Changes produced in the nervous system by civilization, considered according to the evidence of physiology and the philosophy of history / by Robert Verity.

  • Verity, Robert.
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Changes produced in the nervous system by civilization, considered according to the evidence of physiology and the philosophy of history / by Robert Verity. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    52/160 (page 40)
    fusion of the national elements, as far as was possible, may be held to have taken place ; civilization will now have a strong tendency to remain stationary, and, sooner or later, the commencement of a fall and decline, from suspension of re-active stimulation, and arrest of nervous nutrition, will be the consequence. This was the case with the Roman Empire, after the Augustan age, and with Athens, after the time of Pericles. China is in the same predicament at present. As long as we see re-action in a community of races, there is yet hope of progress to be made. The elements of race continue to re-act long after a nation has possessed but one language, and but one general government; (England, France, United States.) Itis then only, indeed, that re-action becomes more truly assimilative, and that the period of hostile collision has ceased. This law of re-action, contrary to the law of fusion mentioned above, may be said to act from the centre to the circumference. It gives greater breadth, and area of development, and opens and enlarges the basis of the national civilization. Simultaneously with this increased activity, it brings into play a higher amount of nervous energy, influencing for the better, both the growth and temperament of the cerebral organs. The Luropean nations are under the full