Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/86

62&#93; €z] A N I v!uch distinguishes living from dead or inanimate matter,- and is frequently used to denote the prin- ciple of life itself. Strictly speak- ing, however, it is that vhieh im- parts energy and activity to the vital powers ; as these may still continue, when animation is either suspended or destroyed. It is ca- pable of modification, and varies in its proportion at particular times, and in different persons. In a moral or intellectual sense, it denotes an elevated state of the mind, in consequence of the pre- dominance of some powerful pas- sion, such as love, anger, ambi- tion, &c. or the vigorous applica- tion of stimuli, such as wine, spi- rits, air, exercise, &c. Of those causes which produce it in the highest degree, the chief and most essential is air ; — given either in its purest state, or in cer- tain combinations with other gases, its effects are so singular, as to resemble those which were former- ly said to be produced by magic. Mr. Humphry Davy, of Clif- ton, in a work lately published, informs us, that after inhaling ni- trous oxyd, a gas hitherto consi- dered as irrespirable, several per- sons, as well as himself, generally exhibited symptoms of the highest animation. A chearful serenity and apparent exaltation of mind : a degree of expansion, as if the whole body with all its vessels were extended ; a powerful im- pulse to muscular action ; and an indescribable transport, together with an irresistible inclination to laugh, were among the effects which it seldom failed to produce. Animation may be either dimi- nished, or suspended, without in- juring or destroying the living prin- ciple. The former effect may be ANf seen in those persons who have suffered from long and close con- finement in prisons, hospitals, crowded and heated assemblies, as well as in fevers, consumptions, and other chronic complaints. In these cases, a proper and moderate application of the. ' necessary sti- muli, such as air, exercise, a nourishing diet, fees will generally accomplish, either it3 partial or complete restoration. Of the lat- ter, various instances have lately happened : persons who were ac- cidentally suffocated or drowned, have, by timely and proper means (particularly those recommended by that excellent institution, the Royal Humane Society), been suc- cessfully re-animated, when life it- self seemed on the eve of depart- ing. Among those causes which prin- cipally tend to preserve and increase animation, are temperance, gentle exercise, nourishing diet, wine, moderate gratifications, and con- stant activity, bodi corporeal and mental. Various methods have, at differ- ent times, been recommended to restore animation when suspended, either from suffocation or drown- ing. In Spain, they first lay the body with its head downwards, near a fire, till it begins to feel warm, and eject water from the trachea, or windpipe ; they then foment the whole breast, and seat of the heart, with spirits of wine, brandy, or bread dipped in strong wines. By these means, if the vital principle be not extinct, the circulation of the blood is usually" restored. — The French Academy advise tobacco-smoke to be forci- bly injected into the anus and lui gs, after which a vein to be opened in the arm and foot : it is asserted