The Origin and Nature of the Emotions; Miscellaneous Papers

by George Washington Crile

"The Origin and Nature of the Emotions; Miscellaneous Papers" by George W. Crile is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work compiles several papers that investigate the interplay between emotions and physiological responses, particularly in the context of surgical procedures and trauma. Crile explores the physiological underpinnings of emotions such as fear and anger, delving into how these emotions are manifested in the body, particularly in relation to stressors and injuries. The opening portion of the work primarily outlines Crile's motivations for compiling his thoughts and research findings. He introduces key concepts such as the Kinetic Theory of Shock, emphasizing the relationship between emotional states and significant physiological changes in the brain and other organs. He discusses experimental studies conducted on various animals to assess how these physiological responses are intertwined with fear and trauma during surgical procedures. Crile posits that understanding these connections is critical for both the surgical process and the broader implications on human health, leading towards a novel perspective on emotional response interventions in medical settings.