness, &c.
r Fearful.
1 Dread.
i Shiness.
' Caution, &c.
1. Pusillanimity.
2. Spiritless.
3. Heartless.
4. Cowardly.
5. Dastardly, &c.
Guilt.
Repentance.
Contriteness.
Humility.
Lowliness.
Meekness, &c.
25
jsS a
° ° s
*"i3 <
Q
!> ffl
It
ja o
{&
1. Disagreeable Sensation,
2. Sorrowful.
3. Mournful.
4. Doleful.
5. Repining.
6. Distressful.
7. Comfortless.
8. Inconsolable.
9. Forlorn.
1. Sedateness.
2. Seriousness.
3. Solemnity.
4. Sad.
5. Gloomy.
6. Downcast.
7. Depressed.
8. Melancholy.
9. Desponding.
10. Dismal. |
11. Despair. *.
12. Desperation. «,
1. Disquietude. J
2. Solicitude. J
3. Anxiety. -|
1. Forbearance.
And gives to every power a double power,
Above their functions and their offices.*
" Thus has it fortified the body against dangers,
difficulties, and hardships, which appeared superior
to human force."f
That modification of Attraction which we have
denominated Love of the Creator, (see Table I.,) it
would seem, is on certain occasions also possessed
of an analogous power. Thus, Dr. Clarke men-
tions, in his " Travels to the Holy Land," that " the
predestinarian Moslems, armed with a powerful
faith that nothing can accelerate or retard the fixed
decrees of Providence, pass unhurt through the
midst of Contagion." The same learned traveller
also mentions, that he " knew a Mahometan of high
rank, who, when his wife was attacked by the
plague, attended her with impunity until she died—
and in the hour of death, imprinted a parting kiss
upon her lips as he wept over her." But here the
antidote diffused through the system was imparted
by Faith and Sexual Love conjointly. Love is well
*■ Love's Labour's Lost, [Act IV.]
t Cogan on the " Passions."
.40
known to be a valuable remedy in Chlorosis. It
has also proved a remedy even in Consumption :
Tissot knew a young man in the last stage of Con-
sumption, who, happening to fall in love with a beau-
tiful woman, and meeting with a corresponding
attachment, was perfectly restored to health. To
give an idea of the opinion which the ancients en-
tertained of the salutary influence of Love;—Hippo-
crates mentions, that " Eunuchi non laborant poda-
gra, neque calvi fiunt," and that " Puer non laborat
podagra, ante veneris usum."*
Love seems to be the mental expression of one of
our strongest appetites, or at least so intimately de-
pendent upon it, that it cannot exist without it.
It was indeed for the evolution of this Passion
that the great division of the Sexes was established
with all those endearing sympathies which render
life so agreeable. Were it not for the existence of
this Passion, the world would become a cold and
dreary wild, void of every thing emulous or noble.
Not to speak of the destitution of other manly quali-
ties, the Warrior would lose his most powerful incen-
tive to battle; and the Poet, deprived of the beam-
*"EuvSxoi a jroSa-yyiwoiv, u5t (paWxjoi yivovrai." Alpo?. 28. Tjjiina Ektg.
* liars H iro5o7f ia jrjo tb aq??c5iciasnou." A z$ a shaft,
Im ejcj: bc-Uoto ana grid? to bebolu,
t>\$ hue pale anu agljen to unfolo,
9nu solitarg be fna^ eber alone,
Stofl baking all tlje nigljt, making moan.t
------------forgotten quite
All former scenes of dear delight,
Connubial love—parental joy—
No sympathies like these his soul employ;
But all is dark within. J:
There is another species of Love or Attraction,^
which, from its singularly morbific operation on cer-
tain occasions, deserves our notice. This is Love of
* " MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures. '
f " Knight's Tale." J Penrose. § Pee Table L
50
Country. Under due regulation, it is the very ce-
ment of Society. Existing in a greater degree, it is
called Patriotism, but sometimes, though seldom, it
is so intense as to produce disease. This disease is
termed Nostalgia.
