< o 
 
PHRE N O L O G I C AL OR tr AN S . 
 
THE 
 
 PHILOSOPHY 
 
 it 
 
 PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 BY A MEMBER OF THE 
 
 PHRENOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETIES OF GLASGOW, 
 
 «fcc. <fcc 
 
 "The dome of Thought, the palace of the Soul."— Byron. 
 
 GLASGOW: W. R. M'PHUN, 
 
 Bookseller and Publisher to H.R.H. the Prince Albert, 
 S4 ARGYLE-STREET. 
 
 1352. 
 

TO 
 
 THE MEMORY OF 
 
 GALL. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIRST EDITION. 
 
 In the following pages the writer has confined himself 
 more to the principles than to the details of Phrenology, 
 and he has aimed at simplicity and perspicuity of style 
 rather than elegance of diction. Every student of 
 Phrenology easily gets acquainted with facts relating 
 to the situation, form, and even some of the uses of 
 the organs ; but the philosophic Phrenologist looks 
 also to principles, for without this kind of knowledge 
 his views must be empirical, and destitute of that com- 
 prehensive character which leads to useful practical 
 results. Facts, he knows, are only the insulated ma- 
 terials of which a science is built up, while principles 
 are the uniting media that impart solidity and durability 
 to the whole structure. 
 
 Phrenology is calculated to produce most important 
 effects upon society ; and the more widely a knowledge 
 is diffused of the principles of Phrenological science, 
 the sooner will these effects be realized. 
 
 Should this little work tend to produce a spirit of 
 inquiry into the subject of which it treats, the object 
 for which it is published will be effected. 
 
 Glasgow, May, 1836. 
 
NOTE 
 
 TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
 
 A very large impression of the first edition having been 
 sold off in the short space of six months, is, in the 
 opinion of the Publisher, a striking proof not only of 
 the high estimation in which this little work is held 
 by the public, but also of the warm interest which the 
 public now take in Phrenological investigations. In 
 this edition some emendations have been made, which 
 will probably be found interesting and useful. 
 
TABLE OF THE PHRENOLOGICAL ORGANS. 
 
 In the engravings of the mapped heads, the situation of the 
 organs is indicated according to the following table : — 
 
 AFFECTIVE. 
 
 I. Propensities. II. Sentiments. 
 
 1. Amativeness. 
 
 2. Philoprogenitiveness. 
 
 3. Inhabitiveness. 
 
 4. Adhesiveness. 
 
 5. Combativeness. 
 
 6. Destructiveness. 
 f Alimentiveness. 
 
 7. Secretiveness. 
 
 8. Acquisitiveness. 
 
 9. Constructiveness. 
 
 10. Self-Esteem. 
 
 11. Love of Approbation. 
 
 12. Cautiousness. 
 
 13. Benevolence. 
 
 14. Veneration. 
 
 15. Firmness. 
 
 16. Conscientiousness. 
 
 17. Hope. 
 
 18. Wonder. 
 
 19. Ideality. 
 
 20. Wit, or Mirthfulness. 
 
 21. Imitation. 
 
 INTELLECTUAL. 
 
 I. Perceptive. 
 
 22. Individuality. 
 
 23. Form. 
 
 24. Size. 
 
 25. Weight. 
 
 26. Colouring. 
 
 27. Locality. 
 
 28. Number. 
 
 29. Order. 
 
 30. Eventuality. 
 
 31. Time. 
 
 32. Tune. 
 
 33. Language. 
 
 II. Reflective. 
 
 34. Comparison. 
 
 35. Causality. 
 
EXPLANATION 
 
 PLATE OF THE BRAIN. 
 
 Ik the preparation from which fig. 1st is taken, the right 
 half of the scull is removed, and a side view is conse- 
 quently obtained of the parts that lie within the cranium. 
 Occupying the greatest part of the scull, we observe the 
 cerebrum A, A, A, (presenting numerous convolutions). 
 These convolutions lie immediately under the thin mem- 
 branes that line the cavity of the scull. The form, size, 
 and direction of the convolutions, seem to vary in different 
 portions of the mass, and form important parts of the 
 phrenological organs. These organs, it must be remarked, 
 are not confined to the convolutions, but extend from the 
 medulla oblongata C, or top of the spinal marrow, to the 
 convolutions which they also include. 
 
 Below, and at the back of the cerebrum, we find the 
 cerebellum, or little brain B, which differs remarkably in 
 structure from the cerebrum. Instead of the convoluted, 
 which appertains to the cerebrum, it presents a laminated 
 structure; the laminse, or plates, so arranged that their 
 margins are turned to the circumference of the mass. 
 
 In fig. 2d, the base, or lower surface of the brain, is repre- 
 sented, and besides the nerves which are there found attached, 
 a view is obtained of the three lobes of the cerebrum. A, 
 the anterior lobe ; B, the middle lobe ; C, the posterior lobe. 
 In this inverted state of the brain, the cerebellum D, covers 
 nearly altogether the posterior lobes, but by referring to fig. 
 1st, the true position of these parts will be comprehended. 
 E refers to the medulla oblongata, or the top of the spinal 
 marrow. 
 
 From fig. 1st, a view may be obtained of the manner in 
 which the brain fills the scull. D, D, D, represents the 
 thickness of the scull as seen after a longitudinal section 
 has been made from the nose to the hind-head. It will be 
 observed, that the cerebral mass fills completely the cavity 
 of the scull, and the scull, like the rind of an orange, or the 
 shell of an egg, indicates, with great accuracy, the form and 
 size of the contained materials. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Dedication, iii 
 
 Preface to First Edition, v 
 
 Note to Second Edition, n 
 
 Table of the Phrenological Organs, vii 
 
 Explanation of the Plate of the Brain, . . . . viii 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Definition, I 
 
 Causes of the Opposition to Phrenolgy, ib. 
 
 Many important Discoveries have met with Opposition, . . 2 
 Previous to the Discovery of Phrenology, most discordant Opi- 
 nions entertained regarding the corporeal Seat of the Mind, 3 
 
 History of the Discovery of Phrenology, 4 
 
 Gall, Spurzheim, 5, 6 
 
 Succeeding'Phrenologists, 7 
 
 Phrenology not yet perfected, 8 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Brain the Organ of the Mind, 10 
 
 Some popular Objections to Phrenology answered, ... 20 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Brain not a single Organ proved, 27 
 
 The Mind displays different Mental Powers, ib. 
 
 Diversity of Form in the Brains of different Individuals, . . 28 
 
 Diversity of Talents, 30 
 
 Partial Idiocy, and partial Insanity, 32 
 
 Dreaming, 34 
 
 Mental Phenomena that result from Injury or Disease, . . 35 
 
 Anatomy in Harmony with Phrenology, 37 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Comparative Anatomy of the Nervous System favourable to 
 
 Phrenology, 43 
 
 Zoological Classification, 45 
 
 Microscopic Animals, 49 
 
 Radiated Animals, ib. 
 
 Molluscous Animals, 50 
 
 Articulated Animals, ib. 
 
 Fishes, 53 
 
 Reptiles, ib. 
 
 Birds 54 
 
 Quadrupeds, 56 
 
 Argument from the Process of Development of the Brain, . 58 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Nervous System of Man, 66 
 
 Nerves, 67 
 
 Ganglia, 68 
 
 Plexuses, ib. 
 
 Spinal Marrow or Chord, ........ 72 
 
 Medulla Oblongata, 75 
 
 Cerebellum, 76 
 
 Cerebrum, 78 
 
 Facial Angle, and argument from, 83 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Phrenological Nomenclature, 85 
 
 Fundamental Powers, 87 
 
 Is the Mind simple or compound ? 89 
 
 The Essence of the Mind an improper Subject of Investigation, 94 
 
 Phrenologists investigate Mind in connection with the Brain, . 97 
 Short Notification of the Fundamental Functions of the Phre- 
 nological Organs, and Abuses to which some of them 
 
 are liable, 104 
 
 Size of the Organs, 124 
 
 Activity of the Organs, 126 
 
 Temperament ib. 
 
 Combination of the Organs, 128 
 
 EndLew variety of Form in the human Head, .... 130 
 
CONTENTS. XI 
 
 CHAFrER VI. 
 
 On Insanity, • • 134 
 
 Proximate Cause of Insanity, corporeal, 135 
 
 Corporeal Agents produce Insanity, 136 
 
 Insanity hereditary, Jb- 
 
 Different Kinds of Insanity, I* 2 
 
 Principles upon which the Treatment of Insanity is founded, . ib. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ON THE PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION. 
 
 Principle I. Education does not confer new powers either 
 mental or corporeal, but merely improves 
 those already implanted by nature, . . 145 
 II. All the powers of the mind cannot be improved 
 
 to an equal degree in any individual, . . 155 
 III. The improvement of any one power of the mind 
 does not affect the strength or energy of 
 any of the other mental powers, . . 156 
 
 IV. The intellectual powers which are naturally 
 
 strongest in any individual should be culti- 
 vated to a greater degree than those which 
 
 are weak, 157 
 
 V. Education to be effective must be practical, . 165 
 
 Advantages of Phrenology, 174 
 
 Practical Examination of the Head, 180 
 
 Explanation of the Plates, 185 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 No. I— On the Modifications of the Affective and Intellectual 
 
 Functions, 189 
 
 No. II — Report made to the Royal Society on M. Flourens' 
 
 work on the Nervous System, , 192 
 
PHILOSOPHY OP PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Definition. — Causes of the Opposition to Phrenology. — Many important 
 Discoveries have met with Opposition. — Previous to the Discovery of 
 Phrenology most discordant Opinions entertained regarding the cor. 
 poreal Seat of the Mind. — History of the Discovery of Phrenology*— 
 Gall, Spurzheim. — Succeeding Phrenologists — Phrenology not yet 
 perfected. 
 
 Phrenology is the science that treats of the mental 
 powers, and of the relationship which exists between 
 these powers and certain corporeal conditions. In this 
 last particular, chiefly, it differs from all other systems 
 of mental philosophy, and, at the same time, pre- 
 eminently surpasses them all. Many of our theories 
 of the mind may be characterized as philosophical 
 dreams, and, like dreams, are remarkable for their 
 incoherency and darkness; while Phrenology has the 
 freshness of reality stamped on its forehead, and, unlike 
 the older theories, can be rendered subservient in many 
 ways to the improvement of the human race. 
 
 It is to be regretted that many who oppose Phrenology 
 do so without due consideration. Many apparently 
 
 B 
 
& INTRODUCTION. 
 
 object to it because it runs counter to their precon- 
 ceived notions, of the correctness of which they have 
 never once doubted : many oppose it because the 
 criterion of mental capacity which it establishes is not 
 sufficiently flattering to themselves : many raise their 
 voices against it because the mass of mankind, who 
 know nothing of it whatever, do not believe in it ; 
 and many laugh at it because it is more easy to laugh 
 than to reason. With these causes in full operation, it 
 is a matter of surprise not that Phrenology has made 
 so little progress, but that it has made so much. But 
 it must succeed. It is a science based on immutable 
 truth, and has, therefore, the seeds of immortality in 
 itself. 
 
 It is a curious and interesting fact, that almost every 
 important discovery in science and philosophy has met 
 with neglect or strong opposition. Pythagoras was 
 banished from Athens, and Anaxagoras imprisoned, for 
 promulgating novel doctrines. Was not Democrates 
 denounced as insane, for attempting to discover the 
 cause of madness by dissections ? Was not Socrates, 
 for demonstrating the unity of the Deity, compelled to 
 drink of the poisonous cup ? and were not many who 
 excelled in the physical sciences, during the fourteenth 
 century, burned as sorcerers ? The truth or falsehood 
 of any doctrine must be estimated only from its intrinsic 
 qualities, and not from the kind of public reception it 
 may have at first obtained. The doctrine of the earth's 
 motion round the sun, is now generally assented to, yet 
 Galileo, the author of this doctrine, was cast into prison, 
 and the doctrine opposed by the most enlightened and 
 influential of the t'mcs. The discovery of the circulation 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 3 
 
 of the blood too, a discovery which did more for the 
 advancement of medical science, and consequently, for 
 the happiness of the human race, than any other in 
 ancient or modern times, was maliciously opposed, and 
 Harvey, the discoverer, stigmatized as an enemy to 
 morality and religion.* With these examples before us, 
 we cannot be surprised that Phrenology should have had 
 its own share of abuse ; it has been opposed in every 
 possible manner. The learned as well as the ignorant 
 have united in deriding it. Argument and wit have 
 been conjoined to decry its pretensions, and even 
 malicious and wicked insinuations of its dangerous 
 tendencies have not been neglected to secure its over- 
 throw ; yet it has triumphed over every effort to put it 
 down, and the more it is opposed, the more assuredly 
 will it triumph — error only is afraid of the light — truth 
 never shuns discussion nor loses by investigation ; and 
 the more carefully Phrenology is examined, the more 
 ardently it will be embraced, and the importance of its 
 doctrines recognised and acknowledged. 
 
 Previous to the discovery of Phrenology, not only 
 were the most discordant opinions entertained by 
 philosophers regarding the powers of the mind, but 
 what may appear still more extraordinary, unanimity 
 did not prevail regarding the corporeal seat of the 
 mental operations : some indeed believed the mind to 
 
 *" It was remarked, that no physician in Europe, who had reached 
 forty years of age, ever to the end of his life, adopted Harvey's doctrine 
 of the circulation of the blood ; and that his practice in London 
 diminished extremely from the reproach drawn upon him by that great 
 and signal discovery. So slow is the progress of truth in every science, 
 even when not opposed by factious or superstitious prejudices I''— 
 History of England, by David Hume, chap fi2. 
 
4 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 reside in the brain,* but others supposed its habitation to 
 be in various less noble parts of the body. Drelincourt 
 and his followers, for example, allocated the mind in 
 the cerebellum ; Descartes and his disciples in the 
 pineal gland ; Aristotle in the heart ; Buffon in the 
 diaphragm ; Van Helmont in the stomach. Indeed 
 there is scarcely a vital organ in the whole body which 
 has not been viewed as the exclusive resting place of 
 the mind. These opinions have fled like phantoms 
 before the light of day. Phrenology has had the 
 merit of exposing their absurdities. Truth is always 
 valuable for its own sake, and the establishment of the 
 fundamental truth in Phrenology, that all mental mani- 
 festation takes place through the brain, is calculated to 
 lead to conclusions of unspeakable importance to the 
 human race. 
 
