Note 5 — Chapter XIV · CEREBRAL PHYSIOLOGY.
Reading edition
Certain disturbances of the bodily organs excite fear. The apprehension of danger, or simply mental excitement, does not explain what is called "water fright," "stage fright," terror excited by the raging of a storm, or the rocking of a boat. In such instances the heart may beat heavily, the respiration be irregular and attended by precordial oppression, giddiness, weakness, and physical inability to articulate a word or recall a thought These bodily conditions are not subject to the control of the will, but arise when individuals are perfectly assured that no danger threatens. At other times, as in a fearful tempest upon the sea, although the danger be imminent, if the bodily functions are not disturbed, there is not the least manifestation of fear.