But, like Love of the Sexes, before it proves
so detrimental as this, it rather has assumed the
shape of Grief or Despondency.
An indulgence in so glorious a Passion as the
Love of one's Country, though sometimes attended
with solemn consequences, the sympathy of every
generous Mind will know how to pardon. Though
the devoted Patriot should even breathe his last on
the altar of Suicide, " the Accusing Angel bearing
to Heaven's Chancery a deed in so hallowed a
cause, would shed a tear on the crime and blot it out
forever."*
2d. THE DEPRESSING PASSIONS.
The next class of Passions which I have propo-
sed to consider, are those which depress the powers
of the system. They are Grief and Fear, and their
different varieties, by whatever term they may be
distinguished. Like those which exhilarate their
effects, are either transient or durable, according to
* Sterne^.
51
the nature and duration of the object which calls
them into action. Their sudden exertion, however,
is not usually so powerfully depressing as that of
the others is exciting. Consequently, their imme-
diate effects are not so much to be deprecated.
Whatever evils are to be attributed to this class of
Passions as their source, for the most part arise from
long-continued action, settled into a fixed habit.
The Depressing Passions differ from those of the
last class, in one important circumstance: viz. that
their operation is more rarely, or never, salutary.
Besides, the diseases which they induce are totally
distinct, nay, even of an opposite character. While
the Exhilarating Passions furnish too much excitement,
and too much life, the Depressing, with a contrary
tendency, ahvays diminish their quantum.
The Depressing Passions lessen the force and
frequency of the Heart and Arteries, paralysing
the smaller, and, consequently, crowding the blood
upon the larger vessels. They also powerfully de-
bilitate the Nervous System. All the Functions
both of Body and Mind, are thus retarded below
the standard of Health. Obstructions in various
parts of the system are the inevitable consequence;
Constipation, Hemorrhage, Diseases of the Heart,
&c. The greater number of Nervous Diseases, also,
follow in the train of the Depressing Passions.
52
GRIEF.
Grief is the opposite of Joy; it has a particular iiV
fluence on the Heart and Arteries, and the various Se-
cretions. Hence, the Bile is changed. " Hippocrates,
Galen, Boerhaave, &c, observed this, but they erro-
neously ascribed the affection of the mind to this
change, whereas it is the contrary."* It assumes
the milder form of Melancholy in the Temperament
which bears that name, and which it characterizes.
In such Temperaments the attending depression is
the result of original conformation, in other habits
it is accidental, and arises from some external cause.
Grief, generally, is of considerable duration, and
most violent in its commencement. Time gradually
wears away the disagreeable impression, or some
afflicting disease is induced, which, adding to the ex-
isting miseries of the patient, strews his dying path
with thorns. The effect of a sudden fit of o-rief
upon the system, must, like the action of the exhila^
rating Passions, increase the velocity of the circula-
tion ; but not as they do its impetus. The condition
of the sanguiferous vessels, under such momentary
distress, is generally that of a state of irritability
rather than of fulness. Like the first stage of Ty-
* Crichtonon " Mental Derangement," vol. ii. p. 191—?
53
phus, it is dependent upon, and merely symptomatic
of, the previous debility and depression of the ner-
vous system.* Hence, the diseases are more usually
traceable to a derangement of the nerves, than to
the faulty action of the blood vessels. In some
habits, however, not only the rapidity, but the im-
pulse, also, of the circulation becomes increased.
And hence, merely by this violent impulse, we see
this Passion sometimes the source of Apoplexy, He-
moptysis, Active Hemorrhage, in general, Synochal
Fever, Convulsions, and even Death; analogous in
its effects to Anger. But this casual action of
Grief Is not to be mistaken for its characteristic ope-
ration. Its primary and distinctive effect is discover-
able in the Nervous System. And what adds to
the truth of this position, is the particular class of
beings in whom this Passion is most prevalent. For
it must be remembered that Grief is the bane of
nervous and delicate habits.f
It is from gradually wasting away the powers of
the system, by long-continued Despondency, and not
by any sudden or violent shock, that this Passion
generally induces disease.