 It is scarcely forty years since the doctrines of Phreno- 
 logy were first publicly promulgated, yet notwithstand- 
 ing the extraordinary opposition it has had to contend 
 with, it has made its way into almost every part of the 
 civilized world. It is known even in Asia. In Ame- 
 rica many learned men have written in its behalf. In 
 different parts of Europe many Phrenological Societies 
 
 * Among these we may make honourable mention of Hippocrates, 
 who says, that " From the brain only proceed pleasure and joy, and 
 laughter, and sport, as well as griefs, anxieties, sorrows, and weeping. 
 By it we are wise, and understand, and see, and hear, and appreciate. 
 By it we distinguish what is pleasant and what is disagreeable, and by 
 it the same things do not please us under all circumstances. By it we 
 are insane and delirious, experience terrors and fears, partly by night 
 and partly by day j do not recognise those who are with us ; lose our 
 habits, and forget our experience. All this we suffer from the brain if 
 it is not healthy ; wherefore, I say, that the brain is the messenger and 
 interpreter of intelligence and wisdom."— De Morbo Sacro. 
 
INTRODUCTION. D 
 
 have been formed ; and in this country do we not find 
 it taught as a branch of liberal education in many of 
 our seminaries of learning ? do we not find men, known 
 both to science and to literature, pressing forward in its 
 support, and the most able and respectable medical 
 and literary periodical publications of the day ably 
 advocating its cause, and elucidating its principles ? The 
 discovery of Phrenology is a new era in the history of 
 the human mind. To Dr. Gall mankind is indebted 
 for the discovery ; and the discovery it must be re- 
 marked, was purely the result of observation, not of 
 reasoning. Dr. Gall was born at Tiefenbrun in Suabia, 
 on 9th March, 1757. Even when a boy he was noted 
 for quick perception and talent of observation. He 
 remarked w r hen at school, and afterwards when he had 
 entered the University, that all his class fellows who 
 had a strong verbal memory had prominent eyes, and 
 was inclined to suspect that these two circumstances 
 held an important relationship. Had he proceeded no 
 farther in his investigations, this observation of his 
 would have been soon forgotten ; but he fortunately 
 conceived the idea, that if a memory for w r ords can 
 have any external sign, the same might be the case 
 with the other intellectual powers. He looked for 
 these signs in the head where they had not previously 
 been suspected to exist, and in process of time he was 
 convinced that he had found external characters which 
 indicated talents for painting, for music, for mechanical 
 arts, and for remembering places. He became after- 
 wards acquainted with some individuals who were 
 remarkable for the energy and particular determination 
 of character, and he found particular parts of their 
 
6 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 heads to be very largely developed. From such cases 
 he was led to look for signs of the moral sentiments in 
 
 the head, and the more he examined, he found the 
 correctness of this general position unfolding itself. 
 He abandoned the theories of philosophers, from whose 
 vague speculations regarding the powers of the mind 
 he could gain no assistance, and devoted himself ex- 
 clusively to the observation of nature. That he might 
 extend his sphere of observation, he frequently visited 
 schools and colleges, got admission into prisons, houses 
 of correction, and hospitals for the treatment of the 
 insane, and procured introductions to private indi- 
 viduals conspicuous for peculiarity of talent. The 
 heads of ail he carefully examined ; and after a series 
 of observations, arrived at the belief that he had dis- 
 covered the particular conformations of head, which 
 indicated certain dispositions and intellectual powers. 
 Dr. Gall has been accused of first framing a theory, 
 and then attempting to mould nature to his specula- 
 tions ; but no accusation can be more unfounded. The 
 first phrenological idea that entered the mind of Gall 
 was the offspring of observation, and every subsequent 
 discovery which he made was the result of numerous 
 observations and cautious inductions. Phrenology is 
 not a theory that was manufactured in the closet, and 
 brought to the light of day in a finished state. No — 
 it first appeared like so many detached and isolated 
 facts ; and after the facts were satisfactorily established, 
 it was wrought into an interesting system of philo- 
 sophy. 
 
 In the year 1S06. Dr. Spurzheim became the as 
 ant and associate of Dr, Gdll, and to him Phrenology 
 
INTRODUCTION. 7 
 
 is not only iudebtcd for an extension of its boundaries, 
 but in some measure, also, for the systematic and phi- 
 losophical aspect which it at present displays. With 
 Dr. Spurzheim,the writer of these pages had the honour 
 of being personally acquainted ; and the more he had an 
 opportunity of knowing him, the more he w T as convinced 
 of the philosophic character of his mind. Dr. Spurzheim 
 had obviously investigated human nature with a most 
 observant and critical eye, and few individuals could 
 bring into the investigation more sagacity or in- 
 tellectual profundity; his manners besides w r ere sim- 
 ple and unaffected, and candour and love of truth his 
 predominating characteristics. To him Phrenology is 
 indebted for much of the progress it has made in this 
 country. With inextinguishable zeal and ceaseless 
 industry, he travelled over the greater part of Europe, 
 explaining and inculcating the new doctrines, and leav- 
 ing everywhere behind him indubitable evidences of 
 the triumph of truth. He may be viewed as the father 
 and apostle of the new philosophy in Britain ; for had 
 he not combated personally and so successfully as he 
 did the opposition which Phrenology first experienced, 
 phrenological truth might have been left to make its 
 own way ; and unless truth is known it can neither be 
 believed nor turned to any practical advantage. 
 
 After sojourning for some years in this country, he 
 repaired to America, where he terminated a life de- 
 voted to Phrenology. 
 
 Great though the merits of Spurzheim be, we cannot 
 agree with those who attempt to raise him to an equality 
 with Gall. The glory of the discovery is due to Gall 
 alone ; and all the merits of Dr. Spurzheim, transcen- 
 
8 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 dent though they be, are in comparison with the 
 discovery, only of secondary importance. Gall was 
 the great luminary from which succeeding phrenologists 
 derived all their lustre.* 
 
 Phrenology is a science of observation, and superior, 
 consequently, to all the systems of mental philosophy 
 that ever existed. Phrenology professes to rest upon 
 facts palpable to the senses. It takes nothing for 
 granted. It is a science of positive knowledge. If 
 the fundamental principles of such a science be well- 
 founded, it ought to be supported and cherished, even 
 though some of its details were shown to be false, 
 because in every science of observation errors are apt 
 to be committed ; but time in such a science invariably 
 rectifies them all. The fundamental principles of 
 Phrenology are admitted to be true, by many who do 
 not believe in the details of the science. Indeed the 
 general principles of the science cannot be disputed ; 
 and we feel, therefore, perfectly at ease regarding the 
 ultimate triumphs of the science in all its details. That 
 Phrenology is not yet perfected we may frankly admit 
 — for no science has been perfected in a day. That 
 new organs are yet to be discovered, appears more than 
 probable, as some parts of the brain exist to which 
 phrenological observation has not yet extended ; and 
 
 * Although this last observation is literally true, yet it must be stated 
 that Phrenology has been much advanced by the observations and 
 labours of other philosophers. Among these, Mr. Combe stands pre- 
 eminent ; and although he has neither the genius of Gall, nor the 
 profundity of Spurzheim, he has done more than either in extending 
 and popularizing the science. Like Socrates, he has had the merit of 
 drawing philosophy from the clouds, and adapting it to the ordinary 
 aHfkirs of human life. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 9 
 
 that changes may yet be effected on the relative size 
 and position of the discovered organs, is probable, as 
 we have not yet the data upon which the precise 
 boundaries of the different organs can be ascertained. 
 It would be foolish, indeed, to suppose that Phreno- 
 logy is completed, or is incapable of alteration or 
 improvement. It is enough that the foundation of the 
 science is a rock of truth, and that the principles of the 
 science are in conformity with the eternal fitness of 
 things and constitution of nature. Time and the 
 co-operation of many minds will bring Phrenology, in 
 all its details, to perfection : much has already been 
 achieved, and we may be allowed to augur favourably 
 of what is yet to be performed. 
 
10 
 
 THE BRAIN THE 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Brain the Organ of the Mind.— Some popular Objections to 
 Phrenology answered. 
 
 It is the opinion of some philosophers, that the 
 mental powers are not dependent upon the body. 
 But if there is a shadow of truth in such an opinion, 
 Phrenology must fall to the ground. But, indepen- 
 dently of the fact that mental manifestation is never 
 evinced without corporeal parts, do we not uniformly 
 find the mental powers increase and strengthen with 
 the growth and energy of the body, and with the 
 decay of the corporeal system, dwindle and disappear. 
 No man can unbiassedly contemplate the dawning of 
 intellect in the child, the full expansion of the in- 
 tellectual powers in middle age, and the dotage and 
 mental imbecility which characterize the advanced 
 periods of life, without arriving directly at the conclu- 
 sion, that the peculiarity of mental condition is depen- 
 dent on the peculiarity of the corporeal state. But is 
 it the whole body or a part of it that is so intimately 
 connected with mind ? To such a question we are 
 enabled to give a decided and satisfactory answer. The 
 human body consists of an assemblage of organs, each 
 of which has its separate and determinate function. 
 Besides the organs which we consider necessary for 
 the manifestation of the mental powers, there are others 
 which experiment and observation prove to have been 
 formed for very different purposes. We have organs 
 
Fig L. 
 
 Fuj 2 
 
 D 
 
ORGAN OF THE MIND. 
 
 11 
 
 of digestion, absorption, circulation of the blood, respira- 
 tion, secretion, motion, sensation, voice, and reproduc- 
 tion. It would be obviously absurd to suppose that 
 any of these organs is directly concerned in the mani- 
 festation of the mind, and this conclusion is strengthened 
 by the following considerations : — 
 
 1st. These organs have their ascertained functions, 
 which have no relationship to the phenomena of mind. 
 
 2dly. Many of these organs may be removed from 
 the body without impairing the mental faculties ; and, 
 
 3dly. Those which cannot be removed without 
 destroying life are found existing in the fullest develop- 
 ment in many of the inferior animals whose mental 
 capacities are of the lowest order. 
 
 Phrenologists believe that the Brain is the material 
 organ of the mind ; and they believe this because they 
 think the fact is unquestionable, or may be proved as 
 satisfactorily as any other doctrine in physiology. 
 Some opponents of Phrenology have, however, ques- 
 tioned the truth of the position, and asserted that we 
 have equal reason for believing the other vital organs 
 to be organs of the mind, as we have for arriving at 
 that conclusion regarding the brain.* We can no more 
 think, they say, without the lungs or heart than with- 
 out the brain, ergo, the heart and lungs are mental 
 organs as well as the other. Such a conclusion, if not 
 illogical, is at least inconsistent with the known opera- 
 tions of the animal economy. By the same kind of 
 argument we may prove the heart to be a respiratory 
 organ, for by removing it from a living animal, respira- 
 
 * Edinburgh Review, No. 83. 
 
12 
 
 THE BRAIN THE 
 
 tion instantly ceases ; nay, by similar logic we may 
 prove that all the vital organs are united in performing 
 one function — indeed any function that may be conde- 
 scended upon, for by destroying one vital organ all the 
 others immediately cease to act. The man, however, 
 who has studied the laws of the animal economy knows, 
 that though all these organs are linked together and 
 conspire to effect one great end, the continuance of life, 
 yet he also knows that each organ serves a determinate 
 purpose in the living system, for which purpose it w r as 
 formed and for no other. The lungs, he knows, are a 
 respiratory and the stomach a digestive organ. He 
 knows also they are as necessary for our existence as 
 the air w r e inhale and the food we digest, but he would 
 no more ascribe intelligence to these organs than he 
 would ascribe intellectuality to the air or food. But 
 it is far different with regard to the brain. Throughout 
 the whole of nature, so far as our observation reaches, 
 and in philosophical argument we dare not proceed 
 farther, mind and brain are never found disunited. 
 Wherever we find brain there also we find mind, and 
 in proportion to the development of the brain, do we 
 find a corresponding development of intellectual power. 
 There are no exceptions to this general law. What 
 are we to think, then, of those cases adduced by the 
 opponents of Phrenology, in which the brain is said to 
 have been lost without affecting the intellectual powers. 
 They are just as worthy of credit as the exploits of the 
 renowned Baron Munchausen, or the picturesque ima- 
 ginings of the "Arabian Nights" It is surprising 
 that any man can be found who is so credulous as to 
 believe them. 
 
ORGAN OF THE MIND. 
 
 13 
 
 1 The times have been 
 
 That when the brains were out the man would die, 
 And there an end : but now they rise again 
 With twenty mortal murders on their crowns 
 And push us from our stools : This is more strange 
 Than such a murder is." 
 
 Shakspeare insinuates that it is a strange matter 
 for a man to live without brains, and Shakspeare is 
 undoubtedly right ; but the opponents of Phrenology, 
 in contempt of this high authority, maintain that nothing 
 is more common. We have been somewhat puzzled 
 to account for the* existence of such an opinion, and 
 after much cogitation, have come to the conclusion that 
 it is rather attributable to error of judgment in the 
 opponents of Phrenology, than incorrect observation. 
 Observing, probably, with how small a quantum of 
 brains they themselves have not only contrived to live, 
 but to live comfortably, they have drawn the con- 
 clusion that they could live equally well without brains 
 altogether ; and although some may be ready to 
 acquiesce in the justness of such reasoning, still, 
 viewing the subject phrenologically, their argument is 
 obviously as unsubstantial as the vacuity of their brain- 
 less crania. But to return to the subject more imme- 
 diately before us, it is only necessary to observe that 
 the cases alluded to are unworthy of credit ; they have 
 not even the semblance of genuineness, and not a 
 single medical man of the present day would be so 
 foolish as to confide in them. 
 
