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PL. I 
 
 Fig, ffl. 
 
 Fig. I. Propensities. 
 
 1. • 1 unit iuencss. 
 
 2. Pltiloprogenitioeness. 
 
 3. Cettceatrvtivrjusss. 
 
 It. Jldhesioeness. 
 
 5. Com fralim'iii'Ss. 
 
 6. JJt 'st rti ctiut'rt ess . 
 
 7. Constriietiren f.v. 
 H. t/it'ipt isifiiic/icss. 
 9. Secretiveness. 
 
 Fig. M. Intell ect. 
 
 19. Jiidiindtialittf. 
 
 10. Form. 
 
 21. Sire. 
 
 JBt Height. 
 
 23. Colon ring. 
 
 2*1. Locality 
 
 25 Order 
 
 26 Time. 
 
 27. JVYimhen 
 28 time. 
 
 29. Lamjmnje. 
 JO. Comparison 
 31 Causality 
 .12 H'il. 
 
 33. I in it niton 
 
 30. If an tin-. 
 
 Fig. TT Sentiments. 
 
 It). Self esteem . 
 
 11. Love of ' ■.Approbation. 
 
 12. Cautiousness. 
 13 Jieiiet'olence 
 
 I U I e iteration . 
 
 IS: /lope 
 
 Iti Ideality 
 
 17. Ct mscient lonsness. 
 
 18. Fi rntness 
 
AN 
 
 EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY; 
 
 IN TWO LECTURES, 
 
 DELIVERED TO THE STUDENTS OF THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, Dli 
 TRICT OF COLUMBIA, FEBRUARY, 1837. 
 
 Ey THOMAS SEWALL, M. D 
 
 PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 
 
 WASHINGTON CITY: 
 
 B. HOMANS, PRINTER. 
 
 1837. 
 
■fcr" 
 
 Entered according to an Act of Congress in the year 1837, by James W. Rowland* 
 in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Columbia. 
 
COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, D. C. 
 February 28th, 1S37. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 At a meeting of the Students of this College, the undersigned were 
 appointed a Committee to tender you their sincere thanks for the able and in- 
 teresting Lectures on Phrenology delivered by you, and respectfully to request 
 their publication. 
 
 With sentiments of esteem, we are, Sec. 
 
 SOLON LINDSLEY, ^ 
 J. A. SCHOOLF1ELD, 
 A. BROADDUS, Jr. } Committee. 
 
 A. J. STRINGFELLOW, 
 THOMAS W. SYDNOR, J 
 Thomas Sewall, M. D. 
 
 Professor of Jlnatomy and Physiology, 
 
 COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, 
 
 City of Washington, March 1st, 1837. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The Lectures containing an examination of Phrenology, the 
 publication of which you solicit, were first delivered, in substance, to the medi- 
 cal class, in 1826. I was then requested to allow their publication, but declined. 
 I now yield to your request, with the regret only, that I have not leisure, amidst 
 the pressure of professional business, to prepare them for the press as 1 could 
 wish, and especially that they cannot be accompanied by the specimens of crania 
 and models, which were exhibited as means of illustration, at the time they were 
 delivered. 
 
 Very respectfully, your friend, 
 
 THOMAS SEWALL. 
 To S. Lindsley, J. A. Schoolfield, A. Broaddus, Jr., A. J. String- 
 fellow, and T. W. Sydnor, Committee, <§rc. 
 
LECTURE I. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 The object of the lectures which I am invited to 
 deliver will be an examination of Phrenology, a science 
 which, though of recent date, has spread with great 
 rapidity, and is at this time exciting a general and 
 strong interest in the scientific circles of Europe and 
 this country. 
 
 The account which we have received of the origin 
 and progress of this subject is singular and interesting. 
 
 About half a century ago, Dr. Gall, an ingenious and 
 eccentric Physician of Germany, was led as he says 
 by observation, to the fact, that the various mental 
 manifestations of different individuals, were accom- 
 panied by a peculiar conformation of the cranium. — 
 His attention was at first drawn to this subject by ob- 
 serving while quite a youth, that each of his brothers 
 and sisters, his schoolfellows and companions in play, 
 possessed some peculiarity of talent or disposition, 
 some aptitude or propensity, which distinguished them 
 from others. One was modest, another haughty; this 
 one frank, that deceitful ; this peaceable, that disputa- 
 tious and quarrelsome. In their childish sports, he found 
 
some amused themselves by cutting figures in wood, 
 or drawing them on paper, in painting, or the cultiva- 
 tion ot a garden ; while others abandoned themselves 
 to the noisy games, or traversed the woods in pursuit 
 of flowers, birds nests, and butterflies. One was the 
 carpenter of the house, and was always seen with tools 
 in his hand ; and the greatest pleasure of another, on 
 the contrary, was to assist at the mass, and to ring the 
 church bells. 
 
 They were equally diversified in their capacities for 
 study. Some were distinguished for the beauty of 
 their penmanship, some for their success in arithmetic, 
 others for the talent of acquiring a knowledge of na- 
 tural history, or of languages. The composition of 
 one was remarkable for elegance, while the style of 
 another was stiff and dry ; a third connected his reason- 
 ing in the closest manner, and clothed his arguments 
 in the most forcible language. 
 
 In the course of his observations, he found that some 
 of his school fellows were distinguished for accuracy 
 and power of memory, and that those thus gifted had 
 prominent eyes. 
 
 He soon came to the conclusion that if memory for 
 words was connected with an external sign, the same 
 might be the case with other intellectual powers ; and 
 from this moment, he says, every individual, distinguish- 
 ed for any peculiarity, became the object of his attention 
 and study. Great musicians, great poets, great paint- 
 ers, great mathematicians, were carefully examined by 
 him, and their characters investigated. 
 
 And while he noticed this coincidence between the 
 external form of the head and the character of the 
 mind, he tells us that he referred the whole influence, 
 whatever it was, to the brain, and not to the bony case- 
 ment which surrounds it. 
 
Thus furnished with so many proofs of the coinci- 
 dence between the development of different parts of 
 the brain, and the display of the moral and intellectu- 
 al character of man, he was compelled to renounce the 
 obscure and incomprehensible doctrines of the schools, 
 and to apply himself to the study of the primitive fa- 
 culties. To this end he visited hospitals and insane 
 asylums, prisons, and the seats of justice ; was intro- 
 duced to the courts of princes, to schools and colleges, 
 and wherever he heard of an individual, distinguished 
 in any way for remarkable endowments, or for deficien- 
 cy, he observed and studied the developments of his 
 head. 
 
 In 1796, Gall, for the first time, gave a course of 
 lectures upon phrenology at Vienna, the place of his 
 residence. These he continued annually for five years ; 
 when the Austrian Government issued an order in 
 January, 1802, that they should cease; his doctrines 
 being considered as leading to materialism, and to be 
 dangerous to the cause of morality and religion. The 
 subject, however, continued to be studied with greater 
 zeal than before ; the prohibition having strongly sti- 
 mulated public curiosity, and Gall, finding his success 
 in propagating his new theory, and in raising up friends 
 to its support, greater than was anticipated, in 1804 he 
 associated with him his favourite pupil, Spurzheim. 
 From this time they were constantly together, and their 
 labours were in common. 
 
 In March, 1805, Gall and Spurzheim left Vienna in 
 company, and travelled through Germany, Prussia, and 
 Switzerland, to France ; visiting most of the considera- 
 ble townsjand villages, and every where teaching their 
 doctrines, and studying the organization of man. But 
 they stopped only a short time in any one place ; too 
 short a time, says Gall, to form practical pupils. " The 
 
8 
 
 principles were explained, the developments shown, 
 and we were off." Dr. Gall even gave the advice not 
 to repeat the experiments, since it was difficult to do so. 
 
 It was at Berlin, and the fortress of Spandau, where 
 they first put their doctrine to the test of experiment, by 
 its application to congregated multitudes. Here, in 
 the presence of the chiefs of the establishment and 
 others, they were conducted to the prison at Berlin, 
 where upwards of two hundred culprits, of whom they 
 had never heard till that moment, to whose crimes 
 and dispositions they were total strangers, were sub- 
 mitted to their inspection. Dr. Gall, it is said, not only 
 discovered with surprising readiness, their natural 
 propensities, but also indicated the offence for which 
 each was imprisoned. A few days after, they made a 
 visit to Spandau, where four hundred and seventy heads 
 were submitted to inspection, and with a similar 
 result. 
 
 In November, 1807, Gall, assisted by his zealous as- 
 sociate, delivered his first course of lectures in Paris ; 
 supported by a numerous collection of skulls, heads, 
 and casts ; and by a multiplicity of physiological and 
 pathological facts. Great was the ardor excited among 
 the Parisians by their presence ; teaching, as they did, 
 a new doctrine, and by which it was supposed they 
 could tell men's fortunes by their heads. 
 
 In 1808, Gall and Spurzheim presented a joint me- 
 moir on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain, 
 to the French Institute, which at that time was in its 
 full glory, and one of the first scientific societies in 
 Europe. The chief of the anatomical department was 
 M. Cuvier, and the first member of this learned body 
 to whom Drs. Gall and Spurzheim addressed them- 
 selves. He received the German Doctors with polite- 
 ness, attended their lectures, and witnessed their dissec- 
 tions of the brain. 
 
A committee was appointed by the institute to report 
 upon the memoir, consisting of Tenon, Portal, Sabba- 
 tier, Pinel and Cuvier ; all men of known candour and 
 ability. M. Cuvier drew up an elaborate report, con- 
 taining within a short compass the whole substance of 
 the memoir ; but while it was approved by the insti- 
 tute, it was not such as to satisfy Gall and Spurzheim, 
 or to inspire confidence in their views of the anatomy, 
 and physiology of the brain. Some merit was award- 
 ed to them for their method of dissecting the brain, and 
 for some other improvements they had made ; but ma- 
 ny of the discoveries, which they claimed as original, 
 were traced to anatomists who had preceded them, 
 and their main positions were regarded as extremely 
 hypothetical. Such was the reception which phrenol- 
 ogy met with from the French institute. 
 
 In 1809, Gall and Spurzheim commenced publish- 
 ing the great work entitled the Anatomy and Physiol- 
 ogy of the nervous system in general, and of the brain 
 in particular, icith observations upon the possibility of 
 ascertaining several intellectual and moral dispositions 
 of man, and animals, by the configuration of their 
 heads — 4 volumes folio, with an arias of one hundred 
 plates, the completion of which occupied ten years. 
 
 In 1813, they separated, and from this time each 
 pursued his phrenological investigations by himself. — 
 Dr. Gall made Paris his home, and acquired great no- 
 toriety, considerable distinction as a writer and philos- 
 opher, and realised a handsome fortune. He died in 
 1S28, of a paralytic shock, in the seventy second year 
 of his age. He was followed to the place of inter- 
 ment by an immense concourse of friends and admi- 
 rers, five of whom pronounced discourses at his grave. 
 His death gave rise to a succession of eulogiums and 
 of attacks in the French newspapers. 
 2 
 
io 
 
 Spurzheim, while he considered France his resi- 
 dence, travelled extensively through Germany, Switz- 
 erland, Prussia, England, Scotland, and Ireland, mak- 
 ing observations, teaching phrenology, and collecting 
 facts. 
 
 He returned to Paris to reside in 1817, where he 
 regularly gave two courses of lectures upon phrenolo- 
 gy annually ; but complained that during his absence, 
 the subject had in a great measure been laid aside and 
 forgotten. In 1824, he married a lady of fine talents 
 and accomplishments, who entered deeply into the 
 spirit of his enterprise. This event seems to have 
 given a fresh impulse to his investigations, and to have 
 inspired him with increased zeal in extending the in- 
 fluence of phrenology. 
 
 In 1832, Spurzheim visited the United States. His 
 objects were to study the genius and character of our 
 nation, and to establish and propagate the doctrines of 
 phrenology. He landed in New York on the fourth 
 day of August, and travelled almost immediately to 
 Boston. Here he was received with all the respect 
 and kindness for which the inhabitants of that ancient 
 town are so distinguished in their treatment of 
 strangers. He was conducted to the various public 
 and private institutions of the city; was introduced to 
 the literary and scientific personages of distinction, 
 and every thing was done to render his stay agreeable, 
 and to promote the objects of his visit. He was invit- 
 ed to deliver lectures, to examine heads, and to ex- 
 plain his doctrines. But he had scarcely entered up- 
 on his career, when he was struck down by a fever, 
 of which he died on the tenth of November, in the fif- 
 ty sixth year of his age. His remains were interred 
 at Mount Auburn, with every mark of respect, where 
 a neat and beautiful monument has been erected to 
 
11 
 
 his memory, by the generous and high-minded citi- 
 zens of Boston. 
 
 Long before the arrival of Spurzheim in this coun- 
 try, his works, as well as those of Gall, had been 
 extensively circulated and read ; and it is doubtful 
 whether any country has given the subject of phre- 
 nology a more respectful consideration than the Unit- 
 ed States. Works have been written upon the sub- 
 ject, societies have been formed, lectures delivered, 
 and zealous and able advocates have been raised up to 
 spread and defend its doctrines. At this time there 
 is scarcely a town, or a village, in which its general 
 principles are not more or less understood. 
 