* See Hosack's Observations on the Typhoid state of Fever, in
the Appendix to his edition of Thomas's Practice.
■j- " Grief is a Passion to which the virtuous and tender mind is
particularly subject."—-Dr. Johnson.
54
Grief breaks the seasons and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.*
" The mournful ideas, first violently impressed,
and afterwards willingly received, so much engross
the attention, as to predominate in every thought, to
darken gaiety, and perplex ratiocination. An
habitual sadness seizes upon the soul, and the facul-
ties are chained to a single object, which can never
be contemplated but with hopeless uneasiness."!
A general torpor shows itself in the sanguiferous
system. Obstructions in the Liver, and other dis-
eases follow. " The mind being affected, the sto-
mach and adjacent organs must also be affected, and
the mind again operated upon by them."{ Hence,
Dyspepsia, Dropsy, Jaundice, and Hypochondriasis.§
Palsy and Aphonia are also among its consequences.||
So also are Syncope, Asphyxia, Epilepsy, Catalepsy,
Phthisis, Apoplexy, Hemoptysis, Loss of Memory,
ManiaJL and even Death.** The Emperor Severus
* " Richard III." Act I.—« Omnis perturbatio raiseria; etcamifi-
cina est Dolor."—(Tully.)
f Dr. Johnson.
t "MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures."
§ See Bonetus, Trallien, Lorry, Baglivi, Hoffman, and Crichton.
IIIbid- IT " MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures."
** "Worldly sorrow causeth Death."—(2 Ccr vii. 10—Ps-slm
xxxi. 10.)
55
died of Grief, and how many myriads besides ! (says
Burton.) Grief is sometimes followed, also, by
Diseases of the Heart, as in the French Revolution.*
" Cor refrigerat Tristitia, spiritus exsiccat, inna-
tumque calorem obruit, vigillas inducit, concoctionem
labefactat, sanguinem incrassat, exaggeratque me-
lancholicum succum."f
In the case of an unfortunate female of this city,
whom Professor Mott, of this University, mentions
in his Lectures,^ though her death was sudden, she
had been for some time excessively desponding.
On that fatal evening which closed her existence,
her feelings were wound up to the highest pitch of
Despair; her spirits sunk under the oppressive
load; her blood curdled in its vessels, and the last
contractile beat of the heart burst on its lifeless con-
tents ! She literally and truly died of a broken
heart, as was found on dissection. And there was
every reason to believe that this consummation of
her misery was the unavoidable consequence of her
exquisite dejection of Mind at that particular mo-
ment. Her previous sorrows paved the way for
this sad event, and, though the remote, were indeed
the true cause of her death. The bursting of her
* Vid. infra.
\ Fernelius, lib. i. c. 18. de morb. causis.
J See the particulars of this case in the " New-York Medical
Magazine," No. II. edited by Drs. Mott and Onderdonk.
56
heart would seem to denote some sudden and vio-
lent action in that organ; but the undisturbed and
natural posture in which she was found in her bed,
clearly demonstrate the error of such an opinion.
We have the strongest grounds, therefore, to con-
clude, that this rupture of her heart was the imme-
diate effect of the great accumulation of blood in
that organ, caused by the depressing influence of
the Passion.*
There is a very singular symptom or effect of
Grief, which, as it is not often noticed, deserves to
be mentioned, and that is Profound Sleep. " I have
often witnessed it (says Dr. Rush) even in mothers,
immediately after the death of a child." Criminals,
we are told by Mr. Akerman, the keeper of New-
gate, in London, often sleep soundly the night be-
fore their execution. The son of General Custine
slept nine hours the night before he was led to the
guillotine in Paris, and Marshal Ney reposed quietly
for two hours immediately on receiving his sentence.!
