Commentary on Human Temperaments as They Depend on the Structure and Fabric of the Body

III. Irritable temperament o.

The muscular fibers, though weaker, enjoy maximum irritability; the cellular tissue is more tender, the nervous system more sensitive than in either of the two previous classes of temperaments. Because of the lesser cohesion of the solid parts, the elasticity does not resist the irritability as much as in the vehement temperament; hence, the contracted fibers are not immediately drawn back; therefore, contractions can last longer. Such irritability and mobility of the parts do not require a strong stimulus to excite motions; therefore, there is a great propensity for spastic motions, even if the irritation is only slight. Thus, in prescribing medicine, more attention is required; a small dose, with some antispasmodic medicine mixed in, is usually more effective. Transpiration is very easily suppressed because of the extreme irritability; hence, many and various diseases of a catarrhal nature.

A man of irritable temperament is distinguished by a pleasing and vivid face, tinted with a florid color, and by a fast, small, and hard pulse. The disposition of the mind is usually similar to that often characteristic of the moderate temperament.

IV. Nervous, or weak temperament p.

The solids generally have the greatest tenderness, the fibers are looser, not endowed with a large supply of irritability; but the nervous system is equipped with exquisite sensitivity; hence, the circulation of the blood does not err with excessive velocity. The common sensorium is excited by the lightest stimulus, from which arise unpleasant sensations, and, if the irritation is increased, various types of spasms and convulsions arise. The solids indeed, as I have mentioned, neither possess great irritability, nor excel in maximum strength and elasticity; but the highest vigor of the soul's forces and the highest excellence are usually joined with this weak constitution. Men of a nervous temperament love solitude, and, fleeing the societies of other men, become morose; they apply themselves to the more sublime sciences, and they excel in them. Because of the sedentary life they favor, and the slower circulation of the blood, the humors thicken, which can give rise to many chronic diseases. Their face is somewhat pale, their gait slow, their hair sparse, their skin soft, very often however rigid, their eyes sad, small, and sharp; the growth of the body is slower, but usually attaining no small height; the pulse is rare and small. We often find an irritable constitution mixed into this temperament.

o) It has some similarity to the sanguineous-choleric temperament of the illustrious Wrisberg (cited work), the choleric of the illustrious Cullen (cited work, p. 116), and the cheerful of the most learned Lugt (see his Dissertation on Temperaments, Göttingen, 1781, p. 18).
p) It agrees almost with the Attic-melancholic temperament of the distinguished Plattner (cited work, p. 256).