Pinel has remarked that the insane are less liable to the effects
of cold than their normal fellows, and mentions the escape of a
naked maniac, who, without any visible after-effect, in January,
even, when the temperature was -4 degrees F., ran into the snow
and gleefully rubbed his body with ice. In the French journals in
1814 there is the record of the rescue of a naked crazy woman who
was found in the Pyrenees, and who had apparently suffered none
of the ordinary effects of cold.
Psychologic Effects of Cold.--Lambert says that the mind acts
more quickly in cold weather, and that there has been a notion
advanced that the emotion of hatred is much stronger in cold
weather, a theory exemplified by the assassination of Paul of
Russia, the execution of Charles of England, and that of Louis of
France. Emotions, such as love, bravery, patriotism, etc.,
together with diverse forms of excitement, seem to augment the
ability of the human body to endure cold.
Cold seems to have little effect on the generative function. In
both Sweden, Norway, and other Northern countries the families
are as large, if not larger, than in other countries. Cold
undoubtedly imparts vigor, and, according to DeThou, Henry III
lost his effeminacy and love of pleasure in winter and reacquired
a spirit of progress and reformation.
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