 The works of Gall and Spurzheim are numerous, 
 and evince great industry and perseverance, deep re- 
 search and reflection, and, aside from phrenology, con- 
 tain a great deal of general information. Most of their 
 books have been republished in the United States. 
 
 Such is a brief sketch of the history of Phrenology, 
 as furnished by Dr. Gall, and his friends. Whether 
 he was the originator of the science, or derived his 
 first intimations upon the subject from some pre- 
 vious writers, is a question which I shall not discuss. 
 Certain it is, that ideas, in many respects similar to 
 those of Gall, were entertained and promulgated long 
 before his time. 
 
 Aristotle, the Grecian philosopher, who wrote more 
 than three centuries before the Christian era, consid- 
 ered the brain as a multiplex organ, and assigned to 
 each part its appropriate functions. 
 
 In the forepart of the cerebral structure, he places 
 common sense ; the middle portion he assigns to imag- 
 ination, judgment and reflection : the back part he 
 makes the great store house, or seat of the memory. 
 
 This was the account of the divisions of the brain, 
 
12 
 
 given by Aristotle, and however crude it may appear 
 in its details, it was followed by many writers in the 
 middle ages, with but little variation. But while he 
 regarded the brain as multiplex, he considered a small 
 head as the standard of perfection, and contends that 
 it is indicative of a superior intellect. In this respect 
 he is at variance with Dr. Gall, and other phrenolo- 
 gists of the present day. 
 
 From various passages found in the works of Galen, 
 it is evident that he was acquainted with the views of 
 Aristotle upon this subject, and that he admitted the 
 same doctrines, with some modifications. 
 
 As late as 1296, Bernard Gordon, an eminent French 
 physician and teacher at Montpelier, closely follows 
 Aristotle in his divisions of the brain, and appropriat- 
 ed to each part particular faculties. 
 
 In the thirteenth century, Albert, the Great Arch- 
 bishop of Ratisbon, one of those who had laboured long 
 for the discovery of the philosopher's stone, actually 
 formed a head, mapped out into regions in conformity 
 with the divisions of the brain by Aristotle and others. 
 
 In 1491, Peter Montagnana published an engraving of 
 the head, in which he represents the seat of the sensus 
 communis, a cellula imaginativa, a cellula cstimatwa seic 
 cogitativa, a cellula memoratiua, and a cellula rationalis. 
 
 Michael Servetus, who died at Geneva 1553, places 
 the different mental faculties in different parts of the 
 brain. He supposed that the two anterior cerebral cav- 
 ities were for the images of external objects ; the third 
 ventricle the seat of thought ; the aqueduct of Sylvius 
 the seat of the soul ; and the fourth ventricle, the seat 
 of the memory. 
 
 In 1562, Ludovico Dolci, a learned Venetian, pub- 
 lished a work upon preserving and strengthening the 
 memory ; and in illustration of his principles,, he mapped 
 
13 
 
 out a: head into regions, more elaborately than any one 
 which had previously been formed. 
 
 In a work of Jo. Baptistae Portse, an eminent Ne- 
 apolitan philosopher and physician, published at Ley- 
 den 1538, entitled De Humana Physiognomia, there is 
 contained so many of the principles and illustrations of 
 the phrenology of the present day, that it may well be 
 questioned whether hints have not been drawn from 
 this source by later writers. He proposes to discover 
 the intellectual and moral character of man, by his 
 physical organization, colour, etc., and while he em- 
 braces the whole body, he lays particular stress upon 
 the configuration of the head. He finds analogies be- 
 tween the human species and several races of the 
 brutes ; but discovers the general characteristics of man 
 in the lion, and of woman in the leopard ; and con- 
 cludes by arranging under appropriate heads, the va- 
 rious signs by which the intellectual and moral char- 
 acter and disposition of every individual may be de- 
 termined. 
 
 A folio edition of this work is found in the library 
 of Harvard College, and contains a large number of 
 plates of the heads of persons, placed by the side of 
 those of certain animals, illustrative of his doctrines ■; 
 a few copies of these I am enabled to exhibit to the 
 class, through the kindness of Professor Greenleaf. 
 
 As late as the middle of the seventeenth century, 
 the celebrated Dr. Thomas Willis, a graduate and for 
 some time a physician at Oxford, and afterwards phy- 
 sician to King Charles II, published a work, in which 
 he asserts that the corpora striata are the seat of per- 
 ception ; the medullary part of the brain that of me- 
 mory and imagination ; the corpus callosum that of re- 
 flection ; and the cerebellum, he considers as furnish- 
 ing the principle of voluntary motion. 
 
14 
 
 But by far the nearest approach to modern phrenol- 
 ogy was made by that extraordinary man, Baron 
 Swedenborg, the author of the system of doctrines 
 of the New Jerusalem church. He not only consid- 
 ered the brain as composed of a plurality of organs, 
 but maintained the principle that the exercise of the 
 different faculties of the mind changes the configura- 
 tion of the head, by promoting the development of 
 their respective organs. The following extract will 
 give an idea of his views upon this subject, and will 
 show the authenticity of the source from which they 
 are taken. 
 
 Capt. F. Walden published at Copenhagen, in 1806, 
 a biography of the celebrated Swedenborg, along with 
 some extracts from his writings. It is very remarka- 
 ble, as is shown by this work, that the distinguished 
 Swede, about fifty years previous to Dr. GalPs theory, 
 should have entertained a very similar opinion. The 
 following are the words of Swedenborg : " Every man 
 that is born has a disposition to all sorts of evil, which 
 must be checked by education, and, as far as possible, 
 rooted out. This is first to be attempted by correction 
 and punishment ; then by good society and example, 
 which lead to imitation ; and at last good is secured 
 upou a true and reasonable religious root. When these 
 conditions are all observed, it is indicated by the beau- 
 tiful skull of the individual. On the contrary, should 
 the education be neglected, or no sudden misfortune, 
 nor opposition, hinder the first outbreakings of evil, or 
 disorder, the evil afterwards becomes habit, and pro- 
 duces peculiar wishes, both in design and practice, 
 which cause the formation of a badly shaped skull. The 
 cause of the difference of skulls, in such cases, is this : 
 The peculiar distinctions of man, will and understand- 
 ing, have their seats in the brain, which is excited by 
 
15 
 
 the fleeting desires of the will, and the ideas of the in- 
 tellect. Near the various spots where these irritations 
 produce their effects, this or that part of the brain is 
 called into a greater or less degree of activity, and forms 
 along with itself corresponding parts of the skull." 
 
 But I will not detain you with further details upon the 
 history of the science. Those of you who may wish 
 to pursue the investigation, will find the subject amply 
 discussed by that erudite and able author, Professor 
 Dunglison, in his admirable work on Human Physio- 
 logy, in his account of the mental faculties. 
 
 I will only remark, that the fact, that the early writers 
 knew something of Phrenology, affords but slender 
 proof that Dr. Gall borrowed his notions from them ; 
 since it is extremely common for men of genius to 
 make the same discoveries, strike out the same trains 
 of thought, and pursue the same course of investiga- 
 tion without concert, or the slightest knowledge of 
 each other's pursuits. 
 
 Whatever may be the truth with regard to the origin 
 of Phrenology, it is through the writings of Dr. Gall, 
 supported by the untiring labours and invincible zeal 
 of his pupils and disciples, that the science has been 
 widely spread through the civilized world. -And 
 it is by these labours, and by this ceaseless spirit 
 of exertion, that the subject has been brought to 
 our shores, and has afforded the occasion to investi- 
 gate it, and ascertain whether it furnishes us with that 
 infallible guide in the study of human character, which 
 has been pretended. 
 
 It seems proper that we should investigate it, be- 
 cause it has enlisted so many men of talents in its sup- 
 port, and become a subject of so much interest as to 
 excite discussion in almost every circle, and on every 
 occasion ; and because, too, it is represented to be a 
 
16 
 
 science, the knowledge of which is all important to the 
 well-being of society. A science which its authors and 
 disciples gravely tell us, looks down with compassion 
 on the shallow distinctions, and puerile speculations of 
 Locke, Hume, Berkley, Hartley, Reed and Stewart. 
 These men tell us that up to their own time, the phi- 
 losophy of man was a perfect waste, and that the dis- 
 coveries of Newton himself were comparatively insig- 
 nificant ; while that of Phrenology is the greatest and 
 most important that was ever communicated to man. 
 
 The discoveries, says Mr. Combe, of the revolution 
 of the globe, and the circulation of the blood, were 
 splendid displays of genius in their authors, and inter- 
 esting and beneficial to mankind ; but their results com- 
 pared with the consequences, which must inevitably 
 follow from Dr. Gall's discovery of the functions of the 
 brain, sink into relative insignificance. 
 
 It may be well, therefore, that we should look into 
 a science, which holds up these lofty pretensions, and 
 ascertain how far it is entitled to confidence. 
 
 My object on the present occasion, will be briefly to 
 present to your view some of the leading principles of 
 Phrenology, and then to ascertain how far these are 
 sustained by the anatomical structure of the parts more 
 immediately concerned. 
 
 1. Phrenology, like most systems of mental Philoso- 
 phy, makes the brain the material organ of the mind. 
 
 2. It assumes the position, that just in proportion to 
 the volume of the organ, other things being equal, will 
 be the power of the mental manifestations. 
 
 3. That the exercise of the mind promotes the de- 
 velopment of the brain. 
 
 4. That the character of the mind is to be determin- 
 ed by the configuration of the brain. 
 
 5. That the brain is a multiplex organ, and composed 
 
17 
 
 of a definite number of compartments, or sub-organs, 
 each of which is the appropriate seat of a propensity, 
 sentiment, or intellectual faculty. 
 
 6. That the mind consists of a definite number of 
 original powers, which are divided into propensities, 
 sentiments, and intellectual faculties. 
 
 7. That to the existence of each original propensity, 
 sentiment, or intellectual faculty, a specific cerebral 
 organ is necessary, and that every specific mental ope- 
 ration can be performed, only by means of an appro- 
 priate organ. 
 
 8. That the brain is composed of at least thirty-four 
 phrenological organs, or pairs of organs, all commencing 
 at the medulla oblongata, or top of the spinal marrow, 
 and radiating to the surface of the brain. That they 
 commence at a point, and like so many inverted cones, 
 become more and more voluminous, until that portion 
 which is bounded by the walls of the cranium, presents 
 a surface corresponding in form, size, and situation, 
 with the figured skulls, delineated in plate I., fig. 
 i., ii., and in. 
 
 9. That just in proportion to the development, or 
 size of these organs, or cones, will be the strength of 
 the particular faculty of which it is the residence. 
 The size of the organs to be estimated by their length 
 and breadth, and consequently that each prominence of 
 the skull indicates the degree of development of that 
 organ of the brain, which is located immediately under 
 it, and of course the power of intellectual faculty, sen- 
 timent, or passion, of which it is the residence. 
 
 10. That the exercise of any particular faculty of 
 the mind, promotes the development of the appro- 
 priate organ of such faculty. 
 
 It is upon the principles here laid down, that the 
 whole system of Phrenology is based. 
 3 
 
18 
 
 " By a knowledge of Phrenology and Craniology," 
 says a distinguished writer upon this subject, " the ex- 
 perienced Phrenologist is enabled to judge oi the natu- 
 ral amount^ and general character of the intellects of 
 individuals, by an inspection of their heads. " 
 
 In accordance with these principles, the cranium has 
 been mapped out into thirty-four distinct territories, 
 corresponding, as supposed, in position, form and size, 
 with the bases of the different organs of the brain. 
 
 When any one, or more, of these is so prominent as 
 to rise above the neighboring parts of the skull, the 
 organ which is immediately under it, is said to be full, 
 and the faculty, of which it is the seat, proportionably 
 strong and vigorous. 
 
 These thirty-four organs have been grouped, so as to 
 constitute three distinct families, as represented in Plate 
 I., fig. i., ii., and in. ; one division for the propensities 
 or passions, one for the moral sentiments, and a third for 
 the intellectual faculties. The first group has been ap- 
 propriated to the back and inferior region of the brain ; 
 the second, to the superior portion ; and the third, to 
 the anterior portion of this structure. 
 
 Having thus presented to you a few of the leading 
 principles of Phrenology, I shall, without detaining 
 you longer, point out the position of the individual 
 organs, and briefly sketch the leading characteristics of 
 each of their respective functions, as described by phre- 
 nologists. 
 
 I. PROPENSITIES. 
 
 I. AMATIVENESS. 
 
 This organ is situated in the cerebellum, or the lower 
 part of the occiput. When full, it gives a backward 
 protrusion of the occipitis, and a thickness to the 
 
19 
 
 upper part of the neck. Its function is sexual love. 
 Numerous instances are given by Phrenologists, of the 
 development of the 6rgan ; corresponding with the in- 
 tensity of the function. 
 