 That certain parts of the brain have been lost, and 
 the person afterwards recover, with the use of his 
 intellectual faculties, cannot be doubted ; but this can 
 be satisfactorily accounted for without affecting the 
 

 THE 2EAIN THE 
 
 fundamental principles of Phrenology. The brain is 
 
 z. :.:.:. --- ~i -:.r ::>iis :: ^i:;i :: is : : ~: :s~: i:- 
 arranged in pahs, like the organs of sensation. We 
 maj lose an eye, hot vision still remains ; or an ear 
 without hearing being destroyed : so likewise, although 
 an organ of the brain be injured, or even lost, if its 
 r-i-i:-*- :: :n :r;::s::e siir rr^^ii -iif'r::ei. :i- 
 function of the organ must necessarily remain. But is 
 :iir:f ?." :^i ;i :-:::i :i ~'i::l ': :\i ;:j^:.s ir- 
 ': ::: ifs:::vr:. -i: :ir :ui:vi:is i:::::::i : :y ?i:fi;- 
 logists to the parts afterwards continue ? There is 
 
 we indisputably prove from the effects of cerebral 
 diseases said injuries of the brain upon the inteUec- 
 
 :uil r:~frs. Il£2.-2ii:;:l :: :ir i.:i:L is uni:':rz:iv 
 attended with delirium. So long as the inflamma- 
 
 ...z. is in ii i:_:e si.e :ie :.-..:. ^zl ::i::: ;fs. in.: 
 
 ••••::. r_ i: :t:i::^t> ii m ef-.si:L :: St:..„ ;: -us. 
 
 ? of the body at large, or of the brain alow, lesdered the perfect 
 ; of the cerebral firactsoos improbable, in the eyes of the 
 
 ■ I ':*'. z~i Mr ~z--i±L z>:-rz: z.Li :e=r. p-i: j — = 
 
ORGAN OF THE MIND. 15 
 
 which exerts a deleterious pressure upon the brain, 
 the intellect is overpowered and ultimately incapable of 
 being manifested. However striking* such facts may 
 be, we have still more convincing illustrations from the 
 effects of depressed portions of the skull. If a portion of 
 the cranium is beat down upon the brain, that instant 
 sensibility and consciousness cease, and as soon as the 
 brain is freed of this incumbrance its functions are 
 restored, sensibility and consciousness return. 
 
 The following cases will illustrate this subject, and 
 tend also to prove that the brain is the material instru- 
 ment of the mind. 
 
 \st. Effects of effusion of blood under the skull, and 
 exterior to the dura mater. 
 
 " H. O. a young man fell in the evening through the 
 scuttle of a store, but rose immediately, mentioned 
 the fall to some of his acquaintances, and transacted 
 business during the evening. Next day he was found 
 in bed in nearly a senseless state, and soon became 
 incapable of speaking, hearing, seeing, or swallowing, 
 and appeared to be dying. There was no evidence of 
 any fracture of the skull, and but very slight appearance 
 of any external injury whatever. A small swelling 
 over the right ear, and the conviction that he could live 
 but a few minutes in the state in which he then was, 
 determined his medical advisers to perforate the skull. 
 I removed a small portion of the bone beneath the 
 slight swelling over the ear, by the trephine, and found 
 more than a gill of clotted blood which had probably 
 flowed gradually from a wounded blood-vessel. On 
 removing this blood, the man immediately spoke, soon 
 recovered his mind entirely, and is now, six weeks 
 
16 THE BRAIN THE 
 
 after the accident, in good health both as to body and 
 mind." {Influence of Mental Cultivation and Mental 
 Excitement upon Health, by Amariah Brigham, p. 16.) 
 
 2d. Effects of effusion of blood into the brain. 
 
 Apoplexy, we know from actual observation, arises 
 generally from a rupture of some blood vessel of the brain, 
 with an effusion of blood, and consequent compression 
 of the cerebral substance ; and what are the usual symp- 
 toms of apoplexy ? In the Cyclopoedia of Practical 
 Medicine, they are thus described. " Sometimes the 
 attack is nearly instantaneous and complete, the patient 
 previously in apparent health, falling down insensible 
 with an immediate abolition of all the sensorial functions. 
 On other occasions the approach of the stroke is felt by 
 the patient : he puts his hand to his head, or makes an 
 alarming exclamation of something unusual felt in the 
 head : and then falls down insensible." {Article Apo- 
 plexy Cerebral.) 
 
 3d. Effects of pressure upon the brain artificially 
 produced, 
 
 " A woman about 50 years of age had an extensive 
 carious affection of the skull : the left parietal bone 
 was destroyed in the greatest part of its extent, and 
 left uncovered a considerable portion of the dura 
 mater." — " I wiped off the sanious matter which 
 covered the dura mater, and I at the same time 
 questioned the patient on her situation. As she felt no 
 pain from the compression of the cerebral mass, I 
 pressed down lightly the pledgit of lint, and on a sud- 
 den the patient who was answering my questions 
 rationally, stopped in the midst of a sentence, but she 
 breathed and her pulse continued to beat : I withdrew 
 
ORGAN OF THE MIND. 
 
 17 
 
 the pledgit : she said nothing : I asked her if she 
 remembered my last question. She said she did not. 
 Seeing that the experiment was without pain or danger, 
 I repeated it three times, and thrice I suspended all 
 feeling and all intellect." {Elements of Physiology, by 
 Richerand, 3d Edition, pp. 322 & 339.) 
 
 ith. Effects of Pressure upon the brain from 
 fractures and depressions of the skull. 
 
 When depressed portions of the cranium or effusion of 
 blood upon the brain from external or internal causes, 
 produce general effects upon the body and the mind, the 
 cause acts upon the whole cerebral mass. There is an 
 encroachment upon the cranial cavity — the brain is 
 compressed into a smaller space than natural, and its 
 functions generally impaired or arrested. This is only 
 what might have been anticipated. From the very 
 structure and arrangement of the contained parts a 
 partial derangement cannot frequently occur, but when 
 it does happen the effects both upon the body and mind 
 are also partial, paralysis or insensibility of one half of 
 the face it may be, and a weakened or deranged condition 
 of one or a few of the powers of the mind. 
 
 A soldier, at the battle of Waterloo, had a portion of 
 skull depressed, attended with the usual symptoms of 
 general insensibility and incapability of movement, incon- 
 sciousness of existence. The surgeon, Mr. Cooper, 
 raised up the depressed portion from the brain, and the 
 man rose, dressed himself, talked rationally, and was 
 soon perfectly well. {Principles of Military Surgery, 
 by John Hennen.) 
 
 Cases of this kind have fallen under the observation of 
 almost every surgeon, but probably the most remarkable 
 
18 
 
 THE BRAIN THE 
 
 case on record is that related by Sir Astley Cooper. A 
 sailor, he tells us, fell from the yard-arm of one of his 
 majesty's ships as she was about to sail from the Medi- 
 terranean to Gibraltar. The poor fellow was taken up 
 in a state of total insensibility. During his passage 
 to Gibraltar, he evinced no symptom of sensibility 
 farther than moving occasionally his finger, or pro- 
 jecting the point of his tongue from his mouth. In 
 this log-like state he was regularly fed and freed of 
 bis involuntary discharges till he arrived at Gibraltar. 
 There he remained for a month in the same torpid 
 state under varied plans of medical treatment. In 
 process of time he returned with the ship to England, 
 and thirteen months from the accident was carried in 
 the same state of absolute insensibility into Deptford. 
 From Deptford he was carried into St. Thomas's 
 Hospital, London, and placed under the care of Mr. 
 Cline. This eminent surgeon found a portion of skull 
 depressed, to which he attributed all the symptoms. 
 He raised it up, and mark the effects of the operation. 
 The bone was no sooner elevated than the patient sat 
 up, gazed around him, and in a short time began to 
 speak. He supposed he was just ready to sail for 
 Gibraltar, and the thirteen months which elapsed 
 between the accident and the performance of the 
 operation, was a blank in his mental history which 
 appeared to him only an instant of time. Will a piece 
 of bone pressing upon any other organ produce cor- 
 responding effects upon the mind? The ribs have 
 been thrust in upon the lungs and heart, and the 
 bowels have protruded from their cavity, and been 
 subjected to great degrees of violence, while the mind 
 
ORGAN OF THE MIND. 
 
 19 
 
 unaffected within its citadel, has beheld with calmness 
 and serenity the ravages of the outward storm ; but 
 let the brain be seriously affected either by internal 
 or external causes, let the brain be the seat of the 
 commotion, and the mind cannot remain undisturbed, 
 it is hurried along with the tempest — maddened it may 
 be into fury, or laid prostrate and overwhelmed. 
 
 From these and numerous other facts of a similar 
 kind which can be adduced, it appears to be satisfac- 
 torily established that the brain is the organ of the 
 mind ; and if this cannot be denied, Phrenology has 
 at least some foundation in nature. The man who 
 admits that the brain is the organ of mind, is virtually 
 a Phrenologist ; for he cannot stop here, he must go 
 farther and admit, that the state or condition of the 
 brain must influence the mental powers. We admit 
 the correctness of the general principle, that the state 
 or condition of an organ has necessarily an effect upon 
 the function of that organ, and we dare not in logical 
 correctness refuse our assent to the principle when 
 applied to the brain. The eye is the organ of vision, 
 and we unhesitatingly admit that a well formed and 
 sound eye are indispensable to perfect vision. Muscles 
 are organs of motion, and we never doubt for a 
 moment that different degrees of muscular develop- 
 ment are concomitant with different degrees of muscu- 
 lar power. If the state or condition of an organ then 
 affects the functions of that organ, it follows necessa- 
 rily that the development and other conditions of the 
 brain will affect the mental manifestation. 
 
 There are many physiologists who admit, in a general 
 way, that the brain is the organ of the mind, but who 
 
20 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 object to the phrenological view of the subject that the 
 brain is a congeries of organs, through which a plurality 
 of mental powers are manifested. If the mind, how- 
 ever, manifests a plurality of mental powers, and if the 
 brain be that part of the body through which these 
 powers are displayed, it is a priori probable that the 
 brain is not a single organ. It would be far more con- 
 sistent for the opponents of Phrenology to deny any 
 connexion between mind and brain, than to admit that 
 connexion and yet consider the brain as a single organ, 
 capable of manifesting a diversity of mental powers. 
 What would we think of the man who would run into 
 the absurdity of attributing all our sensations to the 
 operation of one external organ of sensation, yet are 
 not the various feelings and powers of the mind as dif- 
 ferent from each other as seeing, and hearing, taste, 
 smell, and touch ? We are conscious that our impres- 
 sions from external objects are different in kind, and 
 observation has proved that we have a corresponding 
 diversity of external organs ; we are also conscious that 
 the mind manifests a plurality of powers ; is it not 
 therefore probable that nature has allotted for the mani- 
 festation of these powers a corresponding diversity of 
 cerebral organs? 
 
 But have we as much reason to believe in the exis- 
 tence of the cerebral organs as in those of the external 
 senses ? To this question I would answer that the 
 evidences on which the existence of both kinds of 
 organs rest, are precisely of the same character. The 
 organs of sensation no doubt obtrude themselves more 
 upon our observation than the other. From their 
 external situation, insulated state, and peculiarity of 
 
OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 t>l 
 
 structure, they cannot be overlooked or confounded, 
 but how do we determine that they are organs of 
 sensation. By observation only. Now, it must be 
 remembered, that by the same means we can discover 
 the organs of the brain. 
 
 It has been said, that if the organs of the brain exist, 
 the mind must be conscious of their existence, and that 
 anatomical investigation would set the matter at rest ; 
 and it has been still farther remarked, since the mind is 
 not conscious of their existence, and since anatomical 
 investigation leaves the matter still in doubt, such 
 organs can have no existence save in the imagination of 
 the phrenologist. The argument is deserving of con- 
 sideration ; but it is more plausible than solid. That 
 the mind has no consciousness of acting through the 
 instrumentality of cerebral organs, we admit ; but the 
 conclusion cannot be legitimately drawn from such 
 premises that the organs do not therefore exist, for the 
 mind is not conscious of the existence of any corporeal 
 organ which it uses. That we know that the mind 
 uses such organs is incontestable ; but knowledge and 
 consciousness are very different things, though fre- 
 quently confounded. Knowledge is something which 
 the mind acquires by experience, and consciousness the 
 capability which the mind possesses of attending to its 
 own perceptions. Now we know that we see with the 
 eye, because we have acquired this knowledge by a 
 multitude of observations ; but in the early periods of 
 life, before these experiments have been made, we see, 
 and hear, and receive impressions from the external 
 objects that surround us, without our knowing that the 
 impressions are received through an external organ at 
 
22 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO THRENOLOGY. 
 
 all. And even in the most educated and expanded 
 state of the mind, though the mind may reason on the 
 nature of the impression, the mind is no more conscious 
 that the impression is made on an external organ, than 
 it is at the moment of birth. In seeing, for example, 
 the impression is made on the optic nerve, but how few 
 know of the existence even of that nerve ! All sensa- 
 tions are produced through the medium of the nerves, 
 but do we all know the situation even of the nerves? 
 And if we cannot indicate the locality even of such 
 organs, it is absurd to say that the mind is conscious of 
 their operations. If this reasoning can apply to the 
 external senses, the existence of which is so palpable, 
 can we admit that a non-consciousness of the operation 
 of the internal organs is a proof of their non-existence ?* 
 But if these organs exist, have we not only to remove 
 the osseous and membranous envelopes which nature 
 has thrown around them, and they would at once be 
 apparent ? But on exposing the brain, we meet only, 
 it is said, with a number of cerebral convolutions ', not 
 differing much either in size or external conformation, 
 and not arranged into different pieces with nice insulat- 
 ing lines of circumvallation, as we find portrayed on the 
 
 * At the same time we have an obscure internal feeling that almost 
 amounts to consciousness, that the mental operations are carried on in 
 the head. We never suppose for a moment that we think with the 
 stomach or foot ; when we wish to recall any thing to memory we 
 instinctively apply our hand, not to the chest or abdomen, but to the 
 head. The language in common use to designate mental conditions 
 arises from this cause. We say that a stupid fellow is a blockhead, a 
 immskitll, has no brains, is addlepated, &c. We say also that a clever 
 person is \ong.headed, strong-headed, has a good head, has some brains; 
 that a silly volatile being is Wght-headed ; and a madman is wrong in 
 the head, or not right in the upper storey. 
 
OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 23 
 
 phrenological crania ; and not finding the cerebral parts 
 arranged as they in their wisdom expected, the oppo- 
 nents of phrenology have come to the conclusion, that 
 whatever these convolutions may be, they are clearly 
 not organs of the mind. But may not this conclusion 
 be too hastily drawn ? Were we to reason in the same 
 way regarding many other parts of the body, we would 
 unquestionably fall into error. Nerves of sensation and 
 motion resemble each other more than any two convo- 
 lutions of the brain ; yet motion and sensation are 
 functions as different as any two powers of the mind. 
 These nerves are not only similar in form and structure, 
 but they are also bound together and surrounded by a 
 common sheath or envelop. What would we think 
 of that physiologist who w r ould contend, from these 
 circumstances, that nerves are all of one kind ? We 
 would say that he has yet to learn the rudiments of 
 physiology, and that he has promulgated a doctrine 
 which experiment and observation have confuted. 
 Erroneous though the principle be which would lead to 
 such conclusion, yet the opponents of Phrenology have 
 all along been acting upon it, when contending against 
 the plurality of the cerebral organs. They have pro- 
 ceeded upon the principle that similarity of structure 
 indicates identity of function, but the unsoundness of 
 the principle is triumphantly displayed by a reference 
 merely to the nerves of motion and sensation. 
 
