In both cases the eyes and mouth are widely opened and the
eyebrows raised. The frightened man at first stands like a statue,
motionless and breathless, or crouches down as if instinctively
to escape observation. The heart beats quickly and violently,
so that it palpitates or knocks against the ribs. * * * That the skin
is much affected under the sense of great fear we see in the marvelous
and inexplicable manner in which perspiration immediately exudes from it.
This exudation is all the more remarkable as the surface is then cold,
and hence the term, `a cold sweat'; whereas the sudorific glands
are properly excited into action when the surface is heated.
The hairs also on the skin stand erect, and the superficial
muscles shiver. In connection with the disturbed action of the heart,
the breathing is hurried. The salivary glands act imperfectly;
the mouth becomes dry, and is often opened and shut. I have also
noticed that under slight fear there is a strong tendency to yawn.
One of the best-marked symptoms is the trembling of all the
muscles of the body; and this is often first seen in the lips.
From this cause, and from the dryness of the mouth, the voice
becomes husky and indistinct, or may altogether fail.
* * * As fear increases into agony of terror, we behold, as under
all violent emotions, diversified results. The heart beats wildly,
or may fail to act and faintness ensues; there is death-like pallor;
the breathing is labored; the wings of the nostrils are widely dilated;
`there is a gasping and convulsive motion of the lips, a tremor
on the hollow cheek, a gulping and catching of the throat';
the uncovered and protruding eyeballs are fixed on the object of terror;
or they may roll restlessly from side to side. * * * The pupils
are said to be enormously dilated. All the muscles of the body
may become rigid, or may be thrown into convulsive movements.
The hands are alternately clenched and opened, often with a