 2. PHILOPROGENITIVENESS. 
 
 Situated at the occiput, immediately above Amative- 
 ness, and corresponds with the occipital protuberance. 
 Its function is the love of offspring. It is more fully de- 
 veloped in women, than in men, and its development 
 corresponds with the strength of the propensity. Of 
 twenty-nine females who had been guilty of infanticide, 
 it is said, that the development was defective in twenty- 
 seven. When fully developed, it supports the mother 
 in her toils, and even renders delightful the cares and 
 troubles of rearing a helpless offspring. It is large in 
 the Hindoo, the Negro and Charib skulls. 
 
 3. CONCENTRATIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above Philoprogenitiveness, and 
 below Self-esteem. Its function is to maintain two or 
 more powers in simultaneous or combined activity, so 
 that they may be directed towards one object. Where 
 it is fully developed, persons possess a command over 
 their feelings and intellectual powers, so as to be able to 
 devote them in their whole vigor, to the pursuit which 
 forms the object of their study, for the trine ; and hence 
 they produce the greatest possible results. It is small 
 in the American Indian, and large in the Negro and 
 European. 
 
 4. ADHESIVENESS. 
 
 Situated on each side of Concentrativeness. The 
 faculty produces the instinctive tendency to attach our- 
 
20 
 
 selves to surrounding objects, animate and inanimate, and 
 to embrace and cling to the object of our affection. It 
 disposes to friendship, and society in general. It often 
 shows itself in attachment to horses, dogs, and other 
 animals. When largely developed, it produces exces- 
 sive grief at the loss of friends, and in leaving one's 
 country, the disease called Nostalgia, so common to the 
 Swiss. When feeble, it may render a man an Ancho- 
 rite or Hermit. 
 
 5. COMBATIVEXESS. 
 
 Situated on each side of the head, at the inferior mas- 
 toid angle of the parietal bone. The organ, when full, 
 produces active courage, and if very full, a propensity 
 to attack. A considerable endowment is indispensable 
 to a great and magnanimous character. It gives that 
 boldness to the mind, which enables it to look undaunted 
 on opposition, to meet, and if possible to overcome it. 
 When largely developed, it inspires with the love of 
 contention, leads to a quarrelsome disposition, and im- 
 parts pleasure in disputation and fighting. When 
 deficient, the individual cannot resist attacks, nor 
 make his way, where he must invade the prejudices, 
 or encounter the hostility of others. The organ is 
 generally large in persons who have murdered, from 
 the impulse of the moment. It is large in Robert 
 Bruce, David Haggart, Mary Macinnes. It is large 
 also in the Chai ibs, and small in most of the Hindoos. 
 
 6. DESTRUCTIVEUESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and extends a little back- 
 ward and forward, from the external opening of the 
 ear, and corresponds to the squamus plate of the tem- 
 poral bone. The faculty produces the impulse to 
 destroy in general, Combativeness gives the desire to 
 
21 
 
 meet and overcome obstacles, and having vanquished 
 them, the mind under this inspiration pursues them no 
 farther. Destructiveness prompts to extermination. 
 Anger and rage are the manifestations of this passion, 
 and cruelty is the result of its excessive energy, un- 
 controlled by benevolence and justice. In cool, de- 
 liberate murderers, the organ is conspicuous, and in 
 those who delight in cruelty. It is large in hunters, 
 and keen sportsmen, without exception. It is large 
 in the bust of Dean, Pallet, Thurtell, Keaman, and in 
 the skulls of Bruce, Gordon, Hussey, Nisbet, Belling- 
 ham, Buchanan, Rotherham, Albert, in the skull of 
 Tardy, the pirate, and it is said to be very large in the 
 head of a living Scotch divine of great celebrity, now 
 residing in Edinburgh. 
 
 7. CONSTRUCTIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately over, and adjoining Destructive- 
 ness. When very fully developed it produces unusual 
 breadth of the head, from temple to temple. The 
 faculty inspires with the tendency to construct in gene- 
 ral, but the particular direction in which it is exerted, 
 depends on the other predominant faculties of the 
 individual. If combined with large Combativeness and 
 Destructiveness, it may be employed in fabricating im- 
 plements of war. If joined with large Veneration, it 
 may tend towards erecting places of religious worship. 
 If joined with large Form, Imitation and Secretiveness, 
 it may inspire with a love of portrait painting. The 
 organ is indispensable to all who follow operative me- 
 chanical professions. It is large in Raphael, Brunei, 
 Herschel, and Perkins. It is small in the New-Hol- 
 landers. It is large in all animals distinguished for 
 their ingenuity in building, as the beaver, field-mouse, 
 and the like. 
 
22 
 
 S. ACQUISITIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately behind Constructiveness. Its 
 function is the love of acquisition generally, without 
 reference to the use to which the objects, when attained, 
 may be applied. It takes its direction from the other 
 faculties, and hence may lead to the collecting of coins, 
 minerals, and other objects of curiosity, or of science, 
 as well as money. If men had always provided only 
 what they could individually enjoy, they would never 
 have emerged from a savage condition. It is the foun- 
 dation of wealth, of covetousness, and of luxury, in 
 civilized life. When largely developed, and not regu- 
 lated by their higher faculties, it often leads to dishon- 
 esty, and even theft. A chaplain in the Prussian army, 
 in whom it was large, in other respects a worthy and 
 pious man, was remarkable for stealing pocket-handker- 
 chiefs, pen-knives, books, and ladies' stockings, and 
 indeed every thing portable, in the nature oi property. 
 It is large in Heaman, and small in Robert Bruce. 
 
 9. SECRET1VENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above Destructiveness. Its func- 
 tion is the love of secresy, and the ability to conceal. 
 It may be applied in a great variety of ways, according 
 to the dictate of the other faculties. When properly 
 developed, it exercises a salutary restraint on the other 
 faculties, and is indispensable to the formation of a 
 prudent, cautious character. When largely developed, 
 and not properly balanced by the higher faculties, it 
 leads to management, lying, duplicity and deceit It 
 has been found prominent in a large number of habitual 
 thieves. When properly controlled, it augments the 
 efficiency of character. In Courts and Cabinets, it is a 
 powerful engine. It is the diplomatist's sword and 
 
23 
 
 buckler. The fox, and several animals of the cat-kind, 
 are remarkable for it. In some of the human race, it 
 is almost their only power. In writing, it leads to 
 irony. It is full in great actors. It gives a side-long 
 glance, and a watchful look to the eye, and where 
 large, inspires in the individual, the desire to dis- 
 cover the designs of others, while he conceals his own. 
 Is large in Raphael and Bruce, in the American In- 
 dians, and in the Hindoos. 
 
 II. SENTIMENTS. 
 
 10. SELF-ESTEEM. 
 
 Situated at the vertex under the sagital suture. Its 
 function is Self-Esteem, or self-love in general. It 
 imparts to the mind that degree of confidence in its 
 own powers, which is essential to their successful ap- 
 plication. When combined with the superior senti- 
 ments, and intellectual faculties, it contributes to true 
 dignity and greatness of mind. A deficiency of it pro- 
 duces a want of personal confidence, and a proper 
 estimate of what is due one's self. When too strong, it 
 produces arrogance, conceit, pride, egotism and envy. 
 The English have this organ fuller than the French. 
 The turkey-cock, the peacock, and the horse have it 
 strongly marked. When the organ is morbidly excited, 
 as in some cases of monomania, the individual is prone 
 to imagine himself a king, an emperor, a transcendent 
 genius, and even the Supreme Being himself. It is 
 large in Haggart, in Dempsey, and in the Hindoos, but 
 small in the American Indians. 
 
 11. LOVE OF APPROBATION. 
 
 Situated on each side of Self-Esteem. Its function is 
 love of approbation, or applause. If directed to ob- 
 
, 24 
 
 jects of importance, it becomes a lofty and noble am- 
 bition, and leads to corresponding efforts and achieve- 
 ments; but when its objects are low and trivial, it de- 
 generates into vanity, and leads to frivolity. It is more 
 prominent in women, than in men. It is always large 
 in bashful persons. It is very large in the dog, the 
 horse, etc. Large in Bruce, and in the American 
 Indian. 
 
 12. CAUTIOUSNESS. 
 
 Situated in front of No. 11. Its function is the senti- 
 ment of circumspection, or impulse to take care. Regu- 
 lated and sustained by the other faculties, this sentiment 
 becomes prudence, but if not thus modified, it degene- 
 rates into irresolution, instability, doubt, demur. It is 
 particularly large in children. The organ is large in 
 Bruce, Raphael, and in the Hindoo. Small in Belling- 
 ham, and the Negro. 
 
 13. BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 Situated at the central and upper part of the frontal 
 bone, in the direction of the sagital suture. Its 
 function is the sentiment of kindness, connected with 
 the desire of the happiness of others, and disposes to 
 compassion, and to active benevolence. It communi- 
 cates mildness and cheerfulness to the temper, and 
 prompts to charity, in its various relations. Dogs, hor- 
 ses, and monkeys, which have the organ full, are mild 
 and pacific. It is depressed in all the ferocious tribes 
 of animals, and also in nations remarkable for cruelty, 
 as the Charibs. 
 
 The five following organs are proper to man, and 
 constitute the line of demarcation between him and 
 the inferior animals. 
 
25 
 
 14. VENERATION. 
 
 Situated immediately behind, and adjoining Benevo- 
 lence. Its function produces the sentiment of respect, 
 and reverence of superior beings, either human or di- 
 vine. It enters largely into the constitution of a devoted 
 Antiquary. It is also the chief element in filial piety. 
 When the organ is large, and Self-Esteem small, humi- 
 lity is the result. Its existence shows that religion has 
 a foundation in nature. The full development of the 
 organ tends to produce baldness ; and it is asserted, that 
 of any given number of men, of equal age, in a place 
 of public worship, those who are bald are the most 
 devout. They kneel lower, and respond louder than 
 others. 
 
 15. HOPE. 
 
 Situated on each side of Veneration. Its function pro- 
 duces the tendency to believe in the possibility of what 
 the other faculties desire. It inspires with gay, fasci- 
 nating and delightful emotions, painting futurity fair 
 and smiling. It gilds and adorns every prospect with 
 shades of enchanting excellence, while cautiousness 
 hangs clouds and mists over distant objects. In 
 religion, this faculty favours the exercise of faith, and 
 disposes to a belief of a life to come. In short, it is 
 the castle-builders' home, his heaven, his consolation 
 in disappointment, his panacea for every evil. It is 
 the cynosure to which his soul perpetually points. 
 
 16. IDEALITY. 
 
 Situated above 7 and 8. Its function is to give exqui- 
 siteness of feeling. It is the fountain of enthusiasm, 
 not only of the poet, but of the philosopher, the orator, 
 
26 
 
 the painter, the sculptor, the philanthropist, and of the 
 high-minded warrior. It is the organ of poetry, and 
 confers a relish for poetry on those who do not write. 
 It gives refinement and taste. It communicates to 
 eloquence its splendor and soul, and to conversation its 
 highest charms and brilliancy. It gives a fondness for 
 vivid description, and often a tendency to exaggeration. 
 The organ is large in Raphael, Voltaire, Wordsworth, 
 Burke, and Haydon ; and is small in Hume, Belling- 
 ham, and in the New-Kollanders. 
 
 17. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. 
 
 Situated behind No. 15. Its function is to give the 
 sentiment of right and wrong, of unspotted justice, and 
 pure morality. It commands the other faculties to the 
 performance of their duty. Its strength is not always 
 in proportion to that of the other faculties. In men 
 of feeble intellect, it is sometimes very powerful ; 
 6uch men do their duty, for conscience sake, and are 
 delighted with the observance of right, and disgusted 
 with the doing of wrong. When the organ is small, 
 the individual is prone to do an unprincipled action, if 
 tempted by interest or inclination. He experiences a 
 difficulty in perceiving the quality of justice, and in feel- 
 ing its obligations. The organ is large in Hette, and 
 small in Bruce, Bellingham, and Gibson, and in most 
 of the savage tribes. 
 
 18. FIRMNESS. 
 
 Situated at the upper and posterior part of the head, be- 
 tween Nos. 10 and 14. Its function is to give firm- 
 ness, constancy and perseverance. When powerfully 
 developed, and not properly regulated by the other 
 faculties, it produces obstinacy, stubbornness, and in- 
 
27 
 
 fatuation. When weak, the individual is prone to 
 yield to the impulse of his feelings. If benevolence 
 assumes the sway, he is all kindness ; if combativeness 
 and destructiveness are forcibly excited, he falls head- 
 long into passion, outrage, and violence. He finds 
 great difficulty in pursuing any established line of action, 
 and is prone to change. The organ is large in Bruce, 
 and in the American Indian, and small in Gibson. 
 
 III. INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. 
 
 19. INDIVIDUALITY. 
 
 Situated in the middle of the lower part of the fore- 
 head. Its function is to give the faculty of practical 
 observation, and the capacity to acquire knowledge in 
 detached parcels, but not to put it well together. The 
 possessor is full of matter for conversation and anec- 
 dote, but is a mere detailer of facts, which he seldom 
 attempts to classify. He is a man of extensive informa- 
 tion, rather than a profound philosopher. When the 
 organ is full, and is aided by Comparison, it leads to 
 personification, and to metaphorical writing, such as 
 distinguished Bunyan. The organ was large in Roscoe 
 and Swift, and moderate in Voltaire and Haydon. 
 
