The destructive passions are shown in a general tension of the
muscular system, in gnashing of the teeth and protrusion of the claws,
in dilated eyes and nostrils in growls; and these are weaker
forms of the actions that accompany the killing of prey."
Here we have, as I believe, the true theory of a large number
of expressions; but the chief interest and difficulty of the
subject lies in following out the wonderfully complex results.
I infer that some one (but who he is I have not been able to ascertain)
formerly advanced a nearly similar view, for Sir C. Bell says,[9]
"It has been maintained that what are called the external signs
of passion, are only the concomitants of those voluntary movements
which the structure renders necessary." Mr. Spencer has also
published[10] a valuable essay on the physiology of Laughter,
in which he insists on "the general law that feeling passing
a certain pitch, habitually vents itself in bodily action,"
and that "an overflow of nerve-force undirected by any motive,
will manifestly take first the most habitual routes; and if these
do not suffice, will next overflow into the less habitual ones."
This law I believe to be of the highest importance in throwing
light on our subject.
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