Zoonomia/II.II.II.I

ORDO II.

Decreased Sensation.

GENUS I.

Of the General System.

SPECIES.

1. Stultitia insensibilis. Folly from insensibility. The pleasure or pain generated in the system is not sufficient to promote the usual activity either of the sensual or muscular fibres.

2. Tædium vitæ. Ennui. Irksomeness of life. The pain of laziness has been thought by some philosophers to be that principle of action, which has excited all our industry, and distinguished mankind from the brutes of the field. It is certain that, where the ennui exists, it is relieved by the exertions of our minds or bodies, as all other painful sensations are relieved; but it depends much upon our early habits, whether we become patient of laziness, or inclined to activity, during the remainder of our lives, as other animals do not appear to be affected with this malady; which is perhaps left owing to deficiency of pleasurable sensation, than to the superabundancy of voluntary power, which occasions pain in the muscles by its accumulation; as appears from the perpetual motions of a squirrel confined in a cage.

3. Paresis sensitiva. Weakness of the whole system from insensibility.