 20. FORM. 
 
 Situated immediately under the root of the nose. Its 
 full development gives breadth between the eyes. Its 
 function is to give the faculty of distinguishing form 
 and figure. It was large in King George III., and is 
 also large in the Chinese, 
 
28 
 
 21. SPACE. 
 
 Situated above, and on each side of the root of the 
 nose. Its function is the faculty to judge of size and 
 space without reference to form. It imparts the power 
 of perceiving and judging of perspective. It was 
 large in Williams and Douglas, and small in Ferguson. 
 
 22. WEIGHT, OR RESISTANCE. 
 
 Situated contiguous to that of form. It is largely de- 
 veloped in those who excel in archery and quoits, and 
 in those who judge accurately of momentum and re- 
 sistance in mechanics. It was large in Maclachlan. 
 
 23. COLOR. 
 
 Situated near the centre of each eye-brow, so that the 
 full development of it gives to the brow a beautiful 
 arch, or an angular direction upwards and laterally. 
 Its function is to distinguish, enjoy and mix colors. It 
 is found in the portraits of Rubens, Rembrandt, Lor- 
 raine, etc. It is full in the Chinese. 
 
 24. LOCALITY. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 21. 
 Its function is a faculty to perceive, and judge of space 
 and distance, and to remember and enjoy localities. It 
 produces a fondness for travelling, and constitutes a 
 chief element in the talent for topography, geography, 
 astronomy, and landscape painting. It assists the tra- 
 veller in finding his way to places he has visited, and 
 gives to him an accurate, and vivid recollection of 
 them. This organ is very prominent in the casts of 
 Columbus, Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo, and in Volney, 
 
29 
 
 and Sir Walter Scott. Is largely developed in the dog, 
 and in other of the lower animals. 
 
 25. ORDER. 
 
 Situated adjoining 23. Its function is the perception 
 and love of order, without regard to classical arrange- 
 ment. Those who have the organ large, cannot bear 
 to see any thing out of its place. They are neat and 
 precise in the arrangement of their wardrobe, library, 
 household furniture, etc. It is full in Humboldt. 
 
 26. DURATION. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 23. Its 
 function is a lively and accurate perception of abstract 
 duration, and the lapse of time between one event and 
 another. 
 
 27. NUMBER. 
 
 Situated immediately over the external angle of the eye. 
 Its function is the power of calculation. It is full in 
 the bust of Newton, and is large in the portraits of La 
 Place and Humboldt. 
 
 28. TUNE. 
 
 Situated immediately above No. 27. Its function is 
 the love and enjoyment of music. The organ, when 
 strongly developed, gives breadth to the face ; hence 
 high powers of music are rarely connected with a 
 narrow face. The masks of Handel, Haydn, Gluck, 
 and Mozart, are distinguished by the full development 
 of this organ. The heads of certain singing birds are 
 also strongly marked. 
 
20 
 
 29. LANGUAGE. 
 
 Situated immediately under the eyes, rendering those 
 organs prominent when fully developed. Great lin- 
 guists have generally prominent^ and never sunken eyes* 
 Its function gives a facility of acquiring and using lan- 
 guage. Persons who have a great endowment of it, 
 abound in words. Large in Humboldt and Voltaire. 
 
 30. COMPARISON. 
 
 Situated immediately above 19. Its function is the 
 power and love of Comparison, and it gives the facility of 
 perceiving resemblances, similitudes and analogies. The 
 individual, who has it large, reasons by comparing one 
 thing with another. It prompts to the invention and use of 
 figurative language. It gives great power of illustration. 
 It is the origin of proverbs. Large in Pitt, Edwards, 
 Burke, Curran, Hume, and in the Hindoos; small in 
 the Charibs. 
 
 31. CAUSALITY. 
 
 Situated on each side of 30. Its function is a talent 
 for logical reasoning, and inductive philosophy. It 
 prompts to the investigation of causes and effects, and 
 enables the individual to judge of the direct evidence 
 of facts. A juryman, with large Individuality, and 
 small Causality, will not be disposed to convict upon 
 circumstantial evidence. While he, in whom Causality 
 is large, will often feel that kind of proof to be irre- 
 sistible. It induces to enquire why and wherefore. 
 It gives the power of analysis. It appears largely de- 
 veloped in the portraits and busts of Bacon, Locke, 
 Franklin, Voltaire, etc. ; moderate in Pitt. It is larger 
 in the English and Germans than in the French. 
 
31 
 
 32. wit. 
 
 Situated on a line with No. 31. When large, it gives 
 breadth to the upper part of the forehead. Its function 
 is a quick perception of such analogies, as by their 
 novelty excite surprise and agreeable emotions. In 
 the masks of Sterne, Shakspeare, Voltaire, etc., this 
 organ is peculiarly striking. 
 
 33. IMITATION. 
 
 Situated on a line with No. 13. The function of this 
 organ is the love of imitation, and an aptitude to prac- 
 tise it ; and hence persons, who have it large, are 
 qualified to become mimics, agtors, and painters. 
 Large in Clara Fisher, and in Jervis. 
 
 34. SUPERNATURALITY, OR WONDER. 
 
 Situated between Nos. 16 and 33. The function of this 
 organ is to create a belief in the presence and agency of 
 supernatural beings, and it produces a tendency to be- 
 lieve in inspirations. It begets a fondness for news, and 
 particularly if extravagant. It produces the expres- 
 sion of surprise and astonishment in ordinary dis- 
 course, and a turning-up of the exterior angle of the 
 eye-lashes. Such persons as have this organ large, 
 do not distinguish between possibility and impossibility ; 
 and this arises from the predominence of Supernaturality 
 over Causality, and Conscientiousness, 
 
 Having thus briefly described the different organs, 
 their situation and powers, I shall call your attention 
 to their combinations. 
 
 Three rules have been laid down for estimating the 
 influence of the difference in size, occurring in the 
 organs of the same brain. 
 
32 
 
 First. Every faoulty desires gratification, with a 
 degree of energy, proportionate to the size of its 
 organ ; and those faculties will be habitually indulged, 
 the organs of which are largest in the individual. 
 
 For example : if all the animal organs are large, and 
 all the organs of the moral sentiments and intellect 
 are small, the individual will be naturally prone to ani- 
 mal indulgence in the highest degree. 
 
 If, on the other hand, the organs of the moral senti- 
 ments and intellect greatly predominate, the individ- 
 ual will be naturally disposed to moral and intellectual 
 pursuits. 
 
 Second. Should it happen that several large animal 
 organs are combined with a full development of several 
 moral and intellectual organs, the rule then is, that the 
 lower propensities will take their direction from the 
 higher powers. 
 
 Third. Where all the organs appear in nearly equal 
 proportion to each other, so that the different powers 
 are accurately balanced, the individual will exhibit 
 opposite phases of character, according as the animal 
 or moral and intellectual powers predominate at the 
 time ; and he will pass his life in alternately sinning 
 and repenting. If the individual, thus constituted, be 
 brought under external influences, they will operate 
 powerfully upon him, and his conduct will be greatly 
 modified by them. 
 
 Fourth. The same may be said of the counteracting 
 and neutralizing influence of the individual organs on 
 each other, as of that which appertains to the different 
 groups. 
 
 For example : if the organs of Combativeness and 
 Destructiveness are very full, and those of Veneration 
 and Conscientiousness are also very full, the latter will 
 so counteract and neutralize the former, that the indi- 
 
33 
 
 vidual may live all his days in quiet, and not once mani- 
 fest the smallest disposition to combat or murder. Or, 
 if the organ of Acquisitiveness is large, and that of 
 Benevolence is also very full, the two propensities 
 being thus counterpoised, there may be no especial 
 desire of accumulating wealth manifested, and as little 
 of the spirit of liberal giving. And all the organs 
 may be so accurately balanced, that the good shall coun- 
 teract the evil desires. 
 
 It is, however, a doctrine of Phrenology, that the 
 temperament of the individual exerts a strong influence 
 upon the action of the different organs, and groups of 
 organs; and consequently must be taken into the 
 account, in judging of their activity and power, what- 
 ever combinations they may exhibit. 
 
 Before I close this lecture, I must call your attention, 
 for a moment, to another of the doctrines of Phrenology, 
 which should be understood, in order fully to appre- 
 ciate the philosophy of the practical application of the 
 science. I refer to what is called the natural language 
 of the organs. 
 
 The doctrine is, that the action of the phrenological 
 organs tends to control the attitudes and movements of 
 the body, as well as modify the expressions. That 
 the actions of the body will be in the longitudinal di- 
 rection of the organs. For example : if the action of 
 Amativeness be strongly excited, and especially if the 
 organ is large, the head will be thrown backward, 
 because the base of the organ is situated in the lower, 
 and back part of the brain ; and which is the reason, 
 also, that lovers are prone to bring the back part of 
 their heads in contact, when they approach each other. 
 
 Combativeness, when strongly excited, gives a sud- 
 den backward and lateral motion to the head. 
 
 The proud man carries his head erect,because the or- 
 
S4 
 
 gan of self-esteem has its termination upon the superior 
 part of the brain ; while he, who is deficient in the 
 development of this organ, inclines his head forward, 
 in an humble attitude. 
 
 The devout man bows his head forward, in order to 
 present the organ of veneration, in the direction of the 
 Deity in the Heavens. 
 
 The logician, when he reasons strongly, is prone to 
 press his forehead with his index finger,because of the 
 action going on in the organ of causality, which is 
 situated in the forehead. 
 
 Preachers and advocates, when speaking with am- 
 bition, move the head in the line of concentrativeness 
 or individuality, or straight backward and forward. 
 
 Secretiveness, when the organ is full, gives a side- 
 long glance and a watchful look to the eye. 
 
 The organ of self-esteem, when large in children, 
 causes them to mount on chairs and benches, to make 
 themselves equal in height to grown persons; and 
 adults of small stature do the same, and keep their 
 bodies erect, and have a proud gait. 
 
 Those birds, which have this organ large, delight in 
 soaring on the wing in lofty flight, and build their 
 nests in the most elevated situations. 
 
 The chamois and goat, which take pleasure in. 
 climbing craggy and lofty cliffs, and to graze upon the 
 mountain top, have the organ large. 
 
35 
 
 LECTURE IL 
 
 Gentlemen : Having, in my first lecture, exhibit- 
 ed to you the leading doctrines of Phrenology, and 
 explained the principles upon which it is founded, my 
 object in this lecture will be to show how far the 
 science is reconcilable with the anatomical structure 
 and organization of the brain, the cranium, and other 
 parts concerned. 
 
 I adopt this course from two considerations : 
 
 1st. From a belief that the anatomy of the parts 
 concerned, is the proper and only standard by which 
 to ascertain its truth. 
 
 2d. That the metaphysical arguments on the 
 subject, while they have been urged with great 
 power, have too often been evaded, and that the public 
 mind has not been enlightened, as to the real merits of 
 Phrenology, by the usual methods of investigation. 
 Even the lash of ridicule, under which it has general- 
 ly been left to wither, has done but little in arresting 
 its progress, or exposing its errors. 
 
 The ground which phrenologists assume the 
 right to occupy is so extensive, and the outlets for re- 
 treat are so numerous, that it is difficult to present an 
 objection to the science, which cannot, upon the com- 
 mon principles of reasoning, be plausibly evaded. A 
 few examples will illustrate the idea which I wish to 
 convey. 
 
 If an individual has a large head, and his mental 
 manifestations are unusually powerful, the case is 
 brought forward as a proof of the truth of phrenology; 
 but if the manifestations are feeble, it is said that the 
 great size of the head is the result of disease, or that 
 the brain is not well organized, or that other circum- 
 stances have exerted an influence in diminishing its 
 
36 
 
 power. If a small head is connected with a powerful 
 intellect, it only proves that the brain, though small, is 
 well organized, and acts with uncommon energy. If 
 an individual has a particular propensity strongly 
 marked in his character, and there is no corresponding 
 development of the brain, it is said that the organ has 
 not been thrown out by indulging its desires ; but if 
 there is a large development of an organ, and no cor- 
 responding propensity, then it is contended that the 
 germ of the propensity is there, but that it has been 
 repressed by education, or other circumstances; or it is 
 found that some counteracting organ is fully developed 
 which neutralizes the first. For example: if the or- 
 gan of Covetousness is large, and the person has no 
 uncommon love of gain, and the organ of Benevolence 
 is also large, it is urged that the action of the one 
 neutralizes that of the other. 
 
 I have already mentioned that the temperament also 
 is supposed to perform an important part in modifying 
 the action of the different organs, and for which all due 
 allowance is to be made. 
 