* Dr. Rush, in his work on the " Diseases of the Mind," mentions,
that dissections of persons who have died of grief show also that
there had been inflammation of the heart, as well as congestion of
this organ.
f It can hardly be supposed that one who met death with that un-
paralleled heroism which is related of Ney, could at any time have
given himself up to puerile lamentations. But it is extremely pro-
bable, that the thought of so soon resigning "this pleasing, anxious
being," must, at least, have overshadowed his mind with a degree of
gloom.
57
Dr. Rush thinks that facts like these " will serve to
vindicate the disciples of our Saviour from a want
of sympathy with him in his suffering." They
slept during his agony in the garden, because their
" flesh was weak," and in consequence of " sorrow
having filled their hearts." (P. 319. on the " Dis-
eases of the Mind.")
Grief also predisposes to Contagion.*
FEAR.
Fear is distinguished from other Passions by this
peculiarity, that its effects are alike powerful upon
the system whether it result from the actual percep-
tion of terrible objects, or whether it be harrowed
up by some horrible phantom of the imagination.
The Power of the imagination, in fact, though it is
generally treated as some separate influence, induces
physical derangement only through the medium of
the Passions, and most of all through the operation
of Fear.f
In either case, when fully excited, this Passion
seems to have a peculiar operation upon the Ner-
vous Influence. It strikes at the root of some of
» Cogan.
f This is confirmed by Burton. " But most especially in passions
and affections, the imagination shows strange and evident effects."
Vol. i. p- 135.
3
58 '
the noblest faculties of the Mind; depriving us of
the power of Volition, and totally suspending our
Judgment and Memory* The Perception, too, it per-
verts, and the affrighted sufferer, as in a dream,
imagines that he beholds the most terrific spectres !
Stat terror animis, et cor attonitum salit,
Pavidumque trepidis palpitat venis jecur.f
Some of the involuntary muscles, also, no longer
obey the direction of their nerves. Thus, even the
gallant soldier, " seeking the cannon's mouth," has
often been checked in his noble career by the sud-
den relaxation of his sphincters. u This is not to be
ascribed to cowardice^ for many of these engage
voluntarily; but the mind naturally recoils upon it-
self at the thoughts of dissolution, and the stoutest
hearts become appalled."^ Death itself not unfre-
quently results from the violence of this Passion;
as in the following cases : " The elder Clinc visited
a young lady for tumour in the breast, and recom-
mended extirpation. She freely consented to the
operation, but assured her friends it would kill her
The operation being trifling, it was urged by the
Surgeons, and the young lady reproved by her
* 6tOf 7&J ni'ivfinv ixjrXrio-fffi, tjxvt) Ji avtv a\*r,s a5i» co(pfAf7. Thucyd. lib.
ii. c. 81.—Metus enim memoriam excutit, ars vero sine fortitudine
nihil prodest.
t Senec. " Here. Oet."
\ " MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures."
59
parents for her timidity. She, however, still insisted
that it would prove fatal, and, indeed, did die an
hour or two after it was performed. So confident
was she of her death, that she had arranged all her
private affairs some time before it."*
" I have known a man to be so much affected at
the idea of losing a leg, as to die in less than twenty-
four hours after the operation was proposed.""!-
The celebrated Pott sounded a man for a Stone
in the Bladder, and found it. The patient was so
much agitated at the thought of a stone in the blad-
der, and that an operation was necessary to remove
it, that he died the same day.
Diseases resulting from the influence of this Pas-
sion, are Sudden Suppression of the Menses, or Milk,
Apoplexy, Hemorrhage, Mental Derangement,
Spasms, and Paralysis of different parts, as Apho-
nia, &c.J At other times it produces Hysteria, Mis*
carriage, Prolapsus Ani in children ;§ Syncope and
Asphyxia.^
* Politely furnished the author by Valentine Mott, M. D. Profes-
sor of Surgery in the University of New-York, &c.
f Ibid.
t See Unzer, Bonetus, Pechlin, Donatus, Scaliger, Plater, Schen-
kius, Hildanus, Tralles, Schelhammer, Becker, Baglivi, Morton, La
Motte, Rivin de Peste, Haller, Montaigne, Rhodes, Greding.
