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Dr. Willis asserts the former, and objects against the latter, of which, the Vindication is undertaken in this Epistle; wherein it is considered among divers other things. 1. That the Hysterick Passion is not always accompanied with Convulsions; where also the existence of the Succus nutritius (on which Dr. Willis his Doctrine seems to depend) is called in question, and several Arguments alledged to the contrary. 2. That, if the Succus nutritius in the Nerves, be by a violent explosion dilated, and that by the means of Fixed Salts mixed in the Nerves with Acid ones (according to Dr. Willis;) the same may happen upon the Concurrence and Conflict of the like Salts in the Blood.
Concerning the Hypochondriack Passion, the Question between these two Phystians, is, Whether the first and chief cause of that distemper, be the Weakness and Laxeness of the tone of the Stomach and its Fibres, whereby a vicious Chyle and Blood is generated, that causes such a Fermentation, upon which do ensue Trembling and Palpitations of the Heart, Swoundings, Fear, Sadness? &c. This is affirmed, and here further asserted by our Author, but denied by Dr. Willis; concerning which, the Reader will finde the best satisfaction in perusing the Writings themselves of both parties.
In the mean time he may please to take notice here, that Dr. Highmore in this Epistle, intersperses some not inconsiderable Remarks concerning the Use of the Spleen, which part he endeavors to free from thoseim-