 When all these fail, in furnishing a satisfactory ex- 
 planation, another method still more amusing is some- 
 times resorted to, in relieving phrenology from embar- 
 rassment. It may be illustrated by the following 
 facts : 
 
 There is a celebrated divine now living, in Scotland, 
 equally distinguished for his amiable disposition, his 
 gigantic powers of mind, and the great moral influence 
 which he exerts upon the Christian w T orld. This in- 
 dividual, it is said, has the organ of destructiveness 
 very largely developed, and not having any coun- 
 teracting organ very large, it is contended by 
 those who are acquainted with the fact, that he 
 manifests his inherent disposition to murder, by his 
 
37 
 
 mighty efforts to destroy vice and break down systems 
 of error. In this way he gratifies his propensity to 
 shed blood. 
 
 By a recent examination of the skull of the celebra- 
 ted infidel Voltaire, it is found that he had the organ 
 of veneration developed to a very extraordinary degree. 
 For him it is urged, that his veneration for the Deity was 
 so great, his sensibility upon the subject of devotion so 
 exquisite, that he became shocked and disgusted with 
 the irreverence of even the; most devout Christians, 
 and that out of pure respect and veneration for the 
 Deity, he attempted to exterminate the Christian reli- 
 gion from the earth. 
 
 Other explanations, as much at variance with truth 
 and common sense, are resorted to in carrying out the 
 system. 
 
 Allowing, therefore, to phrenologists the latitude 
 they claim, it would seem impossible to present a case 
 so contradictory to their principles as not to admit of 
 prompt and plausible explanation. 
 
 It is such considerations as these that have induced 
 me to attempt an examination of the principles of 
 phrenology, on other than metaphysical grounds, or its 
 practical application to individual cases. 
 
 In pursuing the investigation I shall enquire : 
 
 I. How far phrenology is sustained by the struc- 
 ture and organization of the brain. 
 
 II. How far facts justify the opinion that there 
 is an established relation between the volume of the 
 brain and the powers of the mind. 
 
 III. How far it is possible to ascertain the volume 
 of the brain in the living subject, by measurement or 
 observation. 
 
 IV. How far it is possible to ascertain the rela- 
 
38 
 
 tive degree of development of the different parts of the 
 brain, by the examination of the living head. 
 
 V. Notice a few facts which have been used in 
 support of phrenology, and conclude with some gene- 
 ral remarks. 
 
 I. How far is phrenology sustained by^the structure 
 and organization of the brain ? 
 
 The brain is that soft, plastic substance/which is 
 contained in the cavity of the cranium. Its weight is 
 computed to average, in the adult, aboutthree and an 
 half pounds, greatly varying, however, in different 
 heads, and in those of nearly the same size. It is in- 
 vested by three membranes, the duramater, the tunica 
 arachnoidea, and piamater. The former of these is 
 thick, dense, and opake, the two latter extremely thin 
 and transparent. It is divided by a horizontal mem- 
 brane, the tentorium into the cerebrum and cerebel- 
 lum, the latter being connected with the former by an 
 aperture in the tentorium, near its centre. The cere- 
 brum is divided into two hemispheres, the right and 
 left, by a deep longitudinal fissure, in which the falx 
 of the duramater is situated. 
 
 Upon removing the duramater, there are exhibited 
 to the eye, numerous convolutions, rendered distinct 
 by grooves which separate them to a greater or less 
 depth ; but these convolutions do not, in any respect, 
 correspond in form, size, or position, with the bases of 
 the phrenological organs as mapped out upon the 
 figured skull. Phrenologists do not pretend that there 
 is any relation between the one and the other. 
 
 The brain, when divided by incision, presents two 
 substances, different in color and texture, the cortical 
 or pulpy portion which forms the external part, and 
 is of an ash color; and the medullary or fibrous portion 
 
39 
 
 which forms the central part, and is oi a beautiful 
 white, and is fibrous in its structure. 
 
 The brain is more vascular than almost any other 
 part of the body. By some anatomists it has been 
 computed that one-fifth, and by others !bat one-tenth, 
 of all the blood of the body is dispensed to this organ ; 
 while the brain in weight is seldom equal to one-fortieth 
 of the whole body. It is supplied principally by the 
 carotid and vertebral arteries. 
 
 Neither the cortical or fibrous part of the brain re- 
 veals, upon dissection, any of those compartments or 
 organs, upon the existence of which the main fabric of 
 phrenology is based. JNo such divisions have been 
 discovered by the eye or the microscope. The most 
 common observation is sufficient to show that there is 
 not the slightest indication of such a structure. In- 
 deed no phrenologist, after all the investigations which 
 have been made upon the subject, from the first dawn 
 of the science to the present time, not even Gall and 
 Spurzheim themselves, venture to assert that such di- 
 visions of the brain have been discovered. 
 
 The fact of the existence of the horizontal mem- 
 brane, called the tentorium, separating the superior 
 from the inferior part of the brain, as well as the ar- 
 rangement of the lateral ventricles,the corpus callosum^ 
 the fornix, and other parts, clearly show the absurdity 
 of the idea of organs as described by phrenologists. 
 The notion then of the division of the brain into phre- 
 nological organs is entirely hypothetical ; is not sus- 
 tained by dissection, and is utterly inconsistent with 
 its whole formation. 
 
 These facts are perfectly well known, and are uni- 
 versally admitted by all anatomists. See plates IL IV. 
 VI. with the explanation. 
 
40 
 
 II. How far do facts justify the opinion that there is 
 an established relation between the volume of the brain 
 and the powers of the mind ? 
 
 This enquiry involves one of the fundamental prin- 
 ciples of phrenology. 
 
 " If/' says Mr. Combe, u we take two heads, in 
 sound health, of similar age, in each of which several 
 organs are similar in their proportions, but the one of 
 which is large and the other small, and if the prepon- 
 derance of power of manifestation is not in favor of 
 the first, then phrenology must be abandoned as desti- 
 tute of foundation." 
 
 And here it is proper to enquire, whether in speak- 
 ing of the volume of the brain, its absolute or relative 
 size is to be understood. If the former, then men of 
 small stature, must rank as inferior in intellectual pow- 
 er, to men of large size; and phrenology has also to 
 contend with the fact, that the whale, the elephant, 
 and several other animals of the lower order, have a 
 larger brain than man, while their intellect is inferior. 
 
 If the relative size of the brain be intended, then it 
 is necessary to know with what it is to be compared ; 
 whether with the dimensions of the face, the size and 
 length of the neck, with the size of the spinal marrow, 
 the cerebral nerves, or with the volume of the whole 
 body. Upon this point, phrenologists have not been 
 explicit. 
 
 The difficulty of instituting an accurate comparison 
 of the brain with the first four of them, seems likely to 
 prevent either from becoming the standard ; and the 
 great variations to which the body is liable from differ- 
 ent causes, losing, as it sometimes does, nearly half its 
 volume, while the brain remains the same, renders this 
 not a more certain criterion. Some facts, however, 
 seem to have afforded the inference, that the power of 
 
41 
 
 the intellect is in proportion to the volume of the brain, 
 compared to that of the body ; and that just as we de- 
 scend in the scale of intellectual existence, from man 
 through the various tribes of animals, the brain will be 
 found to be diminished in size. But the investigations 
 of Haller, Wrisberg, Soemmering, Blumenbach, Cu- 
 vier, and other anatomists, show this conclusion to be 
 erroneous, and prove by actual experiment, that it has 
 no foundation in nature. A summary of the result of 
 Cuvier's investigations upon this subject, is presented 
 in the following table. 
 
 He considers the brain in man, in proportion to his 
 body as one to thirty; and though it might with more 
 propriety have been calculated as one to forty or fifty, 
 the relative proportion between man and the lower 
 animals is no less certainly ascertained. 
 
 Man - 1.30 
 
 
 MONKEYS. 
 
 
 Gibbon, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.48 
 
 Saimiri, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.22 
 
 Sai, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.25 
 
 Ouistiti, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.28 
 
 Coaita, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.41 
 
 Young Malbrook, 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.24 
 
 Callitriche, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.41 
 
 Mone, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.44 
 
 Mongabey, 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 1.48 
 
 
 QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 
 Mole, - - - - 1.36 
 
 Dogs, different species, from 1.47 to 1.305 
 
 Cat, - - from 1.82 to 1.156 
 
 Beaver, - 1.290 
 
42 
 
 Rat, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.76 
 
 Mouse, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.43 
 
 Field mouse, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.31 
 
 Elephant, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.500 
 
 Sheep, 
 
 
 from 1.192 
 
 to 
 
 1.351 
 
 Ox, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.860 
 
 Horse, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.400 
 
 
 CETACEOUS ANIMALS. 
 
 
 
 Dolphin, 
 
 
 from 1.25 to 
 
 1.102 
 
 Porpoise, 
 
 
 BIRDS. 
 
 
 1.903 
 
 Eagle, 
 
 - 
 
 * - 
 
 - 
 
 1.260 
 
 Goose, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.360 
 
 Cock, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.25 
 
 Sparrow, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.25 
 
 Canary birds, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.14 
 
 
 
 REPTILES. 
 
 
 
 Land Turtle, 
 
 - 
 
 . 
 
 1.2240 
 
 Frog, 
 
 
 FISHES. 
 
 
 1.170 
 
 Shark, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.2496 
 
 Carp, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1.560 
 
 This table shows that four species of the monkey, 
 the dolphin, and ihree kinds of birds, the canary bird, 
 sparrow, and cock, exceed man in the proportion of 
 the brain to the body ; and that various other animals 
 are nearly on a level with him. 
 
 Nor does the argument in favor of a regular grada- 
 tion of intellect, according to the size of the brain, hold 
 good, in a comparison of the lower animals with each 
 
43 
 
 other ; their intellectual capacities not being in propor- 
 tion of the brain to the body. This fact is shown by 
 the table of Cuvier. 
 
 The doctrine, therefore, that man owes his intellec- 
 tual superiority to an excess of brain, derives no sup- 
 port from his comparison with the lower animals ; nor 
 does it appear, from observation, that this is the source 
 of the diversity of intellectual capacity, which distin- 
 guishes individuals of the human species from each 
 other. 
 
 Professor Warren, of Boston, who has probably en- 
 joyed as great opportunities for dissecting the brains 
 of literary and intellectual men of high grade, and of 
 comparing these with the brains of men in the lower 
 walks of life, as any anatomist of our country, if not of 
 the age, says, as the result of his experience on this 
 subject, that in some instances, it appeared that a large 
 brain had been connected with superior mental pow- 
 ers, and that the reverse of this was true in about an 
 equal number. One individual who was most distin- 
 guished for the variety and extent of his native talent, 
 says Doctor Warren, had, it was ascertained after 
 death, an uncommonly small brain. 
 
 I might accumulate testimony of this description to 
 an almost unlimited extent,but I will not detain you; 
 and will only observe that, after a careful investigation 
 of the subject, I feel authorized to say, that the expe- 
 rience of eminent anatomists of all times and countries, 
 who have paid attention to the subject, will be found 
 in strict accordance with that of Doctor Warren. 
 
 But, for the sake of argument, let us for the time 
 concede this point, and suppose with phrenologists, 
 that there is an established relation between the volume 
 of the brain and the powers of the mind, and then 
 enquire : 
 
44 
 
 III. How far it is possible to ascertain the volume 
 of the brain in the living subject, by measurement or 
 observation. 
 
 This enquiry, like the preceding, involves one of 
 the fundamental principles of phrenology. 
 
 " By a knowledge of both," (phrenology and crani- 
 ology) says a distinguished writer upon this science, 
 "the experienced phrenologist is enabled to judge of 
 the natural amount and general character of the in- 
 tellects of individuals, from an inspection of their 
 heads.' 5 
 
 And, first, by what means are we to ascertain the 
 volume of the brain ? 
 
 Phrenologists have provided two instruments for 
 this purpose, viz: the craniometer and callipus. 
 
 The former of these is the instrument principally in 
 use, and by it we are told that we can not only mea- 
 sure the volume of the brain, but determine also the 
 size of the individual organs. 
 
 It consists of a brass semicircle, connected at the 
 extremities, with two horizontal bars, terminating in a 
 small knob to be placed in the external opening of each 
 ear. By this means, while the semicircle remains 
 fixed at its extremities, its circumference moves freely 
 backward and forward. Attached to this, is a sliding 
 graduated scale,which is easily brought in contact with 
 any part of the surface of the head. By this instru- 
 ment, it is presumed that the exact size of the head 
 can be ascertained, and as all the phrenological organs 
 are supposed to commence at the medulla oblongata, 
 or top of the spinal marrow, which, being nearly on a 
 line with the two horizontal bars that pass into the ex- 
 ternal ear, the length of each organ can be ascer- 
 tained. 
 
45 
 
 Now, allowing all this to be philosophical, it is evi- 
 dent that in order to render this instrument availing, 
 the integuments of the head and the walls of the 
 cranium must be of a uniform thickness in all persons ; 
 or that we must possess some means of determining 
 the degree of deviation from this principle. 
 
 In childhood, both the integuments of the head and 
 the walls of the cranium are thin and delicate ; in the 
 adult they are thicker, but in old age they are again 
 diminished in thickness. There is also some difference 
 in the two sexes ; the male, as a general rule, having 
 the thicker skull. There are, however, frequent excep- 
 tions to this principle. 
 
