Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1888-09-29
EFFECTS OF MENTAL oyERWORK.
A Common Form of Illness Which Cor

Common Form OF Illness Which Is Con-
orally D.srogarded.
Some interesting though not novel
observations on the symptoms OF men
tal fatigue were discussed OF recent
meeting Of the Anthropological Society.
The result of these Investigations goes
to prove that WEAKNESS of mind, the
result of work, like other forms of ex-
haustion, is recognizable under the two
different though related aspects of irri-
liability and incapacity. Further care
full inquiry into the same subject would
probably show that here, as elsewhere,
the former Of these conditions is introz
ductory to the latter, and is the natural
sequel Of that stage of apparently sue
cessfn overaction which is seen when
on organ still fully capable is unduly
stimulated.
The observations referred to were
culled from n series of reports by
school teachers, and included details Of
their own sensations as well as of the
children under their care. The signs
of mental irritability were apparent in
sleeplessness md nervous laughter; of
fatigue, in sleepintss and capacity for
task work. Lolling, yawning, and
languid manner told that tho will was
tagging. Headache suggested over
strain in study combined with defec-
tive ventilation, and perhaps too spar
ing dict; whilo some curious facts
bearing on the causation of color-blind
ness and somnambulism were also
noted. Thus, in one case the blue
color perception was for time oblit-
Grated, and the sufferer from this de-
feet found herself painting ivy leaves
bright orange; while in another a stu
dent, having retired to rest on the eve
of IN examination, awoke Mt his desk
to find that he had been busily en-
gagged in drawing humorous cartoons
relating to q former conversation Here
We have mn instance of cerebral irrita
ton due to overwork, which suggests
somewhat close connection between
dreaming and somnambulism, and af-
fords clue to tile physiology of the
latter condition
Overworl1, both mental and bodily,
is Mt once the most general and the
least regarded form Of illness to which
we are liable in the present age. Do
what we may, it is next to impossible
to escape from it; but there is, at all
events, certain satisfaction in being,
able to recognize its features. We.
must not forget, however, that it is also
to considerable extent preventable
evil, and it is certainly matter for
satisfaction that this fact is not ignored
by the reforming party in the legisla-
ture. It's treatment in individual cases
requires chiefly that due attention be
paid to tho two great essentials of
timely rest and wholesome diet. Work,
however irksome, may, it is generally
allowed, he undertaken on q LIBERAL
scale, if only it is not too continuous.
but is broken by timely and adequate;
intervals of rest. The value OF a plain
and liberal dietary is hardly less, and
we slay take it rs maxim for the
times that, so long as appetite and sleep!
are rlnimpnired, there is no dangerousi
degree of ovcrwork, and, conversely,
that failure in either of these respects!
should be regarded as warning signal,
to which attention should be paid byi
relieving tue strain of exertion.-Lo11'
don Lancet.