caught a robin in a room, which fainted so completely, that for a time
I thought it dead.
Most of these symptoms are probably the direct result, independently of
habit, of the disturbed state of the sensorium; but it is doubtful
whether they ought to be wholly thus accounted for. When an animal is
alarmed it almost always stands motionless for a moment, in order to
collect its senses and to ascertain the source of danger, and sometimes
for the sake of escaping detection. But headlong flight soon follows,
with no husbanding of the strength as in fighting, and the animal
continues to fly as long as the danger lasts, until utter prostration,
with failing respiration and circulation, with all the muscles
quivering and profuse sweating, renders further flight impossible.
Hence it does not seem improbable that the principle of associated
habit may in part account for, or at least augment, some of the
above-named characteristic symptoms of extreme terror.
That the principle of associated habit has played an important part in
causing the movements expressive of the foregoing several strong
emotions and sensations, we may, I think, conclude from considering
firstly, some other strong emotions which do not ordinarily require for
their relief or gratification any voluntary movement; and secondly the
contrast in nature between the so-called exciting and depressing states
of the mind. No emotion is stronger than maternal love; but a mother
may feel the deepest love for her helpless infant, and yet not show it
by any outward sign; or only by slight caressing movements, with a
gentle smile and tender eyes. But let any one intentionally injure her
infant, and see what a change! how she starts up with threatening
aspect, how her eyes sparkle and her face reddens, how her bosom
heaves, nostrils dilate, and heart beats; for anger, and not maternal
love, has habitually led to action. The love between the opposite sexes
is widely different from maternal love; and when lovers meet, we know
that their hearts beat quickly, their breathing is hurried, and their
faces flush; for this love is not inactive like that of a mother for
her infant.
A man may have his mind filled with the blackest hatred or suspicion,
or be corroded with envy or jealousy, but as these feelings do not at
once lead to action, and as they commonly last for some time, they are
not shown by any outward sign, excepting that a man in this state
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