 But besides the change which occurs at the different 
 periods of life, and the difference which usually marks 
 the two sexes, there is often a great diversity in the 
 thickness of the integuments and the skull, in different 
 persons of the same age, sex, and condition, and of 
 which we have no means of judging in the living sub- 
 ject. This fact I have verified by numerous dissec- 
 tions. 
 
 I here exhibit a number of drawings, made from 
 skulls in my possession, which illustrate some of the 
 points that I wish to establish. 
 
 Plates II. III. V. VIII. represent sections of differ- 
 ent skulls, made by passing a saw through them hori- 
 zontally, about one inch above the superciliary ridge 
 in the frontal, and the same distance above the crucial 
 ridge in the occipital region. These delineations were 
 made from nature, by an eminent artist ; are fac simi- 
 les, and represent the skull precisely, in form and 
 thickness. 
 
 Plate II. represents, by a horizontal section, the skull 
 of a sturdy, athletic waterman, who was drowned in 
 the Potomac. It is scarcely the eighth of an inch in 
 
46 
 
 thickness, though it is firm, compact, and in every re- 
 spect healthy in its structure. 
 
 Plate III. represents, by a horizontal section, the 
 skull of a young and once beautiful female, who came 
 to this city from a neighboring State, fell into bad com- 
 pany, abandoned the paths of virtue, and died in ab- 
 ject poverty. It is nearly twice the thickness of the 
 former, and is well organized and healthy in its ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 Here we have two skulls from healthy individuals in 
 the vigor of life, the one a male and the other a female; 
 and, to render the contrast more striking, the skull of 
 the female is twice the thickness of that of the male. 
 Where is the phrenologist, however experienced, who 
 by the delicacy of his touch, the keenness of his eye, 
 and these aided by his craniometer, could have pro- 
 nounced, that the sturdy waterman had a skull scarcely 
 the eighth, while that of the female was at least one- 
 fourth of an inch in thickness, and been able to make 
 due allowance, and to ascertain the relative volume of 
 the brain in each? 
 
 Plate IV. represents, by a vertical section, a skull, 
 kindly furnished me by Doctor Smith, Professor of 
 Surgery in the University of Maryland. The subject 
 was an adult male. It is thick and very compact, and 
 well organized. 
 
 Plate V. represents, by a horizontal section, a skull 
 which has also been furnished by Professor Smith. Ii is 
 that of an adult male, and averages nearly three fourths 
 of an inch in thickness, and is of ordinary and healthy 
 structure. 
 
 Plate VI. represents, by a vertical section, an adult 
 male skull from the cabinet of Professor Smith. It 
 averages nearly one inch in thickness, and appears in 
 every respect healthy and natural. 
 
47 
 
 Plate VII. represents^ by a vertical section, the cast 
 of a skull which is from the cabinet of Spurzheim. 
 It was kindly procured and sent me by Professor 
 Warren of Boston. 
 
 The crania delineated in plates IV. VI. VII. which 
 exhibit the vertical section, were prepared for the en- 
 graver, by passing the saw through them perpendicu- 
 larly, on one side of the median line. 
 
 The history of the intellectual character of the indi- 
 viduals whose crania are here delineated, I shall not 
 detail, as the only object of introducing them is, to 
 show the natural and insurmountable obstacles which 
 exist in ascertaining the amount of brain by the mea- 
 surement or inspection of the living head. Such a 
 history would be entirely irrelevant, as it could in no 
 way aid the phrenologist in his examination. 
 
 The difference in their thickness furnishes impres- 
 sive evidence of the impossibility of ascertaining the 
 volume of the brain by the rules of phrenology. 
 
 Besides the crania delineated in these plates,! have in 
 my possession a large number, exhibiting every inter- 
 mediate degree of thickness, from that of the sturdy 
 waterman to the cast of Spurzheim. 
 
 But in order to render this part of the investigation 
 the more satisfactory and conclusive, I have instituted 
 a series of experiments, to ascertain the exact amount 
 of brain in the skull, compared with its external di- 
 mensions. These experiments were made under the 
 immediate inspection and by the assistance of Dr. 
 Thomas P. Jones of this city, and Professor William 
 Ruggles of the Columbian College; gentlemen whose 
 high scientific character ensures the utmost accuracy 
 in the results. I am much indebted to these gentle- 
 men for the aid they have afforded me. In the first 
 series of experiments was ascertained, the volume of 
 
48 
 
 each skull ; the brain included. In the second series, 
 the volume of the brain alone, or the capacity of the 
 cerebral cavity. 
 
 Then, in order to render the difference in capacity 
 more obvious, the volume of each skull, the brain in- 
 cluded, was reduced to the dimensions of seventy fluid 
 ounces. 
 
 This table shows the result of these experiments, as 
 extended to five of the skulls delineated in the plates. 
 
 vol. skull, br. included. vol. brain. 
 
 PI. II 70 oz. 56.22 oz. 
 
 III " 51.72 
 
 IV " 46.21 
 
 V " 34.79 
 VII " 25.33 
 
 In five skulls therefore, of the same external dimen- 
 sions, we have a difference in the amount of brain be- 
 tween II and III, of 4.50 oz. 
 II " IV " 10.01 
 II " V " 21.43 
 II " VII " 31.89 
 In this computation we have a difference in the 
 volume of brain, contained in two skulls of the same 
 external dimensions, of 31.89; something more than 
 one half. These experiments have been extended to 
 a great variety of crania, not here delineated ; which 
 confirm the above estimate, and show that the exter- 
 nal dimensions of the skull furnish no indication of the 
 amount of brain. 
 
 I hold it then to be clearly established, that no phre- 
 nologist, however experienced, can, by an inspection 
 of the living head, ascertain whether an individual has 
 a skull of one inch, or one eighth of an inch in thick- 
 ness ; nor whether he has 56.22 ounces of brain in 
 volume, or only 25.33 ounces. 
 
49 
 
 With the result of these experiments before you, 
 gentlemen, I leave you to estimate the value of phre- 
 nology as a practical science, in determining the pow- 
 ers of the human intellect. 
 
 But we will pass on to enquire : 
 
 IV. Eow far it is practicable to ascertain the degree 
 of development of the different parts of the brain, by 
 measurment or examination of the living head. 
 
 And here permit me again to call to your recollec- 
 tion the fundamental doctrine already stated, " that by 
 a knowledge of phrenology and craniology, the ex- 
 perienced phrenologist is enabled to judge of the na- 
 tural amount and general character of the intellects of 
 individuals from an inspection of their heads." The 
 amount of intellect being estimated by the size of the 
 head, while its character is determined by the form. 
 
 In the investigation of this part of the subject, we 
 shall find that anatomy interposes numerous obstacles 
 to the practical phrenologist, the more important of 
 which I shall briefly notice. 
 
 1. Of the frontal sinuses* These are cavities situa- 
 ted in the anterior and lower portion of the frontal 
 bone. To show the manner in which they are formed, 
 it is proper to state, that the bones of the skull are com- 
 posed of two tables, external and internal; and that 
 these are united by an intervening lattice work of bony 
 matter, called diploe. In some parts of the skull, this 
 diploic structure is absent; the two tables recede from 
 each other, and cavities of greater or less extent are 
 thereby created. It is in this manner that the frontal 
 sinuses are formed. 
 
 Plate VIII. represents, by a horizontal section, the 
 skull of an individual whom I well knew. He was 
 an athletic, laboring man, who became intemperate, 
 
50 
 
 and died at the age of thirty. During his Me, I fre^ 
 quently remarked, that he had what would be called 
 by phrenologists, a fine head. for the perceptive facul- 
 ties. His eye was deeply ensconsed under a full project- 
 ing brow, and the organs of Form, Size,Weight,Color, 
 Order,Number,Individuality and Comparison were un- 
 commonly well developed. His Locality was enormous. 
 We should, upon the principles of phrenology, have 
 pronounced him a Rubens in painting, a Humboldt in 
 arrangement,and in Form,Size,and Weight, a Wren .a 
 Douglas or a Simpson. The development of his 
 Comparison and Individuality would have placed him 
 by the side of Dean Swift and the Karl of Chatham; 
 and his Locality represented him as quite equal to 
 Columbus, Newton, Volney, and Sir Walter Scott. 
 
 But what do we find upon an examination after 
 death ? We discover the frontal sinuses to extend over 
 the organs of Individuality, Form, Size, Weight, Color^ 
 Locality,Order,Time,and Comparison; the two tables of 
 bone, separated in some points at the distance of an 
 inch, and the intervening cavities so capacious as to- 
 measure one and a half fluid ounces. 
 
 Plate VIII. shows the form, size, and situation of the 
 frontal^sinuses, by a horizontal section of the skull. 
 
 So far, then, from the great apparent development of 
 these organs, being occasioned by a forward protrusion 
 of the anterior lobes of the brain, the projection was 
 caused by the receding of the inner from the outer 
 table of the skull, in the formation of the frontal sinu- 
 ses, and the brain is discovered to be actually very de- 
 ficient in its anterior portion. 
 
 I need scarcely observe, that no one presumes to dis- 
 tinguish between that projection which is caused by 
 the full development of the anterior lobes of the brain, 
 and the existence of the frontal sinuses. 
 
51 
 
 Here, then, are nine of the organs, of which no cor- 
 rect judgment can be formed, as to the degree of their 
 development in the living head. From the large fron- 
 tal sinuses, delineated in this plate ; I have skulls in 
 which they are seen of almost every intermediate size, 
 to those which measure only a few grains. 
 
 2. The temporal muscle. This is one of the prin- 
 cipal muscles of mastication, and from its situation ne- 
 cessarily conceals a number of the phrenological or- 
 gans. It arises from the temporal ridge, which is in 
 the form of an arch as it passes over the frontal, parie- 
 tal, and occipital bones, and covers a large part of the 
 lateral portion of the cranium. Its fibres, as they de- 
 scend from its origin, converge, the muscle becoming 
 thicker till it passes under the zigomatic process of the 
 temporal bone, to be inserted into the coronoid process 
 ©f the lower jaw. This muscle is very various in 
 volume, in different persons, being in some twice the 
 thickness that we find it in others. It covers wholly, 
 or in part, the organs of Destructiveness, Constructive- 
 ness, Acquisitiveness, Secretiveness, Cautiousness, 
 Ideality, Number, and Tune. Of the degree of de- 
 velopment of these organs, therefore, it is evident we 
 can form no correct estimate, by an examination of the 
 living head. 
 
 By means of the frontal sinuses and temporal mus- 
 cle alone, therefore, we find seventeen out of the thir- 
 ty-four organs beyond the reach of observation. 
 
 3. Let us next ascertain whether the skull is in 
 every part of the same thickness, and whether the 
 two tables, of which it is composed, are every where 
 parallel to each other. 
 
 To say nothing of the numerous ridges and grooves 
 which are exhibited upon the internal surface of the 
 cranium, and which vary much in size, and somewhat 
 
52 
 
 also in position, the two tables are not every where 
 parallel; consequently, the skull is not of uniform 
 thickness in every part, and this want of uniformity 
 varies in different heads. I can show numerous ex- 
 amples in which there is a marked protuberance ex- 
 ternally, but no corresponding concavity within. In 
 one skull, we have the organ of Philoprogenitiveness, 
 very full, but it is occasioned only by an increased 
 thickness of the bone at this part, In others, the organ 
 of Causality is very prominent, but so far from finding 
 a corresponding concavity within, the inner table pre- 
 sents a plain surface; and there are frequently consi- 
 derable depressions within, where the corresponding 
 surface without, does not exhibit the slightest projec- 
 tion. It is also true, that there are scarcely any two 
 skulls which exhibit the same relative thickness in 
 different parts. This is obvious from an examination 
 of the accompanying plates. 
 
 No Phrenologist, therefore, w T ho discovers a protu- 
 berance on the skull, can determine whether it is caus- 
 ed by a fullness of the brain, at that part, or an increas- 
 ed thickness of the bone. 
 
 4. The great number and diminutive size of the 
 organs, as represented in the figured head, presents a 
 serious obstacle to the phrenologist, in ascertaining 
 their fullness as well as their actual position. 
 
 In the forehead, there are no less than fourteen pairs 
 of organs, huddled together in the compass of a few 
 square inches ; a space scarely equal in extent to that 
 appropriated to a single pair of organs,belonging to the 
 department of the propensities, or that of the moral 
 sentiments, and all concealed by the frontal bone. 
 
