The New Hampshire Gazette

Dr. H. Stevenson, in an essay on the Yellow Fever, published in the Baltimore Federal Gazette, of the 17th ult. thus describes the effects of fear:

I neglected to mention fear, as a particular predisposing cause; but shall now give an instance of it that came under my notice—Two gentlemen came to me during the prevalence of the fever, apparently (from imagination) very ill. I examined their pulses, and could with difficulty refrain from laughing. They asked my opinion, declaring their belief to have the yellow fever? I told them they had applied in time sufficient to cure them in 48 hours, for I had lately discovered a medicine that would relieve in 6 or 8 hours, some of which I would give them immediately, which I had no doubt would afford them astonishing relief in one hour.

I secretly made up a strong peppermint sling, and disguised it with spirits of lavender, and divided it between them; and in a few minutes, upon inquiry, they conceived they felt a little better, and desired I would give some more of the mixture to take with them. I answered they had better decline taking any till evening, that I might know the effects of the medicine, and if they should be worse, to inform me. They requested I would visit them in the evening which I did, and found them very well, at the same time declaring (after my informing them of the preparation) they must have died from conceit, had I not acted as I had done.