 Again, the intestinal canal is a continuous musculo- 
 membranous tube, extending from the mouth down- 
 wards, and, from the manner in which its different parts 
 are coiled upon each other, presenting, like the brain, 
 a number of convolutions ; yet however continuous and 
 
24 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 similar are all the parts of this tube, we never doubt 
 the existence of distinct organs. One part of the tube 
 is an organ of deglutition, another of chymification, a 
 third of chylification, and a fourth of fcecification. 
 Reasoning, like the opponents of phrenology, that be- 
 cause these parts are neither different in structure, nor 
 insulated like the external senses, we must come to the 
 absurd conclusion that they are not distinct organs. 
 There is nothing then in the phrenological doctrine at 
 variance with anatomy. The structure and arrange- 
 ments of the cerebral organs may not be such as might 
 a priori be expected ; but who could tell a priori what 
 would be the structure of an organ of the mind ; nay, 
 who could tell a priori what would be the structure of 
 any organ ? We cannot calculate the structure of an 
 organ from its function, or the function from any given 
 structure. There is nothing in the structure of the 
 optic nerve that would lead us to the conclusion that it 
 is an organ of vision, or of the auditory nerve that it is 
 the essential part of the organ of hearing. When the 
 function is once discovered, we can then generally find 
 an adaptation of the means to the end, a correspondency 
 between the structure and function ; but a knowledge 
 of structure alone will not necessarily lead to a know- 
 ledge of function. Were it otherwise, the discovery 
 of the function of every organ would be simultaneous 
 with the discovery of its structure, and we w T ould long 
 ago have found out the uses of the spleen, the thyroid, 
 and the thymus glands, the supra-renal capsules, the 
 vermiform process of the ccecum, &c, the functions of 
 which are still problematical. 
 
 If the function of an organ, then, cannot be discovered 
 
OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 25 
 
 by a knowledge of its structure, how can it be discov- 
 ered ? By experiment or observation. Phrenologists 
 endeavour to discover the functions of the cerebral 
 parts by observation, and seeing our knowledge of the 
 functions of the external senses has been obtained in 
 this way, they do not despair of arriving at an equal 
 degree of certainty regarding the functions of the 
 internal organs. 
 
 But are not the internal organs altogether beyond the 
 reach of observation ? Are they not surrounded with 
 bone, covered still farther with a certain depth of soft 
 parts, and as if nature wished to thwart all such inves- 
 tigations, has she not shrouded them in still greater 
 darkness by the luxuriant drapery of hair which she has 
 surmounted to the whole ? Is it not, therefore, clear, 
 that though the organs existed, as indicated by Phreno- 
 logists, that they never could be discovered in the 
 living state, and that Phrenology would thus be reduced 
 to a dead letter, or at best fitted for the clo'sest specula- 
 tions of the physiologist ? 
 
 In reply to this popular objection it must be 
 remarked that the brain gives the form to the head, 
 and whatever may be the thickness of the cerebral 
 envelopes, they never impart a shape to the head 
 materially different from that of the brain. The brain, 
 it is particularly to be observed, is the first part of the 
 head that is formed, and the skull is moulded round 
 the delicate organ. It is not the skull that gives the 
 form to the brain, but the brain that gives the form to 
 the skull ; and whatever peculiarity of conformation the 
 former may possess, is uniformly and necessarily im- 
 parted to the latter. 
 
26 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 After the middle period of life, indeed, the frontal 
 sinuses expand, or in other words, the tables of the 
 skull at the lower part of the forehead separate, and 
 thus form two cavities which communicate with the 
 nostrils. The formation of such cavities, however, 
 cannot take place without protruding to a certain 
 extent the outer table of the skull, and thus a promi- 
 nence is formed for which we have no corresponding 
 cerebral development. I am surprised at the impor- 
 tance which has been attached to this fact by the 
 opponents of Phrenology. They seem to view it as a 
 triumphant refutation of the whole science, as if these 
 sinuses altered the general configuration of the head. 
 But if the fundamental principles of the science can be 
 proved to be well-founded, the existence of these 
 cavities must be viewed only as a difficulty in the prac- 
 tical application of the science, and a difficulty which 
 a little experience will enable us easily to overcome. 
 It cannot invalidate Phrenology as a science ; for if the 
 cerebral organs are there, such cavities can neither 
 increase nor diminish the internal power ; they only add 
 a little to the difficulty of ascertaining it. These nasal 
 cavities do not exist at the earlier periods of life, and 
 cannot at these periods affect our judgment regarding 
 the cerebral development. And even when they do 
 exist they can easily be recognised, and the requisite 
 allowances made in calculating the size of the cerebral 
 organs.* 
 
 * It is an interesting fact that some of the organs over which the 
 sinuses lie, were discovered in boys, and. consequently before the 
 sinuses were developed. 
 
THE BRAIN NOT A SINGLE ORGAN. 27 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Brain not a single Organ proved :— from the Mind displaying 
 different mental Powers — from Diversity of Form in the Brains of 
 different Individuals — from Diversity of Talents — from partial Idiocy 
 and partial Insanity— from Dreaming— from Mental Phenomena 
 that result from Injury or Disease — Anatomy in Harmony with 
 Phrenology. 
 
 Having thus attempted to prove that the brain is the 
 organ of the mind, and endeavoured to obviate some 
 of the objections which lie at the threshold of our 
 investigation, we are now prepared to enter a little 
 farther into the subject, and to consider the grounds on 
 which the plurality of the cerebral organs rest. We might 
 prove the truth of the phrenological doctrine generally, 
 and consequently, of the plurality of organs on which 
 Phrenology is founded, by appealing to experience and 
 observation, for these are the tests to which it will 
 ultimately be referred. But as this line of argument 
 would be considered unsatisfactory by many, we shall 
 attempt to prove the existence of the organs of the 
 brain from certain facts and observations which all, or 
 almost all, admit. 
 
 1st. It cannot be doubted that the ntind displays a 
 plurality of powers. All metaphysicians in explaining 
 the phenomena of the mind proceed upon this supposi- 
 tion ; and to show how little guided they have been 
 by correct principles we have only to observe the 
 diversity of opinion that exists upon the subject ; some 
 enumerate only three such powers, as sensation, me- 
 mory, and judgment : others add attention, imagina- 
 
28 
 
 PLURALITY OF PARTS IN THE BRAIN'. 
 
 tion, association of ideas, and some reckon up more 
 than twenty fundamental powers. Of the correctness 
 of such views we do not at present speak. We only state 
 these facts to show that all metaphysicans admit that 
 the mind displays more than one power, and if we have 
 established the fact that the mind manifests its powers 
 only through the medium of the brain, it follows that 
 a plurality of mental powers can only be manifested 
 through a plurality of cerebral organs. 
 
 2d. There is no internal organ of the body that 
 assumes such a diversity of form in different individuals 
 as the brain. 
 
 The liver, for example, may vary in size in different 
 individuals, but in the healthy state, generally speak- 
 ing, all its parts bear the same relative proportion to 
 each other. But it is far otherwise with the brain. 
 Besides the immense variation of size in the whole 
 brain in different individuals, we find an equal if not a 
 greater, diversity in the proportions of the subordinate 
 parts. Many have the anterior* lobes small, while the 
 middle* and posterior* are greatly developed. On the 
 other hand, not a few are found with the middle or 
 posterior lobes small, and the anterior ones in the 
 greatest development. Some have the greatest portion 
 of brain at the base of the skull, while others have that 
 part narrow, and the most expanded portion at the top 
 of the head. Besides these differences of form in the 
 great outlines of the bead, there are others of a subor- 
 dinate character which are no less remarkable. Each 
 convolution of the brain may be developed in different 
 
 * See Plates 3 anJ 4. 
 
DIVERSITY OF FORM IN THE LRAIN. 
 
 L>9 
 
 degrees, unci thus the incalculable varieties of form i.i 
 the human head can easily be accounted for. Some- 
 times a single convolution arrives at the maximum of 
 development, while those in the vicinity are only of 
 a moderate size ; the part thus superiorly developed 
 assumes invariably a certain form, and gives a charac- 
 teristic prominence to the skull over that part of the 
 brain, which the experienced eye can easily discover. 
 Are these diversities of form of no consequence ? Is 
 it immaterial at what part of the cerebral mass the 
 greatest development is found ? Will a man with a 
 small forehead and an expanded hindhead think as 
 profoundly as the man whose greatest proportion of 
 brain is in the forehead ? No man who has studied 
 nature carefully can answer these questions in the 
 affirmative. Look at the head of a man of a grovelling 
 and sensual character and you will find the greatest 
 part of brain behind the ear. Compare the head of 
 such a character with another of an opposite descrip- 
 tion, and the difference will at once be apparent. The 
 intellectual character has always a large proportion of 
 brain before the ear, and a beauty thus appertains to 
 such a head which can never be imparted to the other. 
 The Grecian and Roman sculptors were celebrated for 
 their nice imitation of nature, but the heads of their 
 gladiators and philosophers are always represented 
 differently, and in strict conformity with phrenological 
 principles. They had never heard of Phrenology, yet 
 they never once violated its principles, because its 
 principles are founded in nature, and they took nature 
 only for their guide. 
 
 The opponents of Phrenology have insinuated that 
 
30 
 
 DIVERSITY OF TALENTS AMONG MEN. 
 
 Dr. Gall first mapped out the skull into so many com- 
 partments, and then tried to mould nature to his 
 speculations ; but this is not a correct reading of the 
 history of Phrenology. Dr. Gall, on the contrary, as 
 we have already shown, first observed a correspondency 
 between particular mental powers and particular pro- 
 minences or particular conformations of the head, and 
 it was only after repeatedly observing the concomitancy 
 between the power and the conformation that he held 
 the relationship as inseparably connected. Phrenolo- 
 gists maintain that Gall's observations are correct. 
 Their experience coincides with his, and they challenge 
 any one to adduce an instance in which the power 
 exists without the cerebral development. 
 
 3d. The diversity of talents among men, and the 
 existence of partial talent in individuals, can only be 
 explained satisfactorily on the supposition of a plurality 
 of mental organs. We are aware that the peculiarity 
 of talent and disposition in mankind has been attri- 
 buted by metaphysicians to circumstances. The 
 mind of the infant has been compared to a sheet 
 of white paper on which any kind of character may 
 be traced. You may train up a child, they say, 
 to be a poet, or a painter, or a musician ; or you may 
 make him, as you please, either remarkable for every 
 good and amiable quality, or for every low and de- 
 grading vice. But are these views of human nature 
 consistent with experience ? Are there not some indi- 
 viduals who cannot be made poets, or painters, or 
 musicians? and are there not individuals' who have 
 evinced from their earliest years amiable tempers and 
 dispositions of mind, and others who exhibit every 
 
DIVERSITY OF TALENTS AMONG MEN. 
 
 3) 
 
 thing the reverse ? If all children have not the same 
 temper and disposition at birth, to what is the difference 
 to be attributed ? Not surely to circumstances, for 
 they have not had time to operate, but to something in 
 themselves. If circumstances can form the intellectual 
 and moral character of man it is clear that they can 
 only do so either by creating mental powers, or affect- 
 ing in some particular way the powers which have been 
 already given him by nature. That circumstances can 
 draw forth talents we admit, but that they can create 
 mental powers is so inconsistent with observation that 
 we cannot believe it. If circumstances can create 
 powers, why can we not make an idiot a philosopher ? 
 We naturally say that that is impossible ; they have not 
 the capacity, and the co-operation of all the circum- 
 stances on earth cannot impart the talent or capacity 
 to them. All talent is inherent, never the result of 
 external causes. Favourable circumstances will, no 
 doubt, do much to improve or render available talents 
 that already exist. They can do no more ; but they 
 can obviously never make them. 
 
 We all admit with Horace, that "poeta nascitur non 
 fit;" but if this maxim is just with regard to the poet- 
 ical talent, it is equally just with regard to talent of 
 every other kind. If talent be inherent then, and the 
 brain a single organ, by means of which the mind 
 manifests its powers, it follows that a man who is re- 
 markable for any one talent should be equally remark- 
 able for every other. But we know that there are 
 men w r ho show a talent only in one way, and w r ho 
 beyond their own province are perfect fools. Is the man 
 who excels in poetry necessarily a good mathema- 
 
32 
 
 DIVERSITY OF TALENTS AMONG MEN. 
 
 tician ? or the mathematician necessarily a great poet 
 and orator ? To maintain that because a man excels 
 in one pursuit he must necessarily be capable of excel- 
 ling in every other, is just as preposterous as to main- 
 tain that because a man sees well he must necessarily 
 hear, and have all the other external senses in equal 
 perfection. That some men have a variety of talents 
 is unquestionable ; but the majority of mankind possess 
 only moderate mental powers, and among these how 
 often do we find an individual who displays in a 
 degree which astonishes every one, a particular talent. 
 Even a talent of this kind has been evinced by idiots, 
 whose mental powers were otherwise so weak that 
 they could not comprehend the meaning of the simplest 
 proposition. It is evident then, that mental powers 
 exist in the same individual, at the same time in various 
 degrees of strength and in various degrees of aptitude 
 for improvement ; and, as the brain is the part of the 
 body through which the mind manifests all its powers, 
 it follows incontrovertibly, that the brain cannot be a 
 single organ, else all its powers would be manifested 
 in an equal degree, but must be an aggregate of parts, 
 or a congeries of organs, each part or organ manifesting 
 a particular power. 
 
 4th. The plurality of the cerebral organs may be 
 deduced from the existence of partial idiocy and partial 
 insanity. 
 
 No system of mental philosophy except the phreno- 
 logical can explain satisfactorily the two conditions of 
 the mind called idiocy and insanity. To say that the 
 one is mental imbecility and the other mental derange- 
 ment, affords no explanation, nay, it leads to the suppo- 
 
EXISTENCE OF PARTIAL INSANITY. 
 
