Bodily changes in pain, hunger, fear, and rage : $b an account of recent researches into the function of emotional excitement

This volume brings together a series of early‑twentieth‑century investigations into how the body reacts when we are afraid, angry, in pain, or hungry. Conducted in Harvard’s physiological laboratory, the experiments were designed to be understandable even to listeners without medical training. The author weaves the original reports into a clear narrative that follows the logical flow of each study.

The work reveals that strong emotions trigger a cascade of physical changes: digestive secretions slow or speed up, the adrenal glands release a substance that raises blood sugar, and even fatigued muscles regain strength under certain nervous stimulations. Detailed yet approachable explanations show how the sympathetic nervous system orchestrates these responses, helping the organism cope with stress and preserve vital resources. Readers hear vivid descriptions of laboratory methods, from measuring adrenal blood to tracking glucose levels during pain.

Beyond the data, the book reflects on why these adaptations matter for everyday behavior, offering a bridge between physiology and psychology. Listeners interested in the science behind feeling, or in the historical roots of modern stress research, will find the material both informative and thought‑provoking.