Diseases > Domestic medicine

128 BUCHAN*
functions. It often occasions fevers, and other acute
diseases; and sometimes even sudden death. This
passion is peculiarly hurtful to the delicate, and those
of weak nerves. I have known such persons fre¬
quently lose their lives by a violent fit of anger, and
would advise them to guard against the excess of
this passion with the utmost care.
It is not indeed always in our power to prevent
being angry; but we may surely avoid harbouring
resentment in our breast. Resentment preys upon
the mind, and occasions the most obstinate chronical
disorders, which gradually waste the constitution.
Nothing shews true greatness of mind more than to
forgive injuries; it promotes the peace of society,
and greatly conduces to our own ease, health, and
felicity.
Such as value health should avoid violent gusts of
anger, as they would the most deadly poison. Neither
ought they to indulge resentment, but to endeavour
at all times to keep their minds calm and serene.
Nothing tends so much to the health of the body as
a constant tranquillity of mind.
FEAR.
The influence of fear, both in occasioning and
aggravating diseases, is very great. No man ought
to be blamed for a decent concern about life; but
too great a desire to preserve it is often the cause of
losing it. Fear and anxiety, by depressing the
spirits, not only dispose us to diseases, but often
render those diseases fatal which an undaunted mind
would overcome.
Sudden fear has generally violent effects. Epileptic
fits, and other convulsive disorders, are often occa¬
sioned by it. Hence the danger of that practice, so
common among young people, of frightening one