&c. &c. &c.
§ « MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures."
|| Rush on the " Diseases of the Mind."
60
Mania was caused in a gentleman of Edinburgh
on hearing of the earthquake at Lisbon.* Van
Swieten tells of a boy who had Epilepsy brought on
by the barking of a dog. " The cry of a female in
the Infirmary of Edinburgh, I have seen cause con-
vulsions in those who heard her shrieks."f
Fear has ever been observed to powerfully pre-
dispose to Contagious Diseases; as Yellow Fever,
Plague,^ &c. It predisposes to Intermittens also.
It retards the cure of Ulcers, and has occasioned
Gangrene.^ " But pernicious as it usually is, it
has been known (says Cogan) to relieve agonizing-
fits of the Gout, to have rendered Maniacs calm
and composed, and in some cases it has restored
them to the regular use of their faculties." The
effects of Fear in affording temporary relief in
Odontalgia and Singultus, are well known. It is
said, also, by some, to have cured Palsy, Dropsy,
* " MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures." See also Burton's Me-
lancholy, vol. i. p. 143., &c.
f " MS. Notes of Hosack's Lectures."
{ " The Greeks and Franks, who turn pale at the very name of the
Plague, are much more susceptible of this disease than the Armeni-
ans, who have very little dread of it, and the Turks, who calmly take
it as it comes." (Sulla Peste di Constantinopoli, del MDCCCIII.
Giornale del Dottore Eusebio Valli, 1805, p. 81.) The distinguished
author of this excellent work is now on a literary tour to this coun
try.
§ See Brambilla.
61
Epilepsy, and Tertian Fever. But, though these
cases be doubtful, I believe we may assert, with
truth, that sudden Terror has sometimes so ex-
cited the apprehensions of hypochondriacs, as to
have obliterated all their former maladies.* How
the operation of Fear sometimes produces a sud-
den whiteness of the hair, or causes it to come out
by the roots, has not been explained.!
From what we have said of Fear, it is evident
that its most striking operation on the system,
though transitory in duration, if it be too often sus-
tained, or of great intensity, may be the source of
the worst of evils. When endured in a more mo-
derate degree, its effects are but in a slight degree
depressing, and it then better deserves the appella-
tion of Dread. In a moral point of view, this degree
of Fear is of great importance. " The dread of the
magistrate, and the fear of future punishment, with
those who cannot be restrained by nobler principles,
are certainly most powerful motives to virtue;"^
and as such ought, undoubtedly, to be kept alive in
every community.
But that modification of Fear, combined with
Grief, which arises from the Fear of Futurity, and
which is so beneficial under proper restrictions, has
* See Cogan. f See Borelli.
J Reid on the " Mind."
62
been, alas! too often prostituted to the vilest pur-
poses. In the hands of fanaticism and hypocrisy,
by inculcating the most frightful despair, it has
caused the untimely death of thousands of innocent
beings.
63
PART III.
Hitherto we have endeavoured to point out the
force of each individual Passion, in as far as that
force tended to the production or modification of
Disease. This has been considered abstractedly,
and as if the Passion, such as it was implanted in
us by nature, had been directed in every instance,
solely and uninterruptedly to the accomplishment of
those changes. But this is taking too analytical a
view of the subject. The power of the Passions
may be compared to that of Affinity; it never acts
without receiving some modification in its capacity
from a variety of extraneous Agencies: such are
Education and Climate. Of these, Climate is ever
present, and, therefore, always energetic; but its
influence is not very great, else why should we find
nations, living under precisely the same climate, dif-
fering so widely in their moral character.
Education may be considered as fortuitous, though
possessing, more than all other causes, infinite
power in moulding the Passions. So great is this.
indeed, that it is the origin of that great chasm in
64
society, between Refinement and Barbarity. Un-
der Education I include the operation of Govern-
ment, whether man be the nursling of Republican-
ism or Monarchy.