 33 
 
 sition that the essence of the mind is affected. But 
 while Phrenology leads to no such dangerous conclu- 
 sion, it enables us satisfactorily to explain these two 
 very peculiar conditions of man. Idiocy always arises 
 from a defective organization or development of the 
 brain, and insanity always from diseased cerebral 
 structure. If the whole brain be defective in its 
 organization or development, the idiocy is complete ; 
 or if the whole brain be diseased, as in inflamma- 
 tion or excessive intoxication, the insanity is com- 
 plete ; but idiocy and insanity are often partial, and 
 there is no way of explaining such phenomena satisfac- 
 torily but on the supposition of a plurality of cerebral 
 organs. Some idiots have shown a talent for music, 
 others for imitation, others for calculation, and others 
 for constructing mechanical instruments ; and it is well 
 known that many persons are insane on one subject 
 only. If the brain was a single organ, through which 
 the mind manifested all its powers, these mental phe- 
 nomena never could occur ; for, if the brain was sound, 
 all the powers would be equally manifested, or if dis- 
 eased, all the powers would be equally affected. But 
 as some of the mental powers in these instances are 
 strong and others weak, some of them affected and 
 others unaffected, it clearly follows that all the parts of 
 the brain cannot be in the same state, or the brain is 
 not the organ of thought. If we are forced to admit 
 this, we must also admit that the parts of the brain in 
 these different or opposite states are parts through 
 which different powers are manifested, and we thus 
 arrive directly at the conclusion of a plurality of cere- 
 bral organs. 
 
34 
 
 THE EXISTENCE OF DREAMI3 
 
 5th. The plurality of the cerebral organs may be 
 proved from the phenomena of dreaming. During 
 sound sleep we are quite unconscious of existence, and 
 when this takes place the whole brain is in a state of 
 inactivity or torpor. All corporeal organs require 
 rest ; and during the repose of the brain the mental 
 powers are enveloped as in a thick cloud. But the 
 sleep is often partial, or as we say, disturbed by 
 dreams. We seem to ourselves to be engaged, it may 
 be, in furious or deadly combat, or as peacemakers, 
 soothing the ruffled spirits of others, and tendering our 
 warmest solicitudes for a reconciliation. We may 
 seem engaged in some complex and harassing calcula- 
 tion, or in reading some interesting work of literature 
 or science. Or the imagination may take wing and 
 carry us into Elysian fields, where the eye delights to 
 rest on the enchanting scene, and the ear to be regaled 
 with the songs of the birds of paradise. These may be 
 viewed as specimens of simple dreams ; but dreams are 
 frequently much more complex, and generally the more 
 complex, the more incoherent and inconsistent they 
 become. The dream may consist of a grotesque 
 assemblage of misshapen images and extravagant 
 ideas, and of the most whimsical and foolish acts : yet 
 all will appear to the dreamer as right, and it is only 
 after we awake that we laugh at the ideal medley. If 
 we were to think during the day as we dream at 
 night, we would be fit for a madhouse ; yet these dif- 
 ferent states of the mental operations are solely owing 
 to different conditions of the brain. If the brain was 
 in the same state during a dream as when awake, we 
 would dream rationally and coherently. But as this 
 
EFFECTS OF INJURIES OF THE HEAD. 
 
 35 
 
 is obviously not the case, we must come to the conclu- 
 sion that at these two periods the state or condition of 
 the organ is different. If the brain were a single 
 organ, it is quite clear that we could never dream ; for 
 if the organ were asleep there would be total uncon- 
 sciousness, and if awake our ideas would be rational 
 and connected ; but admit the existence of a plurality 
 of cerebral organs and the difficulty vanishes. We 
 could then suppose one or more of such organs awake, 
 while the rest were asleep, and the waking organs 
 executing their functions while the others were in a 
 state of torpidity or repose, and we would thus have 
 ideas and feelings corresponding with the functions of 
 the waking organs. Every dream and every modifi- 
 cation of dream may, on this principle, be accounted 
 for ; and we can explain this curious mental pheno- 
 menon satisfactorily on no other. 
 
 From reasoning, then, we conclude that the brain is 
 not a single organ, but a congeries of organs, through 
 which various powers are manifested. 
 
 This conclusion is still farther supported by the effects 
 of certain injuries and diseases of the brain upon the 
 mental powers. Many cases of this kind could be ad- 
 duced, but the following it is presumed will suffice. 
 1st. Injuries affecting the Brain. 
 
 Dr. Beattie refers to the case of a scholar who, after 
 receiving a blow upon his head, forgot all his Greek, 
 while his memory was strong on other subjects. 
 
 Dr. Abercrombie relates the case of a person who 
 lost for several days, by a similar accident, all remem- 
 brance of his having a wife and children although he 
 
36 
 
 EFFECTS OF INJURIES OF THE HEAD. 
 
 recollected the accident, and his memory seemed to be 
 otherwise perfect. 
 
 Sir Astley relates also the case of a patient, at St. 
 Thomas] Hospital, who, after an injury of the head, 
 was found talking in a language which none could 
 understand, till a Welsh woman, who entered the 
 hospital, recognised it as Welsh. 
 
 Dr. Conolly relates a still more remarkable case of a 
 young clergyman, who, a few days before his intended 
 marriage, met with a serious injury of the head. He 
 recovered his health perfectly, and lived to the 
 advanced age of eighty. But from the time of the 
 injury his intellect w r as entirely perverted. Though 
 he retained the recollection of his approaching marriage, 
 he talked of nothing else during the period of his life, 
 and manifested anxiety and impatience for the arrival 
 of the happy day. 
 
 Dr. Rush refers to the case of an Italian, who was 
 perfectly master of the Italian, French and English 
 languages, and who, during a fever which terminated 
 his life, in New York, spoke English at the commence- 
 ment of the disease, French only in the middle, and 
 Italian only on the day of his death. 
 
 2 d. Diseases affecting the Brain. 
 
 Sir A. Cooper, in his Lectures on Surgery, relates 
 the case of a German who laboured under disease of 
 the brain. At the commencement of the disease the 
 German, he says, spoke English, but as the disease 
 advanced, the patient forgot his English, and spoke 
 only German. 
 
 Cases occur every day of persons forgetting the 
 
EFFECTS OF DISEASES OF THE BUAIN. 
 
 37 
 
 names of things, while they retain the most vivid re- 
 collection of the things themselves. A case of this 
 kind is related by Dr. Gregory. The lady had an 
 attack of apoplexy ; during her convalescence it was 
 remarked, the memory for things returned long before 
 the memory for words. She learned to recognise the 
 objects that surrounded her long before she could 
 name them, or understand the meaning of their 
 names. 
 
 Dr. Brigham states, that he had a patient whose 
 memory was good with respect to every thing but 
 places : the patient recollected perfectly names, events, 
 &c., but did not recollect his own or his neighbours' 
 houses, or the place in which he had resided for many 
 years. — {Influence of Mental Cultivation on Health, 
 p. 20.) 
 
 The author of this little work was acquainted with a 
 gentleman who laboured for some months under an 
 affection of the brain, accompanied with partial paraly- 
 sis of one side of the face, and who occasionally forgot 
 portions of words. If he intended to use, for example, 
 the word circumstance, he could pronounce and write 
 the three first letters cir, but the rest of the word was in 
 his mind a perfect blank ; he could for the time neither 
 spell nor pronounce it. Whilst, in this mental state, he 
 usually experienced darting pains deep in the orbit 
 over the eyeballs. 
 
 7th. Anatomy leads to the conclusion of a plurality 
 of cerebral organs. Although Anatomy and Physio- 
 logy are intimately connected, and reciprocally assist 
 each other, yet, it must be remembered, that Physio- 
 logy is capable of shedding a much stronger and clearer 
 
 £ 
 
38 
 
 ANATOMY CONSISTENT WITH PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 light upon the structure, than the structure upon the 
 function ; and in many organs the intimate structure 
 cannot be learned till the uses are ascertained. Besides 
 the investigation of structure, there are two modes 
 which physiologists usually employ in the investigation 
 of function. One by experiment on the living subject, 
 torturing and forcing, as it were, nature to yield her 
 secrets ; and the other by a careful notification of the 
 effects of diseased structure upon the function. 
 
 These are the plans indeed which physiologists 
 generally adopt in investigating the functions of any 
 organ ; and they are the only means in the majority of 
 cases which can be resorted to with any rational pro- 
 spect of success. 
 
 Of these two methods, the latter is generally more 
 to be depended upon than the former, and the former is 
 more applicable to organs of a simple structure than 
 those which are complicated. 
 
 The functions of the brain have been attempted to 
 be elucidated in both of these ways ; but only with 
 partial success. The experimental method has led to 
 inconsistencies and contradictions, and the observa- 
 tions and investigations of pathologists to no decided 
 result. Indeed it is exceedingly probable, that neither 
 of these modes of investigating function is applicable to 
 the brain, for from the very constitution and structure 
 of the cerebral mass a part can scarcely be injured or 
 affected with disease, without other parts being simul- 
 taneously or secondarily influenced. 
 
 Under these circumstances, it is a matter of congra- 
 t ulation, that another and more successful mode of 
 
ANATOMY IN HARMONY WITH PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 39 
 
 investigating the functions of the brain was instituted 
 by Gall. 
 
 Dr. Gall by a series of observations made on the 
 living human head, arrived at the conclusion that every 
 species of feeling, emotion, and intellectual operation, 
 not only emanates from the brain, but also that the 
 decree of development of the different parts of the 
 brain indicate (under certain limitations) the degree of 
 strength of such feelings and powers. Dr. Gall main- 
 tained that the signs of our mental constitution could 
 be seen in the living head ; and surely there is nothing 
 unphilosophical in such an idea ; nay, the idea that such 
 signs exist somewhere in the body is prevalent through- 
 out society. Is not physiognomy founded upon this 
 very principle ? and every one admits that from the 
 form, and more particularly from the expression of the 
 countenance, many important conclusions may be de- 
 duced regarding the state or condition of the mind. The 
 signs of Gall and those of Lavater are no doubt differ- 
 ent. They are both, however, corporeal signs of a 
 mental condition, and what reason have we to think 
 that the signs of Gall are less valuable than those of 
 Lavater. We have no reason to think so, for the signs 
 of Gall have a direct reference to the part of the b^dy 
 through which mental manifestation flows ; while those 
 of Lavater are at best connected with parts that are 
 only secondarily related to the mental operations. The 
 mode of investigation thus proposed by Gall, is founded 
 on the principle, that the size and form of the brain can be 
 discovered during life ; and it is scarcely necessary to say 
 that this position is consistent with the fact. The brain 
 itself is no doubt hid from our view ; but its protecting 
 
40 
 
 ANATOMY IN HAIiMCNY WITH PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 bony ineasement is moulded upon the organ so as to 
 indicate with an accuracy sufficient tor every practical 
 purpose, the quantum and configuration of the contained 
 material. Here then is the first point of connexion 
 that subsists between Anatomy and Phrenology, and 
 so far they unquestionably harmonize. 
 
 An important connexion subsists, in the second 
 place, between the structure of the brain itself and the 
 phrenological system. Phrenology inculcates that the 
 mind displays a multiplicity of powers ; and as it is a 
 fundamental principle in the science that the mind can 
 .be manifested only through an organic apparatus, we 
 legitimately conclude, that a multiplicity of powers 
 requires for their manifestation a corresponding number 
 of organic parts ; but reasoning alone on such a subject 
 is insufficient to convince. The question recurs : are 
 these organic parts to be found ? If such parts cannot 
 be demonstrated, their existence is not to be assumed ; 
 but fortunately for Phrenology they can be easily de- 
 monstrated. The brain is the most complicated organic 
 structure found in man ; and the most cursory glance 
 at the arrangement of its parts leads at once to a conclu- 
 sion at variance with singleness of structure. Without 
 referring to the immense size of the organ in man, com- 
 pared with that of other animals, we have only to 
 observe the first grand division of the mass into cere- 
 brum and cerebellum, or great and little brain — the 
 division of each of these into two nearly equal and 
 symmetrical portions — the division again of each half of 
 the cerebrum into three lobes, the anterior, middle, and 
 posterior, and the still more minute division of each of 
 these lobes into numerous convolutions. All these 
 
ANATOMY IN HARMONY WITH PHRENOLOGY. 
 
 41 
 
 parts thus separated to a greater or less extent, are 
 observed on the most cursory examination ; and when 
 we enter upon a more minute investigation of its inter- 
 nal structure, we find every thing harmonizing most 
 beautifully with the principles of Phrenology — the 
 brain is formed essentially of soft and plastic fibres, 
 which diverge from the medulla oblongata, or top of the 
 spinal marrow, to the convolutions. Here then we have 
 undoubtedly a plurality of parts, and what reason have 
 we to suppose that these parts are incapable of separate, 
 and to a certain extent independent functions. The 
 fibrous structure of the brain is directly and beautifully in 
 harmony with Phrenology, for we have in such a struc- 
 ture all the necessary elements of a plurality of organs ; 
 the fibres are not only exceedingly numerous, but they 
 vary in length, direction, and consistency. We cannot 
 tell how these fibres are connected in the process of think- 
 ing ; but knowing as we do, that mental manifestation 
 cannot be evinced without them, it would be absurd to 
 suppose that circumstances which affect these fibres, 
 such as length, direction, and number, would have no 
 effect upon the mental state. 
 
 The muscular system furnishes us with a strong 
 analogical argument in favour of this view. Analo- 
 gies are not always to be trusted, but in such a subject 
 we have no other mode of illustration, and a corro- 
 boration of our views from other departments of ana- 
 tomy, is not to be despised. The muscular system 
 of the human body consists essentially of fibres of a 
 particular kind, that are endowed with a property of 
 contracting or shortening themselves ; and we see that 
 length, direction, and relative situation of these fibres, 
 
42 
 
 ANATOMY AND PHRENOLOGY HARMONIZE. 
 
 tell materially upon the effects they are capable of pro- 
 ducing. Influenced by these circumstances, what diver- 
 sified and even opposite effects appear ! Modified by 
 these circumstances, muscular fibres may produce flexion, 
 extension, adduction, abduction, rotation, and circum- 
 duction, of a limb. These are no doubt various and 
 opposite effects produced by the action of similar mus- 
 cular fibres : have we not good reason to suppose then, 
 that the fibres through which mental manifestation 
 emanates, may by difference of length, direction, or 
 situation, be so affected as to conduce to most impor- 
 tant differences of mental constitution and state ? 
 
