Our brain, body and nerves / by Andrew Wilson.

  • Wilson, Andrew
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Our brain, body and nerves / by Andrew Wilson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    131/170 page 117
    weak, is dominated in such a case by the nerve apparatus to an extent unrepresented in cases where the will power is deficient. This d evelop- ment may in some cases proceed to extra- ordinary limits. It may occasionally be ex- erted even to check actions or processes in the body which otherwise would tend to bring about disastrous results to the body’s welfare. I remember years ago reading of the case of Edward Irving, the famous preacher. It was during a cholera period when Irving was seized suddenly with symptoms which were undoubtedly those of the dreaded disorder. He was about to ascend his pulpit, and in the vestry was well nigh in a state of collapse. Summoning to his aid his will power he re- solved that, living or dying, he would enter the pulpit and discharge his duties. Tottering into the pulpit, he began the service and after a period in which he was obviously suffering intense pain, he gradually recovered, and although wearied and faint at the close of his ministrations, he had evidently shaken off the attack with which he was threatened. I see no reason to doubt the veracity of this recital. There are many cases in which a bold, resolute, and determined attitude, even
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