Unless, however, the human mind be subjected
to the iron hand of Despotism, the Government of
a People cannot be said to have any distinctly mor-
bific influence upon the Passions. But with regard
to Despotic Governments, where they do exist, their
influence is most pointed. Themselves the offspring
of diabolical Passions, in their turn, what Griefs!
what Hatreds! what Horrors! have they not en-
gendered !
Goaded on by their cruelties and enormities, the
human mind has been wrought up to the most ex-
quisite pitch of torment, and taught to glory in deeds
that it else had never dreamt of. Passions have
been roused, which hybrid-like, had no natural ex-
istence, and whose nameless miseries have surpassed
the conceptions of the most consummate fancy.
How oft, too, have Passions been thus excited and
let frantic into the world ; which, but for this cause,
had for ever lain dormant, or never shot beyond their
spheres! Better, far, that man had never existed, or
never been torn from his primitive wilds, than that.
he should ever have been the creature of slavery!
It throws a stigma upon society and civilization
65
which has never been removed, but which the Ex-
cesses and Outrages of the present day only tend to
heighten.
There are certain Passions which, when not ex-
cessive, always raise agreeable sensations. Such
are Joy, and its various modifications. But Anger,
Fear, and Grief, on the other hand, always occasion
distress. And such are the Passions which Tyranny
calls forth in their most horrible forms. The
Diseases which they occasion, must necessarily cor-
respond ; hence, they are of the most dangerous
and fatal kind that accompany those Passions: as
Rupture of the Heart, and of the Large Blood Vessels,
Diseases of the Heart, Apoplexy, Epilepsy, Hypochon-
driasis, Syncope, Convulsions, &c. We should not be
surprised therefore to meet death at these outlets,
in all countries groaning under the sway of despo-
tism. The same might be expected during revolu-
tions resulting from such despotism. Hence, says
Corvisart, Diseases of the Heart were observed to
be particularly prevalent during the epoch of the
French Revolution.* «
I do not know whether the observation has been
made by any other person, but it is probable that
the history of almost every nation would furnish pa-
rallel instances.
* " Organic Diseases of the Heart," p. 276.
9
66
The Passions constitute the great Features in the
Life of Man—-the Outlines of the Human Character.
They are the chief springs to human action, and are
of the utmost importance to society.
To illustrate this subject still further, they may be
considered in three different ways, viz: 1st. As they
appear at different periods of life. 2dly. As they
distinguish particular classes of individuals, (or the
temperaments,)—and, Lastly, As they give a cast
to national character, *. e. as they are modified by
Education.
The influence of Age or Temperament is depend-
ent chiefly upon original conformation. That of
Education, as has been already observed, is alto-
gether extraneous. This view of the Passions is
only introduced in order to show under Avhat cir-
cumstances they and their effects may be rationally
anticipated.
1st. Youth is proverbially the period of Passion.
In the language of Horace,
----------1f:-------------Puer iram
Colligit ac ponit temere, et mutatur in horas.
But if the season of Youth be more strongly
marked by the predominance of the Passions, they
are transient in their stay, and leave no violent traces
behind. They appear in quick succession, and as
67
soon retire. If not duly regulated, however, they are
highly injurious, especially Anger, " which proves
particularly dangerous at this time, from impairing
the nervous system."*
The same remark might have been made of Fear;
which at this tender period of life, often so breaks
down the mental faculties, as to leave behind it an
incurable imbecility or even idiotism. The vile
practice of impressing on the belief of children the
existence of Ghosts, Hobgoblins, Witches, &c., has
not unfrequently been the source of these, or more
deplorable, calamities.
After the age of Puberty, Love acts an important
part in the affairs of man. The ancients considered
it of so much importance at this period of our lives,
that they called it " a remedy provided by the gods
for the safety and preservation of youth."! This
corresponds with the opinion of Theocritus:
Oi St wottvvris, kv fycm yr\oa.erKa