quoted (pp. 40, 42) tend, from the conditions of experimentation, to be of sensorial rather than of muscular length. This might have been mentioned. As regards the Weber experiments, I was led by their repetition for lecture purposes to the same conclusion which the writer has reached: namely, that there are four elements in each, and not two only. The ordinary explanation correlates not S with F, S' with F', but S with F'. Does this argument, if correct, invalidate the pathological evidence? At any rate, it becomes a necessity to scrutinize this latter with extreme care. A case of "complete" anaesthesia of a patient trained in introspection would be a godsend to the psychologist.[1]
The relations of the Feelings to bodily states. – The "definition" of the Emotion (p. 59) is only a description, though Dr. Lehmann's analysis is correct enough. Certainly the suddenness of the impression is not essential, – unless we make it so by the terms of a definition. What we have to start with, is a strong feeling; i.e., a sensation-affection fusion, in which the affection is very intense. The presence of this in consciousness implies either polyideism or (practically) monoideism (p. 128), according to its quality. The various changes in the bodily state, concomitant or succeeding, also have their mental parallel. What of all this content constitutes the Emotion? By genus, I should be tempted to say, it is just the primary feeling, the intensely toned ideational complex. What we regard as the differentia, is largely a matter of taste. The author appears to ascribe equal importance to all the three moments. – I shall return to the point later.
The criticism of Lange's views need not detain us[2]: nor need we spend much time on Dr. Lehmann's own experimentation. That his theses are all made out in detail one cannot say. But his general conclusion confirms and amplifies our previous knowledge.[3] It is as follows: Pleasurably toned states of every kind are accompanied by dilatation of the superficial vessels, by intensification of the innervation of the voluntary (especially of the respiratory) muscles, and, probably, by increase of the extent of the heart-movements: un-
- ↑ Külpe has, I believe, given up the argument from the organic "feelings" (pp. 52 ff.), while retaining that from pathology.
- ↑ One may compare Wundt's remarks, Phil. Stud., VI, p. 349 ff.
- ↑ To mention one or two points. The reasoning on p. 87, as regards the raising of the pulse-curve in Joy, does not seem very cogent. The remarks on pp. 90, 91 show how complex the factors may be, which the arm-curve registered as totality; and p. 96 suggests the possibility of extraneous sources of error. – On the whole subject, cf. James, Principles, II, p. 447.