 The places assigned by Gall to the respective organs, 
 both absolutely and relatively in the brain, is not only 
 an indirect proof of the plurality of the cerebral organs, 
 but of the truth and beauty of Phrenology as a science. 
 It is to be remembered that Gall did not manufacture 
 a theory ; he proceeded upon the Baconian system 
 of observing and noting facts ; he compared the 
 developments of particular parts of the head with the 
 characters of individuals as displayed in their actions ; 
 and he arrived at the conclusion, that particular confor- 
 mations of head were always concomitant with parti- 
 cular talents or particularity of mental powers. We do 
 not at present speak of the accuracy of these observa- 
 tions ; we merely wish to state that a fact was noted 
 at one time regarding the forehead, at another time 
 regarding the hindhead, and at a third time regarding 
 some other region of the brain ; there was no precon- 
 ceived order or system in the observations he made. 
 These observations depended upon circumstances which 
 were contingent, and yet what system of the mind 
 
ANATOMY AND PHRENOLOGY HARMONISE. 
 
 43 
 
 exists in which order and beauty are more conspicuous ! 
 Without adverting to Phrenology as a metaphysical 
 system independently of the organs, does it not impart 
 a strong probability of the truth of Phrenology, that 
 notwithstanding the erratic mode in which the organs 
 were discovered, we find no unnatural mixture or 
 jumbling of the organs ; those of the same kind are in 
 general found in juxta- position, or in other words, we 
 find them allocated in the most scientific and systematic 
 manner ? While we find, for example, all the intellec- 
 tual powers in the forehead, the sentiments are found 
 exclusively in the upper region of the head, and the 
 propensities in the lateral, lower, and posterior regions 
 only. Had the organs been fabricated, the method of 
 investigation pursued by Gall would have led to a chaos 
 of confusion, but as order and harmony reign not only 
 in the great subdivisions, but also in the subordinate 
 groupes of the different organs, we may safely conclude 
 that such organs are not factitious but founded in 
 nature. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Comparative Anatomy of the Nervous System favourable to Phre- 
 nology. — Microscopic Animals. — Kadiated Animals.— Molluscous 
 Animals. — Articulated Animals. — Fishes. — Reptiles. — Birds. — Quad- 
 rupeds. — Argument from the Process of Development of the Brain. 
 
 The phrenological doctrine receives strong coun- 
 tenance and support from comparative anatomy. It 
 has long ago been remarked, that as animals rise in 
 
44 
 
 NERVOUS SYSTEM OF ANIMALS. 
 
 the scale of intelligence, their brain becomes the more 
 developed. This is strikingly displayed in the verte- 
 brated animals, but not confined to them. A short 
 reference to the nervous system of both the inverte- 
 brated and vertebrated animals will place the subject 
 in a clearer light. Mr. Lawrence* has remarked, that 
 the visible fabric of the brain differs most widely in 
 quadrupeds, birds, fishes, insects ; and that there is an 
 equal difference in their intellectual phenomena, appe- 
 tites, and instincts, — every variation in construction 
 being accompanied, he says, with a corresponding 
 modification of function. This is the phrenological 
 doctrine ; and that the subject may be clearly under- 
 stood, we shall give a brief outline of the comparative 
 anatomy of the nervous system. 
 
 It has often occurred to us, that the principles of 
 Phrenology might receive some very useful elucida- 
 tions, from researches into the nervous system of the 
 lower animals. If we except Vimont, who has con- 
 fined his attention chiefly to vertebrated animals, no 
 Phrenologist has deemed the subject worthy of special 
 consideration. The subject is undoubtedly surrounded 
 with difficulties — difficulties which are increased by 
 our ignorance, of the true habitudes of many of 
 these animals, and in some instances by the extreme 
 delicacy of the necessary anatomical investigations. At 
 the same time, wherever there is animal life, there is a 
 nervous system, and in tracing this system from its 
 simplest state, as found in the lowest animals, to the 
 full development as existing in man, we obtain a splen- 
 
 * Sec his Lectures on Comparative Anatomy, p. 100. 
 
ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 45 
 
 did demonstration of a series of facts, that lie at the 
 foundation of Phrenology. 
 
 Zoological Classification. — The first Systematic 
 Classification of animals, was given by Linnaeus in 1735. 
 He arranged all animals into the following six classes. 
 1st, Mammalia ; 2d, Aves ; 3d, Amphibia; 4th, Pisces ; 
 5th, Insecta ; 6th, Vermes. 
 
 In 1795, Cuvier ably pointed out the defects of this 
 arrangement, in his memoir on animals with white 
 blood, and three years afterwards proposed an arrange- 
 ment of his own, which has been generally adopted by 
 succeeding naturalists. The following is an outline of 
 his arrangement. He conceives that there are four 
 general or principal forms, into which all animals may 
 be arranged, these he denominates, 1st, Vertebrata ; 
 2d, Mollusca ; 3d, Articulata ; 4th, Radiata or Zoophyta. 
 
 
 1st Form.- 
 
 - Vertebrata. 
 
 Classes. 
 
 
 
 Examples. 
 
 1. Mammalia. 
 
 
 
 Man. Whale. 
 
 2. Aves. 
 
 
 
 Eagle. Duck. 
 
 3. Reptilia. 
 
 
 
 Tortoise. Frog. Serpent. 
 
 4. Pisces. 
 
 
 
 Salmon. Eel. 
 
 
 2d 
 
 Form. 
 
 — Mollusca. 
 
 Classes. 
 
 
 
 Examples. 
 
 1. Cephalopoda. 
 
 
 
 Nautilus. Sepia. 
 
 2. Pteropoda. 
 
 
 
 Clio. 
 
 3. Gasteropoda. 
 
 
 
 Snail. Limpefc. 
 
 4. Acephala. 
 
 
 
 Oyster. 
 
 5. Brachiopoda. 
 
 
 
 Lingula. 
 
 6. Cirrhopoda. 
 
 
 
 Barnacle. 
 
46 ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 3d YoiVR.—Articulata, 
 
 Classes. Examples. 
 
 1. Annelida, Leech. Earth- worm. 
 
 2. Crustacea. Lobster. Crab. 
 
 3. Avachnida. Spider. 
 
 4. Insecta. Bee. Beetle. 
 
 4th Form.— Radiata or Zoophyta. 
 Classes. Examples. 
 
 1. Echinodermata. Star-fish. 
 
 2. Intestinalia. Tape-worm. 
 
 3. Acalepha. Actinia. 
 
 4. Polypi. Sponge. CoraL 
 
 5. Infusoria. Monas. 
 
 Various modifications of this arrangement have been 
 made, the latest and most important, is that proposed 
 by Dr. Grant, who retains the primary divisions of 
 Cuvier, but changes the number, the position, and 
 many of the names of the Classes. The following 
 tabular view will impart some idea of his arrangement. 
 
 15/ Division.— Spino.Cerebrata or Vertcbrata. 
 
 1. Mammalia. 
 
 2. Aves. 
 
 3. Reptilia, 
 
 4. Amphibia, (different from Cuvier.) 
 
 5. Pisces. 
 
 2d Division. — Cyclo-gangliata or Mollusca. 
 
 6. Cephalopoda 
 
 7. Pteropoda. 
 
 8. Gasteropoda 
 
 9. Conchifera. 
 10. Tunicata. 
 
 * (different from Cuvier.) 
 
ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION. 47 
 
 3d Division. — Diplo-neura or Articulata. 
 
 11. Crustacea. 
 
 12. Arachnida. 
 
 13. Insccta. 
 
 14. Myriopoda, (different from Curier.) 
 
 15. Annelida. 
 
 16. Cirrhopoda, (Cuvier places this among Moilusca.) 
 
 17. Rotifera. ") 
 
 18. Entozoa. J (different from Cuvier.) 
 
 4th Division. — Cyclo-neura or Radiata. 
 
 19. Echinoderma. 
 
 20. Acalepha. 
 
 21. Polypiphera. ~) 
 
 22. Poriphera. > (different from Cuvier.) 
 
 23. Polygastrica. J 
 
 Dr. Virey, a French physician and naturalist, first 
 assumed the nervous system, as the basis of his classi- 
 fication, (Diet Nouveau oVIIistoire Naturette). Cuvier 
 followed out the same principle, {Anatomie Comparee). 
 Carus also classes animals according to the state of 
 development of this system, and arranges them in 
 circular groups {Anatomie Comparee), a plan which 
 has been likewise followed by Macleay, {Horce En- 
 tomologicce,) who considers that all natural groups, 
 whether kingdoms, or any subdivisions of them, return 
 into themselves ; a distribution which he expresses by 
 circles, each circle being formed precisely, he says, of five 
 groups ; larger groups being connected by the interven- 
 tion of lesser groups, which he denominates osculant. 
 
 Although we cannot help thinking that in this last 
 classification, imagination prevails to a certain extent 
 over sober observation, still the system is ingenious, 
 and according to Kirby and Spence, nearly approxi- 
 
48 
 
 ZOOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 mates to what we see in nature. The following dia- 
 gram will enable the reader to form some idea of the 
 primary divisions of this system 
 
 Cams supposes all animals maybe arranged in three 
 grand circles. 
 
 In the first he includes animals which he calls 
 Oozoaires, ox animal eggs. 
 
 In the second circle he includes animals which he 
 denominates Corpozoaires, or animal trunks, and 
 which comprehends, 1st. the Gastrozoaires, or animal 
 abdomens, and secondly, the Thoracozoaires, or animal 
 cJtests. 
 
 In the third circle he includes his Cephalozoaires or 
 animal heads, which comprehends the four following 
 
NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE LOWEST ANIMALS. 49 
 
 divisions : 1st, his Aedoio-Cephalozoaires, or fishes — 
 2d, Cephalo-gastrozoaires or reptiles — 3d, Cephalo- 
 thoracozoaires, ■ or birds — and 4th, Cephalo-cephalo- 
 zoaires, or mammiferous animals. 
 
 The nearest approach to a phrenological classifica- 
 tion of animals, is that of Lamarck, who arranges all 
 animals into three grand divisions. The first or lowest 
 of which comprehends animals viewed by him as apathic 
 or automatic. The second, animals which he denomi- 
 nates sensitive : and the third or highest the intelligent. 
 
 Whilst referring to the nervous system of the inferior 
 animals, we shall follow the arrangement and nomen- 
 clature of Cuvier, as modified by Grant, not that we 
 consider it more correct or philosophic than that of 
 Carus, but because it is better known, and sufficiently 
 accurate for every useful purpose. 
 
 In the lowest group of animals, that denominated 
 Acrita by Macleay, including the Polygastric, Porifer- 
 ous, Polypiferous, and probably the Acalephous classes 
 of animals, the nervous system consists of nervous 
 globules or molecules, diffused through the cellular 
 gelatinous tissue, of which the greatest part of their 
 system is composed. Many of these animals appear 
 as punctiform homogeneous substances, others are of 
 considerable size, but all seem sensible to touch, 
 and even to the action of light, when exposed to its 
 influence. 
 
 In rising into the next group, the Radiata, or 
 Radiated animals, including the class Echinodermata, 
 the nervous globules are arranged in a linear manner, 
 so as to constitute nervous filaments (nerves), and 
 it is interesting to observe the course which these 
 
50 
 
 NERVOUS SYSTEM OF MOLLUSCA. 
 
 filaments take, and the arrangement they assume. 
 There is first, generally, a central point from which a 
 filament or filaments pass off in the form of a ray or rays. 
 The central point is a ganglion, and the filamentous 
 ray is a nerve of this ganglion ; usually more than 
 one ganglion are developed connected together by 
 threads of communication. These ganglia are situated 
 at equal distances, and their number and arrangement 
 are determined by the general organization and form of 
 the animal. In the asterias or star-fish, with five rays, 
 there are five ganglia so united by nervous threads as to 
 form a ring. 
 
 In the next group, that of the Mollusca, the nervous 
 system rises gradually in complexity, from the Tunicata 
 or naked acephalous Mollusca of Cuvier, through the 
 Conchifera, Gasteropoda, Pteropoda, to the Cephalo- 
 poda, in which of all these animals the nervous system 
 is most developed. 
 
 Articulata. — The Articulata, or Articulated ani- 
 mals, are remarkable for their ring-like structure, the 
 number of rings being determinate, and each seg- 
 ment a repetition of the other. Of these segments, 
 the most anterior acquires the greatest development 
 and constitutes the head. — The nervous system of 
 these animals consists of series of nervous ganglia, 
 connected by longitudinal nervous internodes. Each 
 nervous ring is formed of a ganglion and two semi- 
 circular nerves. The rings are open with one excep- 
 tion, and vary in development in the different genera. 
 In the cephalic segment a supra-cesophageal ganglion 
 is always developed, which is the ruaiment of a brain. 
 
 In the Insecta, or Insect tribes, the highest division 
 
NERVOUS SYSTEM OF INSECTS. £> I 
 
 of this class, the nervous system has attained a high 
 degree of organization and development. 
 
 Itconsists,,/zrs£,of a ganglionic cord, stretching along 
 the abdominal surface of the insect, as in most of the 
 preceding classes. 
 
 Secondly. — Of a nervous collar that surrounds the 
 oesophagus. 
 
 Thirdly. — Of a supra-cesophageal mass or brain, in 
 some species much developed, and transmitting S pairs 
 of nerves and two single ones. 
 
 Fourthly. — A motor tract has lately been found run- 
 ning along the dorsal surface of the cord, and transmit- 
 ting lateral nervous branches. 
 
 Fifthly. — A vestige has also been discovered of the 
 par vagum and respiratory system of nerves. These 
 parts are not found in all the genera and species of 
 insects, for we find an increase of development from 
 the Hemiptera, through the Orthoptera, Coleoptera, 
 to the Hymenoptera, in which, of all the insect tribes, 
 the nervous system is most complicated. 
 
