We do
not attempt to explain the susceptibility of certain persons to
certain foods and certain exposures. We know that such is the
fact. According to Begin's idea, there is scarcely any separation
between idiosyncrasy and temperament, whereas from what would
appear to be sound reasoning, based on the physiology of the
subject, a very material difference exists.
Idiosyncrasies may be congenital, hereditary, or acquired, and,
if acquired, may be only temporary. Some, purely of mental
origin, are often readily cured. One individual may synchronously
possess an idiosyncrasy of the digestive, circulatory, and
nervous systems. Striking examples of transitory or temporary
idiosyncrasies are seen in pregnant women.
There are certain so-called antipathies that in reality are
idiosyncrasies, and which are due to peculiarities of the ideal
and emotional centers. The organ of sense in question and the
center that takes cognizance of the image brought to it are in no
way disordered. In some cases the antipathy or the idiosyncrasy
develops to such an extent as to be in itself a species of
monomania. The fear-maladies, or "phobias," as they are called,
are examples of this class, and, belonging properly under
temporary mental derangements, the same as hallucinations or
delusions, will be spoken of in another chapter.
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