 You have askecj.gentlernen, if the specimens of crania 
 delineated in the plates,were not extreme cases; of irre- 
 gular-structure, and to be regarded as exceptions to the 
 
53 
 
 general rule. I have already stated, that I possess 
 skulls of every intermediate- degree of thickness, from 
 that of the waterman, to the cast of Spurzheim; and 
 those, also, which exhibit the frontal sinuses from the 
 size represented in plate VIII., to those which are 
 scarcely perceptible ; and, by visiting the different 
 anatomical cabinets of our country, the same variations 
 will be seen in abundance. But, admit these speci- 
 mens to be of irregular structure, and to form excep- 
 tions to any general rules which the phrenologist may 
 establish for his guide, and the admission is fatal to the 
 pretensions of the practical phrenologist. The exist- 
 ence of a single exception to the general rule, as to 
 the thickness of the skull, and the size of the frontal 
 sinuses, presents an insuperable objection to the 
 science ; unless the phrenologist can point out some 
 means of ascertaining, in the living subject, when such 
 exceptions exist. 
 
 How is the phrenologist to know, when measuring 
 the head, whether the skull is thick or thin ; whether 
 the frontal sinuses are large or small, and whether the 
 protuberances which he finds on the head, represent 
 corresponding developments of the brain, or are occa- 
 sioned by an increased thickness of the skull, at the 
 places where they exist ? 
 
 V. I will now ask your attention to a few facts which 
 bear upon this subject, together with some general 
 remarks. 
 
 1. It has already been observed, that phrenology 
 makes the powers of the mind, other things being equal, 
 commensurate with the volume of the brain. This is 
 one of the fundamental principles upon which it is based. 
 
 I do not deny that there is a difference in the natural 
 capacities of men, some individuals being endowed with 
 stronger, quicker, and clearer minds than others; but I 
 
54 
 
 am far from admitting that this difference depends on the 
 amount of brain, or that the development of the mind 
 in the progress of life is to be determined by the in- 
 creased size of the head. If we look round upon the 
 intellectual world, we shall find as many men distin- 
 guished for intellectual power, w T ith a head of a small 
 or medium size, and as many with a large head pos- 
 sessing a feeble intellect, as the reverse of these ; and 
 had phrenology in its commencement received a differ- 
 ent direction, and a small head, in conformity with the 
 preference of Aristotle, been made the standard of per- 
 fection, it would doubtless have enlisted as many zealous 
 and confident advocates as are now found in its ranks. 
 It is not the mere volume of the brain which determines 
 the power of the human intellect. Neither facts nor 
 analogy sustain the proposition. Men of the greatest 
 physical power have not often the largest muscles. This 
 is remarkably true of great runners, wrestlers, and 
 boxers; and the same observations apply with equal 
 force to brute animals. There appears to be far more 
 in the organization and action of parts, than in the mere 
 volume, in giving power. 
 
 It has been admitted by a distinguished writer upon 
 phrenology, that the intellect of idiots, where the volume 
 of the brain has been greatly deficient, has been sur- 
 prisingly improved during the continuance of an inflam- 
 matory cephalic fever; and that cerebral inflammation, 
 arising from mechanical injuries, has often added greatly 
 to the vigor of the intellect of ordinary men. 
 
 A son of the late Dr. Priestly, says this writer, whose 
 intellect was naturally feeble, fell from the window of a 
 two story house, and fractured his skull. From this 
 time his intellect became greatly improved. 
 
 An extraordinary case was recently communicated to 
 the Medical Society of Ghent; that of a young man of na- 
 
55 
 
 turally very limited intelligence, who lost to the amount 
 of two tea-cups of brain by a pistol shot, besides consi- 
 derable quantities which were discharged at several 
 subsequent dressings. He lived for two years after this 
 occurrence, with his intellect vastly improved. 
 
 Accidents of the same nature, followed by similar 
 consequences, are recorded of many others. 
 
 Every one, who has observed cases of intermittent 
 fever, must have been struck with the increased vigor 
 and activity of the mind during the hot stage of the dis- 
 ease. Men of very ordinary capacity, while under its 
 influence, often rise to a degree of strength and bold- 
 ness of conception, and brilliancy of expression, truly 
 astonishing. When the brain is excited, whether from 
 moral or physical causes, the mind often acts with vastly 
 increased power, and the individual exhibits all the 
 phenomena of a temporary brain fever. 
 
 Who has listened to the debates of Congress during 
 times of high political excitement, or attended the 
 pleadings in the Supreme Court, and has not been im- 
 pressed with the truth of this observation? I could 
 detail numerous instances illustrative of this remark, 
 but will state only a single case. 
 
 The late William Pinkney, of Maryland, whose ex- 
 traordinary power in debate is universally known, when 
 unexcited, exhibited nothing in his appearance which 
 manifested great activity or energy of mind ; but when 
 roused by debate, his face became suffused with blood, 
 his eye sparkling and animated, his carotids pulsated 
 violently, his jugular veins became swollen, and every 
 thing indicated that the blood was carried to the head 
 with an impetus proportioned to the excitement of the 
 occasion and his intellectual effort; and it was only 
 during this cerebral orgasm, that his thoughts were 
 poured forth with that fluency and power for which he 
 
56 
 
 was so remarkably distinguished. The same phenome- 
 na occurred, to some extent, in his private studies, 
 whenever he fixed his mind intently on any one subject 
 for the purpose of deep investigation. 
 
 It was after one of these cerebral paroxyms of pro- 
 tracted and powerful excitement in the Supreme Court, 
 that the integrity of his brain gave way, and iatal dis- 
 ease ensued. 
 
 In his last illness he informed me, that after periods 
 of high intellectual effort, he found the blood rushing 
 to the head, long after the occasion which had excited 
 it had gone by, and that he often found it difncult to 
 compose his mind sufficiently for sleep. 
 
 I could point you, were it proper to do so, to many 
 living examples of the same description. 
 
 In these cases, there is no augmentation in the size 
 of the head ; there is no change in its form. 
 
 It is evident, then, that there is something which 
 gives power to the mind, which has no connexion 
 with the volume of the brain. Whether this is to 
 be found in the peculiar organization of the cerebral 
 structure, the increased energy and action of its vessels, 
 the quantity of arterial blood propelled to the organ 
 by the heart,or to some other cause,is beyond the pre- 
 sent state of anatomical and physiological knowledge to 
 determine. 
 
 I admit that there is a difference in the natu- 
 ral capacities of men. I am equally clear that this 
 difference is utterly insignificant, compared with what 
 is impressed upon the mind by circumstances. 
 
 The influence of climate, occupation, literature, sci- 
 ence and the arts, commerce and war, civil and reli- 
 gious institutions, the state of society and the modes of 
 life, all exei t a powerful influence upon the human in- 
 tellect; but, above all, it is the discipline of the mind 
 
57 
 
 which gives it power. The intellectual, like the physical 
 functions; acquire strength by use ; and he who would 
 attain to eminence, must subject himself to the habit of 
 long continued and close application to study ; to deep 
 and systematic reflection, severe investigation, and ac- 
 curate analysis. These give a vigor to the mind that 
 nature never imparts. 
 
 But were it true that there is an established relation 
 between the power of the mind and the volume of the 
 brain, the fact would avail the practical phrenologist? 
 nothing, as he has no means of ascertaining the amount 
 of brain in the living subject. 
 
 2. You have seen that the complex character of the 
 brain, as an intellectual organ, forms one of the leading 
 doctrines of phrenology, and professes to rest mainly 
 for its support on observation. Indeed, the discovery 
 of the fact that there is a coincidence between the pro- 
 tuberances on the skull and the intellectual and moral 
 character of man, Dr. Gall says first led him to the 
 study of the subject. 
 
 It is no part of my purpose to disprove this coinci- 
 dence. Whether there is a correspondence between the 
 external form of the head and the character of the mind, 
 I leave for future observations to settle. If I have es- 
 tablished the fact, that a protuberance on the skull is 
 no proof of a corresponding development of the brain, 
 my end is accomplished ; and this, I think, has been 
 clearly shown. 
 
 The idea that the brain is composed of a plurality of 
 organs, and that each has its own appropriate functions, 
 has elicited every argument which could be brought to 
 its support. To sustain the proposition, volumes have 
 been written, experiments have been made, and the 
 records of medicine and surgery have been ransacked 
 in pursuit of facts. 
 8 
 
58 
 
 If the brain be composed of a plurality of organs, as. 
 represented by the figured head, and that each is the 
 seat of a separate faculty, it necessarily follows, that 
 when any one of these organs is injured or destroyed, 
 that its faculty must be injured or destroyed also. 
 
 Yet in all the mutilations of the brain to which man 
 has been subjected for two thousand years, it appears 
 that the records of surgery do not furnish a single well 
 authenticated case in which the loss of a particular fa- 
 culty has happened according to the organ on which 
 the injury was inflicted, while the other faculties re- 
 mained unimpaired. 
 
 We learn from the researches of Drs. Ferrier and 
 Rennels, that a vast variety of cases are recorded, in 
 which large portions of the brain have been actually 
 destroyed, and in so many parts of the head, as to dis- 
 pose of nearly all the phrenological organs in turn, and 
 that not a single case has happened of such partial de- 
 struction of intellect, as must have occurred if the doc- 
 trine of separate organs be true ; and we can hardly 
 find a surgeon who has not met with cases in his prac- 
 tice, where portions of the brain have been destroyed 
 by wounds, the consequences of which fully confirm 
 the statement of these writers. 
 
 In many of these cases, blindness and deafness have 
 been produced, motion and sensation destroyed, and all 
 the intellectual faculties suspended ; but there has not 
 been a destruction of a particular faculty of the mind, 
 while its other powers have remained untouched. 
 How, then, can it be, after the lapse of so many ages, 
 that there are no facts of this description to confirm the 
 doctrines of phrenology ? Certainly, it cannot be for 
 the want of an opportunity for observation. 
 
 To say nothing of the accidents of private life, there 
 is "scarcely a naval or military battle, in which cases of 
 
59 
 
 injury of the phrenological organs are not met with in 
 abundance; and yet the science derives no support 
 from this source. 
 
 If the theory of a plurality of cerebral organs be true, 
 we might, perhaps, with some show of plausibility, by 
 mechanical means as well as moral influence, agreeably 
 to the proposition of Emanuel Swedenborg, endeavor 
 so to modify the developments of the skull, as to pro- 
 mote the growth of the good organs, and repress those 
 that are evil ; and thus turn a sour into a sweet temper, 
 and a knavish into an honest disposition. Upon this 
 principle, we might make our heroes and statesmen, 
 our philosophers and divines, our poets and painters, 
 and all of the highest order. 
 
 For aught we know, the brain is a unit, and the 
 whole organ is concerned in each and every operation 
 of the mind. 
 
 That the different faculties of the mind are modified 
 by occupation, is universally known and admitted. 
 
 The individual, who exclusively cultivates his me- 
 mory, acquires a facility of retaining facts to an extent 
 inconceivable to those who neglect this faculty ; and 
 such persons often make vast attainments in knowledge 
 without the power of arranging or applying it to prac- 
 tice; while the metaphysician, who principally exercises 
 his understanding, arrives at a power of analysis, and 
 of distinguishing cause and effect, known only to those 
 who accustom themselves to long and deep thinking. 
 He, who cherishes his fancy to the neglect of his judg- 
 ment, acquires an exquisiteness of feeling and refine- 
 ment which often disqualifies him for the more rigorous 
 exercises of the mind. The will unbridled, acquires 
 strength, until it gains an omnipotent control over that 
 man who habitually yields to its dominion. 
 
60 
 
 3. An argument frequently urged in the support of 
 phrenology, is the success with which its principles 
 have been applied to practice in distinguishing charac- 
 ter. Dr. Gall himself, we are told, subjected his the- 
 ory to the most rigid scrutiny, with triumphant success ; 
 that on several occasions he was enabled to ascertain, 
 by the developments of the head, the precise crime for 
 which multitudes had been convicted and sent to prison. 
 
 To expose the absurdity of this argument it is only 
 necessary to bring to view the fact, that men of the same 
 natural propensities, perpetrate different crimes, when 
 placed under different circumstances ; and that indivi- 
 duals of different, and even opposite tendencies, com- 
 mit the same crimes when placed under circumstances 
 which are similar ; nay, that men often perpetrate 
 crimes to which they have no natural propensity, but a 
 deep abhorrence, when strongly operated on by exter- 
 nal influences. 
 
 One man commits murder wantonly, and apparently 
 from the natural cruelty of his disposition ; another, 
 that he may inherit a post of honor, or possess himself 
 of fortune ; and a third, to conceal another crime which 
 he has already perpetrated. 
 
 One individual steals from the mere motive of acqui- 
 sition ; another, that he may possess the means to gra- 
 tify his sensual desires, or foster his pride or ambition ; 
 while a third is impelled to the crime from extreme 
 poverty. 
 
 The history of man in every country and age, will 
 show, that nine-tenths of all the outrages committed are 
 the consequence of defective education, bad example, 
 vicious company, or other circumstances which attend 
 the offender, rather than any inherent propensity to the 
 crime perpetrated. 
 
61 
 
 How preposterous, then, to look to the developments 
 of the head as the measure of a man's virtues and vices, 
 or even to regard his known propensities and disposi- 
 tions as the true index to the history of his life. 
 