 The development of the nervous system in some 
 insects is peculiarly interesting. The observations of 
 Dr. Herold have thrown much light on this part of 
 physiology, and which lead to conclusions favourable 
 to Phrenology. With great care he traced the gradual 
 changes that take place in the nervous system of the 
 common cabbage butterfly, from the time it obtains its 
 full size to its assumption of the imago. These changes 
 were found to consist principally in the progressive 
 shortening of the nervous internodes, and consequent 
 approximation of the ganglia — in the obliteration of 
 some of the nerves — in the amalgamation of two or 
 
52 
 
 DEVELOPMENT OF NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
 
 more ganglia — in the union of the first ganglion with 
 the brain — in the union of two ganglia at the expense 
 of one or two others — and lastly, in the lobes of the 
 brain which formed an angle with each other becoming 
 horizontal. These are, no doubt, remarkable and 
 necessary changes ; and why necessary ? Because the 
 animal is about to change its character, and a corre- 
 sponding change of nervous system is indispensable. 
 Had the nervous system of the insect undergone no 
 change, when such an obvious change in the powers 
 and habitudes of the animal had been effected, we 
 might have drawn a conclusion unfavourable to Phren- 
 ology. But all these changes are in harmony with the 
 phrenological system. Change of structure must always 
 precede a change of function ; and we find here a 
 series of important changes, without which the neces- 
 sary muscular, sensitive, and instinctive powers could 
 not have been imparted. 
 
 There is apparently a broad line of demarcation be- 
 tween the nervous system of the highest invertebrated, 
 and that of the lowest of the vertebrated tribes, still 
 there is only a higher development, and a somewhat 
 different arrangement of parts, essentially the same. 
 In many of the invertebrata we find nerves, ganglia, 
 nervous internodes, and rudiments of brain. 
 
 In the vertebrata these parts all exist. The nervous 
 internodes are made continuous by the displacement 
 of the ganglia to the sides, and the columns of nervous 
 matter thus formed, constitute by their enlargement a 
 spinal cord — the nervous collar that encircles the 
 oesophagus, and stretches to the brain is by increase of 
 size, converted into the medulla oblongata, or top of 
 
• OF FISHES. 
 
 ;>3 
 
 the spinal cord, and the brain which is extremely rudi- 
 mentary, becomes massy and complicated, yet not equally 
 developed in all the classes. It is least developed in 
 fishes, more so in reptiles, still more in birds, and attains 
 still higher degrees of complication in mammiferous 
 animals. — All naturalists admit that fishes rank lowest 
 in the scale of vertebrated animals — that reptiles are 
 somewhat more elevated, or display instincts of a 
 higher character — that the instincts of birds are of a 
 loftier kind than those of reptiles — and that mammifer- 
 ous animals approach many of them in sagacity to 
 human reason itself. Let us trace then briefly the state 
 and comparative development of the nervous system of 
 vertebrated animals. 
 
 Of FisJies.— As might be expected, the nervous 
 system of these animals varies greatly, both in form 
 and development ; but the distinguishing peculiarity 
 in them all is great development of spinal cord, and 
 little development of brain. 
 
 The brain of fishes is extremely small, and fills only 
 a part of the cranial cavity. Its absolute size, and pro- 
 portion to the size of the body, varies in different kinds 
 of fishes ; but in all, the size whether absolute or 
 relative, is in a minimum state. 
 
 The class Reptilia, or reptiles of Cuvier, includes the 
 \ibia and true reptiles of many modern naturalists, 
 the Amphibia corresponding with the Batrachian or 
 frog-like animals of Cuvier, and the true reptiles, in- 
 cluding the Ophidian, or serpent kinds, the Saurian, 
 or lizard tribes, and the Chelonian, or turtle families of 
 the great naturalist. 
 
 These animals have so* lilarity of nervous 
 
54 
 
 BRAIN OF REPTILES. 
 
 system, that we may with no impropriety, group them 
 together, and they are admitted to stand higher in the 
 scale of being than fishes. 
 
 The brain in reptiles, although small, fills completely 
 the cranial cavity, but, owing to the peculiar form of the 
 cranium, rarely corresponds with the size or form of the 
 whole head. Phrenology, then, could not be applied 
 practically either to fishes or to reptiles. The brain of 
 reptiles is otherwise consistent with phrenological doc 
 trine. 1st, It is more developed relatively to the spinal 
 cord, and absolutely in itself, than the brain of fishes. 
 2dly, The cerebral lobes are all relatively larger than 
 the other parts of the brain. And, 3dly, The form of 
 these lobes differs sensibly with the inherent disposi- 
 tions of the animals. 
 
 The posterior cerebral mass or cerebellum, in all 
 reptiles is extremely small, and varies somewhat in 
 form in different genera. In the frog, it is a thin trans- 
 verse band. In the viper and lizard, the band is of 
 the same form, but its thickness has attained a consider- 
 able increase ; and in the turtle, it is tongue-shaped, and 
 presents extremely minute lateral appendages, which 
 are also formed in the crocodile. 
 
 Aves. — From the nervous system of Reptiles, we rise 
 insensibly to that of Birds, in which all the parts of this 
 system, and particularly the brain, have attained a 
 higher development. This superior development may 
 be deduced, 1st, From the greater proportion it bears in 
 weight, to that of the whole body. 2dly, From the supe- 
 rior weight of the brain over the spinal cord. 3dly, From 
 the altered relative position of the parts contained with- 
 in the cranium ; and 4thly, From the more complicated 
 
DRAIN OF BIRDS. 
 
 55 
 
 state of some of these parts. In a pigeon, which ac- 
 cording to Cams, weighed 3360 grs., the brain weighed 
 37 grains, and consequently bore the proportion of 1 
 to about 91 ; and in small birds the proportion is higher 
 — as high even as 1 to 20 or 25. 
 
 The brain in birds fills completely the cranial cavity, 
 so that the scull is a measure of the size, and indicates 
 accurately the configuration of the parts within. These 
 parts consist of the cerebral hemispheres — the optic 
 lobes, and the cerebellum, as in fishes ; but the relative 
 size of these parts is now greatly changed, the cere- 
 bral mass being not only relatively much longer than 
 in the inferior classes, but the cerebral placed also more 
 above the others : an approximation to the state of 
 things as existing in man. The form of this part of 
 the brain too, is not the same in all birds, Mr. Ander- 
 son* found it in the sea-gull and snipe, oblong and 
 largest posteriorly : in the hawk, more round and short : 
 in the goldfinch and pigeon, more elongated backwards, 
 and covering the optic lobes. The hemispheres in 
 birds are united by an anterior commissure, above 
 which the first rudiments of a corpus callosum appears. 
 The lateral ventricles are now formed, and corpora 
 striata and optic thalami discoverable. The olfactory 
 nerves are hollow, and communicate with the lateral 
 ventricles. 
 
 The optic lobes are small, and more widely separated 
 than in fishes and reptiles. They present the same 
 form in all birds, and are hollow, but the walls of the 
 
 * Medical Gazette. 
 
56 BRAIN Oi THE MAMMALIA. 
 
 cavity are thicker and altogether more solid than in 
 the lower classes. 
 
 The cerebellum has now attained a high degree of 
 development. It consists of a single median lobe, and 
 small lateral appendages, it is traversed externally by 
 grooves or farrows, and internally presents now some 
 traces of the arbor vitce. 
 
 Mammalia. — From the nervous system of birds, we 
 rise by an easy ascent to that of mammiferous animals, 
 and amongst the general similarity of nervous constitu- 
 tion which appertains to all the individuals of this class, 
 we observe gradations of this system, both of size and 
 form, both of structure and internal organization ; — 
 gradations that rise imperceptibly, till we reach that 
 measure of development that constitutes the sum of 
 animal perfection, as concentrated in man. 
 
 The most striking peculiarity of nervous constitu- 
 tion in the mammalia, is the great predominancy of the 
 brain over the other divisions of the central axis of the 
 nervous system, arising chiefly from a great develop- 
 ment of the cerebrum and cerebellum. 
 
 The cerebellum in mammiferous animals has attained 
 a very great development. It not only consists in all 
 of a median and two lateral lobes, but the lateral lobes 
 in the greatest number of these animals constitutes the 
 largest portion of the mass. In all, it is more or less 
 furrowed externally, but the number, the length, and 
 depth of the furrows vary in different animals, and 
 correspond with the status of the animal in the scale of 
 existence. The lower the animal in the scale, the cere- 
 bellum is the smoother, and as the animal rises in the 
 ?eale, the furrow? become more numerous, longer, and 
 
BRAIN OF THE MAMMALIA. 
 
 57 
 
 penetrate deeper into the substance of the organ. In 
 the bat, the cerebellum is nearly smooth, and the 
 lateral appendages very small. In the horse, the 
 lateral appendages are deeply furrowed and lobulated, 
 and in the ape, it has a most striking resemblance to 
 the same part in man. The high development of the 
 cerebellum is farther displayed by the existence of the 
 arbor vitce, and fourth ventricle : — a chamber or cell 
 which is formed by the divergence of the corpora resti- 
 formia, and which is open in the inferior classes of 
 animals, but covered over in mammiferous animals by 
 the development of the cerebellum. 
 
 The cerebrum, or brain proper, in mammiferous ani- 
 mals is more highly developed than any other division 
 of the nervous system, yet it is not developed to the 
 same degree in all animals of this class. In some it is 
 small, smooth, or unconvoluted, and rudimentary as in 
 the ornithor}mchus and marsupial animals ; in others it 
 is large, and the convolutions upon its surface strongly 
 marked. 
 
 In some the cerebrum is so small that it reaches only 
 as far back as the optic lobes. In others, it projects 
 so as to cover these bodies, and in others it extends 
 backwards still farther so as to cover the cerebellum in 
 part or wholly. In the bat, the tubercula quadrigemina 
 are quite exposed. In the sheep, the tubercula quad- 
 rigemina are covered, but the cerebrum extends no 
 farther than the anterior margin of the cerebellum. 
 In the horse, from the great development of the cere- 
 brum backwards, the cerebellum itself is in part covered. 
 In the monkey, the cerebellum is completely covered 
 bv the cerebrum, and in man, the cerebrum is dove- 
 
58 
 
 THE BRAIN OF VARIOUS FORMS. 
 
 loped so far in the same direction, as not only to cover 
 the cerebellum, but to project often an inch beyond it 
 altogether. In man, and the ape tribes, then, the cere- 
 bellum is situated entirely under the posterior part of 
 the cerebrum. 
 
 The cerebrum is not only found in various degrees of 
 development, but its form is different, in different mam- 
 miferous animals. It is well-known that the brains of 
 carnivorous animals are widest betwixt the ears, and 
 in graminivorous animals, that part is the narrowest. 
 In the bat, the length and breadth of the cerebrum are 
 equal. In the rat and mouse, the form is oblong-ovate 
 much narrowed anteriorly. In the sheep and deer 
 more oval. In the horse, the form is oblong square, 
 the angles rounded off anteriorly and posteriorly, and 
 the anterior lobes large. Indeed in every genus of 
 animals there is a peculiarity of form, and even in 
 animals of the same genus and species, there are shades 
 of difference that the critical eye can easily discover. 
 
 Here then we have varieties, ad infinitum, of cerebral 
 organization and state — varieties in development, even 
 in the number of the parts themselves — varieties in the 
 size of these parts, and varieties in the form both of 
 the smaller subdivisions of the brain, and of the whole 
 cerebral mass.* 
 
 * In the larger mammalia, the cat, polecat, marten, fox, dog, ape, 
 the convolutions are more distinct and numerous, but their form varies 
 according to the species. 
 
 '* In the dolphin, elephant, and man, they are more numerous and 
 deep than in the beaver, kangaroo, and cat, and their form and direc- 
 tion varies essentially with the species. 
 
 " In all the mammalia, the cerebellum possesses, besides the middle 
 or fundamental part, two lateral parts which arc more or \csj> complex 
 according to the species. 
 
CEREBRAL DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 59 
 
 In the vertebrated animals the nervous system is ex 
 ceedingly complicated, but its outlines are the same in 
 fishes, reptiles, birds, and quadrupeds. These animals 
 have all the grand divisions of the nervous system as 
 in man, but their brain differs most remarkably from 
 that of man in size, form, and complexity. 
 
 The brain in fishes is in a mere rudimentary state, 
 more developed in reptiles, still more in birds, and in 
 quadrupeds it has attained an approximation to the 
 human brain. 
 
 In determining the degree of development of the 
 cerebrum, the following circumstances require to be 
 attended to : — 
 
 1st. The relative size of the cerebrum to the spinal 
 cord and optic lobes of the same brain. 
 
 2d. The relative situation of the cerebrum to the 
 optic lobes and cerebellum. 
 
 3d. The state of the exterior of the cerebrum in re- 
 gard to smoothness, or the existence or non-existence of 
 convolutions, and, 
 
 4th. The state of the interior of the cerebrum in re- 
 gard to its commissures. 
 
 "The number of the integral parts, or of the convolutions of the 
 brain, varies also in the different species of the mammalia ; in some 
 the anterior lobes of the hemispheres are larger or more elevated; 
 in others again, the inferior parts of the anterior lobes are nearly 
 wanting. The middle lobes and the other convolutions present similar 
 varieties. 
 
 " In this way the integrant parts of the brain augment in number 
 and development as we pass from a less perfect to a more perfect ani- 
 mal, till we arrive at the brain of man, who, in the anterior and superior 
 region of the frontal bone, possesses several parts of which other animals 
 are deprived, and by means of which he is endowed with the most 
 eminent qualities and faculties, with reason, and the feeling of religion, 
 and the existence of God."— Gall, Vol. ii. p. 3f>4. 
 
60 
 
 HOW TO DETERMINE THE 
 
 Absolute size is not a measure of development among 1 
 the brains of different animals, because the brain must 
 bear a certain relationship to the size of the body in all 
 classes of animals, and consequently a very large animal 
 of a lower class will necessarily have a larger brain 
 than a very small animal of a higher class. For ex- 
 ample, the brain of a large shark is very small compared 
 with the size of the animal, but it is much larger 
 absolutely than the brain of a mouse, which though 
 absolutely small, presents evidences of a higher develop- 
 ment than the other. We cannot, then, from the mere 
 size or weight of the brain in any given case, arrive at 
 a just conclusion regarding the state of development of 
 the organ. Among animals of the same kind, after the 
 medium size of their brain is known, the absolute size 
 may lead to conclusions regarding the weakness or 
 strength of their cerebral power, but no conclusion can 
 be drawn from absolute size alone, regarding the in- 
 stinctive or mental capacities of any animal. 
 