 Can any one who reflects upon the various circum- 
 stances of human life, the incidents which often control 
 man's destinies, the temptations which assail him in dif- 
 ferent situations, believe, that of the four hundred and 
 seventy culprits examined by Dr. Gall at the fortress 
 of Spandau, upon which so much stress has been laid, 
 each was convicted of the precise crime for which he 
 had the strongest propensity by nature ? As well may 
 we suppose that every one dies of the disease to which 
 he has the strongest natural predisposition ; that be- 
 cause a man is predisposed to apoplexy, he cannot die 
 of fever, be buried in the ocean, or be struck down by 
 the lightning of heaven. 
 
 4. Again, it is said, if phrenology is destitute of 
 foundation, why is it that it has become a study of so 
 much interest in the circles of literary and scientific 
 men? A moment's attention to the subject will enable 
 us to answer the inquiry. 
 
 Phrenology, if it did not originate with, was early 
 espoused by zealous and distinguished advocates. Gall 
 and Spurzheim were both men of genius and of letters, 
 and the latter especially has shown himself to be a man 
 of extraordinary zeal and perseverance; an eloquent 
 writer, an untiring investigator, and possessed of ex- 
 tensive literary acquirements ; and whatever may be 
 thought of his phrenology, it is not denied, that his in- 
 vestigations of the nervous system have contributed 
 something to physiological science ; and more espe- 
 cially, that they have excited a spirit of inquiry in others 
 which has led to important results. We still have liv- 
 ing advocates of phrenology who justly rank among the 
 
62 
 
 most eloquent writers of the age. Mr. Combe, of 
 Edinburgh, is scarcely surpassed for the beauty of his 
 etyle, his command of facts, the richness and facility of 
 his illustrations, as well as for philosophical observation. 
 Nor is our own country destitute of men of ability and 
 high literary attainments, who give all their influence 
 to the support of phrenology. 
 
 These writers have intermingled with their doctrines 
 so much of philosophy and truth, have introduced so 
 many novel facts and illustrations, and have exhibited 
 the whole subject in such an aspect, as to render the 
 study exceedingly captivating. 
 
 But, beyond all this, there is another, and deeper 
 principle, which disposes men to the study and belief 
 of phrenology. 
 
 From the earliest history of man, he has ever been 
 seeking after something which would solve all difficul- 
 ties, reveal all secrets ; and something, too, which sa- 
 vors of mystery or of miracle. Something to super- 
 sede tedious observation, and laborious research ; and 
 if this principle of his nature has not always been man- 
 ifested in a pursuit of the philosopher's stone, or ani- 
 mal magnetism, it has shown itself in projects equally 
 unattainable and futile. 
 
 It is true, also, that the study of the human mind, 
 and the development of human character, have ever 
 been favorite objects of attention. But upon the com- 
 mon principles of investigation, judging of men by 
 their actions,his progress is slow, and the result doubt- 
 ful. To avoid this delay and uncertainty, men have 
 been impatient to discern some broad principle, some 
 external sign, by which to judge of the character of the 
 mind, and reveal the hidden emotions of the soul. — 
 Every age has afforded proofs of the justness of these 
 remarks. The speculations of Aristotle, Albert the 
 
63 
 
 great, Montagnana, and Dolci, all evince this propensi- 
 ty, and seem only to be premonitory of the present 
 system of phrenology. 
 
 At one time, we find a Porta attempting to ascertain 
 the character of men by discovering in them resem- 
 blances to certain animals of the lower order. At an- 
 other period, the physiognomy of Lavater becomes the 
 universal guide. Next, the facial angle of Camper is 
 made the measure of the human intellect. These have 
 all been put forth, under the most confident assurances 
 of their truth, and the sanction of great names. Each 
 has flourished for a time ; has been tested by expe- 
 rience and observation, and been abandoned. Phren- 
 ology has taken their place. Whether this, also, is 
 destined to the same end, remains to be seen. 
 
 Is it strange, then, when we are told that a science 
 has been discovered, by which the character and capa- 
 cities of the human mind can be ascertained ; the se- 
 crets of the heart disclosed, and this, too, by a momen- 
 tary examination of the exterior of the head, that we 
 should find men who will study and advocate its doc- 
 trines ? 
 
 In concluding my remarks, gentlemen, upon phren- 
 ology, a subject which has withdrawn, I fear, the at- 
 tention of many able minds from far nobler objects, al- 
 low me to suggest some considerations in relation to 
 your future pursuits, and the duties which you owe to 
 yourselves, and to the world. 
 
 You will soon be called to exchange the quiet scenes 
 which now surround you, for the more public theatre of 
 life, and to unite with your present intellectual pursuits 
 the arduous, practical duties of society. High and 
 honorable is the trust to be confided to you, and it will 
 doubtless be assumed with a suitable sense of your re- 
 sponsibility, as well as with a steadfast resolution, that 
 
64 
 
 no reasonable expectations on the part of your friends, 
 or the community, shall be disappointed. 
 
 If there are some things in prospect which cause you 
 to tremble, there are many also that meet the eye, cal- 
 culated to cheer you, and to suggest, at the same time, 
 the nature of those objects which more especially de- 
 mand your attention. 
 
 Providence has assigned your sphere of action in a 
 country boundless in extent and inexhaustible in its re- 
 sources ; blessed with a free constitution and with civil 
 and social institutions, calculated to encourage the bold- 
 est enterprises, and to ensure to your exertions the 
 highest rewards ; a country unparalleled for the free 
 unembarrassed facilities of applying moral, physical 
 and intellectual power to the great purposes of life. 
 The field which lies before you is vast in the number, 
 as well as the magnitude of its objects, and is constantly 
 enlarging from the discovery of new sources of wealth 
 and of labor in every portion of our land. 
 
 If we turn our eyes to the Atlantic coast, we behold, 
 disembarking from ships which throng our harbors, a 
 countless multitude of adventurers from every clime, 
 the tide of foreign emigration rolling in like a flood, 
 and the cities of the seaboard crowded with population 
 and loaded with wealth. If we turn to the great West, 
 but recently the hunting ground of the savage, we see 
 the noblest and richest valley in the world, its forests 
 falling before the hardy pioneer, and towns and villages 
 rising as by the touch of enchantment. And turn 
 where we may, we see the demand for moral and intel- 
 lectual effort keeping an even pace with the footsteps 
 of enterprise. 
 
 The period, too, in which you are called to active 
 life, is unprecedented for the rapid advancement of so- 
 ciety in great practical improvements. In a few years 
 
65 
 
 you may live through more events of interest, than 
 whole generations which have preceded you. In our 
 day, from the influence of moral and physical causes 
 which are in operation, the well directed energies of 
 one enterprising spirit will accomplish more than the 
 combined exertion of multitudes in a former age. But 
 it is not as champions of some brilliant theory, which 
 attracts attention because of its mysterious and extra- 
 vagant character, by which you can become useful, and 
 acquire a desirable reputation. It is practical talent 
 which is in requisition throughout our whole country, 
 and this supported by decision, energy, and action \ 
 and it is by your own exertions that a renovating power 
 is to go forth. Endeavor, then, to cultivate a deep 
 sense of your personal responsibility, and realize that 
 you are accountable for every hour of time, for every 
 impression you make, for every sentiment you advance. 
 Never had any people higher destinies than ours to 
 fulfil, or less excuse for pursuing shadows or indulging 
 in airy speculations. 
 
 In determining the objects of your pursuit, let me 
 admonish you, that the period of human life is so short, 
 the objects to which it can be directed to purpose so 
 few, and those which invite your attention so numer- 
 ous, that a judicious selection and limitation of them is*, 
 indispensable to eminent success. 
 
 Men are too liable to be engrossed by the novelties 
 of the day, and to be led away by those subjects which 
 serve only to amuse, not to instruct the mind. How 
 many great minds, capable of the highest effort, have 
 dissipated their powers by the multiplicity and uncer- 
 tainty of their pursuits ! Do not weaken your minds 
 by feebly grasping at every thing ; and while you limit 
 the objects of your attention, be sure that those you aim 
 at are within the reach of attainment; and that tthey 
 
are such ? too, as will render you useful, as well as dis- 
 tinguished, members of society. 
 
 Let me not be understood to discountenance, or un- 
 dervalue, that sublime science, the philosophy of the 
 human mind. Nothing will contribute more to give 
 you a commanding influence,and to render circumstan- 
 ces subservient to your purpose, than a deep knowledge 
 of the human character. Some men of great talents, 
 and of high scientific attainments, have utterly failed of 
 success in practical life, from an ignorance of men, and 
 an inability to adapt their knowledge to the circum- 
 stances in which they have been placed. But this 
 knowledge is not to be sought in the study of man's 
 physical organization, any more than the value or bril- 
 liancy of a jewel in the form of the box which contains 
 it. There is no short way to the philosophy of the 
 human mind. Man must be studied as he ever has 
 been, and that, too, with the most eminent success, by 
 close and accurate observation, and an actual mingling 
 with mankind in the various stages and conditions of 
 life. In the language of Napoleon, that great practical 
 philosopher, whose knowledge of human nature was 
 one of his most wonderful attainments, I would say — 
 " Nature does not reveal her secrets by external forms. 
 She hides and does not expose her secrets. To pre- 
 tend to seize or penetrate human character by so slight 
 an index,' 5 (as the developments of the head) "is the 
 part of a dupe or an impostor. The only way of 
 knowing our fellow creatures, is to see them, to haunt 
 them, to submit them to proof. We must study them 
 long if we wish not to be mistaken ; we must judge of 
 them by their actions. This is my opinion, and this 
 has long been my guide." 
 
 Beware, gentlemen, of that delusive science, which 
 pretends to detect and mark the countless varieties of 
 
67 
 
 human character, and gauge and measure the capaci- 
 ties of the human soul, by a graduated scale of brass ; 
 a science which finds an apology for the vices and fol- 
 lies of mankind, in the forms bestowed upon them by a 
 good and all-wise Creator. 
 
 Let me caution you, also, to distrust its application to 
 yourselves, as well as to others, and not to rely on any 
 native endowments, you may thereby be induced to 
 attribute to yourselves, for the stations you may aspire 
 to in life. What rank you shall hold among intellec- 
 tual men, depends on your own exertions. The mind, 
 not less than the body, is susceptible of inconceivable 
 improvement from the culture it receives. It is atten- 
 tion fixed on proper objects of pursuit ; perseverance 
 that never wavers from its purpose ; application, steady 
 and constant ; and not the prominences of the cra- 
 nium, that constitute the most striking differences 
 among men, and which will enable each of you, not 
 only to attain, but to deserve the highest distinctions and 
 rewards. 
 
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES, 
 
 PL I. 
 
 Exhibits the name, form, size, and position of the phreno- 
 logical organs, as represented on the figured head of Mr. 
 Combe. It also shows the form and application of the cra- 
 niometer. 
 
 PL II. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the thickness of the skull 
 of an adult male, a robust waterman. It also exhibits a ho- 
 rizontal section of the brain. Fig. 1, the forepart of the 
 skull. Fig. 2, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 3, the 
 fissure in which the falx of the duramater is situated, which 
 divides the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Fig. 4, 
 the falx of the duramater turned back. Fig. 5, the cortical 
 or pulpy part of the brain. Fig. 6, the medullary or fibrous 
 portion of the brain. Fig. 7, the grooves which separate 
 the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 8, the corpus callosum, 
 or great commissure of the brain. 
 
 PL III. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the skull of a delicate fe- 
 male, aged about 25. Fig. 1, the forepart of the skull. Fig. 
 2, the thickness of the skull. 
 
 PL IV. 
 
 Shows, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
 
70 
 
 and was furnished me by N. R. Smith, M. D , Professor of 
 Surgery in the University of Maryland. Fig. 1, the thick- 
 ness of the skull. Fig. 2, the frontal sinuses. Fig. 3, the 
 convolutions of the brain. Fig. 4, the grooves which sepa- 
 rate the convolutions of the bram. Fig. 5, the cerebellum. 
 Fig. 6, the tentorium, or horizontal membrane, which sepa- 
 rates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. Fig. 7, the medulla 
 oblongata. Fig. 8, the spinal marrow. 
 
 PL V. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult male, 
 and is also from the cabinet of Professor Smith. Fig. 1, the 
 forepart of the skull. Fig. 2, the thickness of the skull. 
 
 PL VI. 
 
 Shows, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
 from the cabinet of Professor Smith. It also shows the brain 
 invested by the duramater. Fig. 1, the thickness of the 
 skull. Fig. 2, the brain invested by the duramater. Fig. 
 3, the lateral sinus. Fig. 4, the cerebellum, invested by 
 the duramater. Fig. 5, the middle artery of the dura- 
 mater. 
 
 PL VII. 
 
 Shows, by a vertical seetion, the thickness of a skull, the 
 cast of which is from the cabinet of Spurzheim, and was 
 procured and sent me by J. C. Warren, M. D., Professor of 
 Anatomy and Surgery in Harvard University. Fig. 1, the 
 thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, grooves in the skull, show- 
 ing the poskion of the middle artery of the duramater. 
 
 PL VIII. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult 
 male, aged 30. Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, 
 the frontal sinuses. Fig. 3, the zigomatic process, under 
 which the temporal muscle passes to the lower jaw. 
 
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