 The relative size of the brain to that of the whole 
 body of the animal, will not even indicate accurately 
 the degree of the cerebral development although it is 
 more to be depended upon than absolute size. In 
 general, as animals rise in the scale, their brains not 
 only become more complex, but larger in proportion to 
 the size of the whole body. But although this is a fact 
 applicable to the great majority of animals, still the 
 exceptions are numerous, and the laws of nature have 
 no exceptions. The brain of the canary, and many 
 other birds, constitutes a 25th part of their whole weight, 
 whereas, the brain of the elephant in every respect 
 more fully developed than that of birds, does not 
 
DEGREE OF CEREBRAL DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 61 
 
 weigh a thousandth part of the huge body of the animal. 
 The relative size of the brain then to the whole body, 
 cannot be viewed as a test or measure of cerebral de- 
 velopment. 
 
 The relative size of the brain to certain parts of the 
 nervous system, and in particular to the spinal cord, 
 will lead to more accurate results regarding cerebral 
 development. In fishes, as we have seen, the spinal 
 cord is absolutely larger than the brain. In reptiles, 
 this is also the fact, but to a less degree. In birds, the 
 spinal cord is smaller than the brain, and in mammifer- 
 ous animals, the spinal cord is relatively so small, that 
 it appears as a mere appendage to the encephalic mass. 
 In fishes, the proportion of brain to spinal cord has 
 been found as 100 : 750. In reptiles, as 100 : 180. 
 In birds, as 100 : 30. And in mammiferous animals, as 
 100 : 22. These proportions do not hold good in all 
 animals of their respective classes. Those animals 
 that are lowest in the scale of each class, have the 
 spinal cord relatively largest ; and those highest in the 
 class, relatively smallest. This maybe rendered plainer 
 by referring to the proportions in mammiferous animals. 
 We have said that the proportion of the brain to the 
 spinal marrow in these animals, is as 100 to 22. These 
 are the proportions found in the mouse, but mammifer. 
 ous animals lower in the scale, than the mouse have 
 the relative proportion of their spinal cord larger than 
 the above statement indicates, and all animals higher 
 in the scale than the mouse, have the cord relatively 
 smaller. Man has the smallest spinal cord compared 
 with the size of the brain, and we know that the brain 
 
62 
 
 CEREBRAL DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 of man is in a higher state of development than that of 
 any other animal. 
 
 The degree of the development of the brain may be 
 known with more certainty, from the relative position 
 of its principal parts, than from its relative size. In 
 ascending from fishes through reptiles and birds to 
 mammiferous animals, the three grand divisions of the 
 brain, the cerebrum, optic lobes, and cerebellum are 
 found gradually to change from a horizontal to a 
 vertical position. In the fish and reptile tribes, these 
 three divisions of the brain are on the same plane, the 
 cerebrum anteriorly, behind which we find the optic lobes, 
 and still more posteriorly the cerebellum. In birds, 
 the cerebrum is seen to be on a higher level than the 
 optic lobes and cerebellum, and this movement of 
 ascension increases through the various genera of mam- 
 miferous animals to man, in whom these different 
 parts are placed, the one almost directly over the 
 other. 
 
 The degree of development of any brain, can be still 
 more easily and unerringly determined, from the state 
 of its periphery, and the existence or non-existence of 
 certain internal processes, as the commissures. 
 
 In deducing conclusions regarding cerebral develop- 
 ment, we derive our data chiefly from two sources : 
 first, from Comparative Anatomy, or from the exami- 
 nation of the brains of animals possessing various kinds 
 and degrees of instinctive and intellectual capability ; 
 and, secondly, from the investigation of the changes 
 that take place in the brains of the higher animals, and 
 particularly of man, from the first appearance of the 
 cerebral organ, at the dawning of its existence, through 
 
CEREBRAL DEVELOPMENT. 03 
 
 the various changes it undergoes, till it has attained 
 full growth, or its full measure of development. In 
 fishes, reptiles, and birds, the periphery of the brain is 
 uniformly smooth, and in the greatest number of mam- 
 miferous animals more or less convoluted, but the 
 depth of the convolutions varies in different animals. 
 In the lowest of mammiferous animals, as the duck- 
 billed quadruped, the bat, and some others, the brain 
 is nearly as smooth as that of birds, and as we rise in 
 the scale the convolutions become more and more pro- 
 minent and the intervening furrows more and more 
 deep, till we reach that extraordinary development of 
 the convolutions found in the human brain. The 
 smoother the brain, then, the less developed it is, and 
 the more convoluted the more fully developed. This 
 conclusion is strongly corroborated, by the history of 
 the progressive growth and development of the human 
 brain. It is well known, that till the fifth month of 
 utero-gestation, the brain of the human fetus is perfectly 
 smooth, at the sixth month the convolutions are con- 
 fined to a certain part of the hemispheres ; and during 
 the seventh, eighth, and ninth months, the convolutions 
 become more and more numerous, and increase gradu- 
 ally also in convexity or prominence. 
 
 The condition of the commissures indicates also 
 pretty accurately the degree of cerebral development. 
 In fishes, reptiles, and birds, the anterior commissure 
 only can be said to exist. In all mammiferous animals 
 there are 3 grand commissures — the anterior, posterior, 
 and superior or corpus callcsum, which last varies in 
 relative size in different animals of this class. It is ex- 
 tremely small in those lowest in the scale, and as 
 
64 
 
 CEREBRAL DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 animals ascend in the scale it becomes larger or ex- 
 tends farther back, and connects consequently more of 
 the opposite hemispheres. That the state of these 
 commissures can indicate, to a great extent, develop- 
 ment of the whole brain is demonstrable from two im- 
 portant facts : 1st, The late period in the formation 
 of the brain at which they appear ; and 2dly, The 
 progressive changes that take place in the superior 
 commissure during the process of its evolution. 
 The commissures are formed by the converging fibres of 
 the brain shooting from the opposite hemispheres, and 
 uniting in the mesial line of the cerebral mass. At 
 the earlier periods of embryotic life, the cerebrum con- 
 sists of two lateral portions or hemispheres, not con- 
 nected by transverse bands, and when these bands or 
 commissures appear, the two lower are always developed 
 before the upper, and the development of the superior 
 one commences anteriorly and the more development 
 it has acquired, it extends relatively the farther back — 
 connects more of the opposite hemispheres, and closes 
 in more of the lateral ventricles. The brain then in 
 which the anterior and posterior commissures only are 
 found, is in a low state of development, and when three 
 commissures exist, and the corpus callosum large, the 
 brain so circumstanced is in a high state of development. 
 The fish is lowest in the scale of vertebrated animals, 
 and it possesses, as w r e have hinted, a brain of the 
 simplest, form. Reptiles rank higher in the scale of 
 being than fishes, and have a greater development of 
 the cerebral organ. Birds have propensities and powers 
 which are not found in the reptile tribes, and have a 
 corresponding increase in their brain. Quadrupeds are 
 
ARGUMENT FROM DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 65 
 
 admitted to be far superior to birds in those instincts 
 which approximate to human reason, and in them we 
 find a cerebral form and development which we look 
 for in vain in the less exalted classes. In all the in- 
 ferior animals, the cerebral lobes are in a rudimentary 
 state, or at best, developed in a slight degree ; but in 
 man they are at a maximum of development, and, it is 
 needless to say, that in him the intellectual powers are 
 in corresponding pre-eminency. From these facts we 
 are entitled to draw the conclusion, that the brain is not 
 a single organ ; — that different parts of it have different 
 powers ; for when certain parts are small or defective, 
 certain powers are weak or non-existent, and with the 
 development of the part the power appqgrs. Besides, 
 as man has all the parts of the brain which exist in the 
 inferior animals, as well as many other peculiar to him- 
 self, we are led to the conclusion, that he must exhibit 
 not only all the feelings which exist in the lower tribes, 
 and other powers which they do not display ; but also, 
 that those parts of the human brain which exist in the 
 inferior animals, must be the seat of animal propensity, 
 and those parts which exist only in man the seat of 
 powers purely moral and intellectual. Such conclusions 
 are neither forced nor hastily drawn. They flow purely 
 from the facts which comparative anatomy furnishes, 
 and form, at the same time, an adamantine basis on 
 which phrenological science may be erected. 
 
66 
 
 NEUVOUS SYSTEM OF MAN. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Nervous System of Man. — Nerves. — Ganglia Plexuses. — Spinal Mar- 
 row or Chord — Medulla Oblongata. — Cerebellum. — Cerebrum. — 
 Parts external to the Brain.— Heads.— Facial Angle. 
 
 The Nervous System of Man is remarkably compli- 
 cated, yet a short description of the different parts that 
 enter into its formation may not prove uninteresting" 
 even to the general inquirer. All the parts of this 
 system may be classified in the following manner : — 
 1st. Some of these parts are arranged into cords called 
 nerves, which ramify or branch into all the textures of 
 the body. 2$, Others are collected into knots termed 
 ganglia, which differ in form, size, consistency, and 
 colour. 3d. Others are aggregated into masses, as in 
 the brain and spinal cord. The nervous cords or 
 nerves are seen frequently to unite, separate, and unite 
 again, so as to form intricate net-works called plexuses 
 and from these, nerves are seen to run off to supply 
 organs at a distance. Even ganglia and plexuses in- 
 termix and form a still more intricate assemblage of 
 parts. It is exceedingly difficult to discover the uses 
 of all the individual parts of the nervous system. At 
 the same time, we should endeavour to ascertain their 
 use. It is, indeed, of some moment, that we can dis- 
 tinguish nervous matter of vegetative from that of 
 phrenic life ; but this is not enough : our energies 
 should be directed to discover the uses of all the parts 
 of the nervous system. The subject is of the deepest 
 interest ; but it can only receive at present, a very 
 general consideration. And, 
 
STRUCTURE AND USES OF NERVES. 
 
 67 
 
 First. — Of the cords we usually denominate nerves. 
 — Nerves are cords of a white or whitish colour, the 
 consistency and solidity of which vary in different parts 
 of the body. They are composed of fibres which are 
 connected by cellular membrane, and surrounded still 
 farther by a sheath of the same texture called neurilema, 
 which imparts considerable firmness to the texture, and 
 prevents the separation of its constituent parts. The 
 fibres can be easily seen either by slitting up the 
 sheath which surrounds them, or by cutting a nerve 
 across, and examining the section. The fibres are 
 placed parallel with each other. The intimate struc- 
 ture of such fibres, however is not known. — Some have 
 described them as tubular, and even pretended to have 
 injected them, while others maintain that they are solid ; 
 some consider them so elastic as to be capable of 
 vibrating, while others insist that they are soft and 
 inelastic, and incapable of performing their function 
 upon the principle of a vibratory motion. Many view 
 them as prolongations of the brain and spinal cord, 
 and consequently as formed of matter similar in every 
 respect to the white cerebral substance, while others 
 reject this view of the case and maintain that they are 
 formed of something essentially different. We are as 
 yet ignorant of the intimate structure of the nerves, 
 and cannot, therefore, determine the mode in which 
 they perform their functions. We know, indeed, that 
 every nerve essentially consists of two parts, one ex- 
 terior, protecting and containing, and which is formed 
 of condensed cellular membrane ; and a second, interior, 
 contained or functional ; but the precise character of 
 
68 
 
 DIFFERENT KINDS OF NkitYliS. 
 
 this indispensable part of the nerve has not yet been 
 discovered. 
 
 These cords not only differ so far that some are en- 
 gaged in vegetative and others in phrenic functions ; 
 but amongst the nerves of phrenic life, diversities of 
 structure and function are apparent. We find not only 
 nerves of motion and sensation, but each of these classes 
 has been found to present modifications of function 
 worthy of attention. Sir Charles Bell has discovered, 
 that, besides the motive nerves of the general system 
 — those that place the muscles under the control of the 
 will — there are superadded nerves of a similar kind 
 which he calls respiratory, because they ramify upon 
 the muscles concerned in the process of respiration, 
 and associate and combine the muscles on which they 
 ramify in the performance of the respiratory function. 
 
 Among the nerves of sensation, too, we know that 
 some are adapted for communicating general sensibility 
 to the skin, and all the other textures, and others for 
 imparting powers inherent in the four special senses, 
 those of taste, smell, hearing, and sight. 
 
 We know from observation and experiment, that 
 nerves differ in function. The mode in which they 
 perform their functions are hid from our view, and the 
 observation is applicable not to the nerves only, but to 
 all the textures by which vital and intellectual opera- 
 tions are performed. 
 
 Secondly. — Of the nervous Ganglia and Plexuses. 
 The nervous swellings or enlargements called ganglia, 
 arc found in determinate situations, but they differ 
 remarkably in form, size, and colour. As we have 
 already hinted, they are found in connexion with the 
 
NERVOUS GANGLIA. 
 
 69 
 
 nerves both of vegetative and phrenic life. Dr. 
 Spurzheim says they are composed of two nervous 
 substances, the white or fibrous, and the gelatinous or 
 pulpy into which the white is plunged. This opinion 
 is controverted by Serres ; and Scarpa, who has written 
 particularly upon the structure of these bodies, de- 
 scribes them as consisting of a congeries of nervous 
 threads, most of which are scarcely perceptible, and 
 all continuous with the nerve or nerves above and 
 below the ganglia. According to Scarpa, then, the 
 nervous cord when it enters the one extremity of the 
 ganglion begins to be separated into its component 
 fibres, which diverge and form intervals, between 
 which delicate cellular tissue is interposed, and that 
 these filaments are subsequently collected at the oppo- 
 site extremity of the ganglion, where they are continu- 
 ed into the other nerve or nerves. Our own experi- 
 ments and observation would lead us to prefer the 
 conclusion of Scarpa, yet the opinion of Spurzheim de- 
 rives much plausibility from the fact that one or more 
 of these ganglia takes the place of the brain in the inver- 
 tebrated animals, and under these circumstances would 
 require to be composed at least of the grey and white 
 cerebral matter which are known to enter into the 
 brains of the higher animals. At the same time from 
 repeated examinations of this texture, we would be 
 inclined to describe each ganglion to consist of the 
 three following parts. 1st, An exterior covering which 
 varies in thickness in the ganglia of phrenic and 
 vegetative life ; 2d, A number of minute nervous 
 filaments ; and 3d, A quantity of cellular tissue by 
 
70 
 
 NERVOUS PLEXUS. 
 
 which these filaments are connected, and which con- 
 stitutes the principal part of the ganglionic mass. 
 
 Various opinions have been entertained regarding the 
 uses of the ganglia. Some view them as brains or 
 centres of nervous energy ; others as parts that with- 
 draw the nerves which pass through them from the in- 
 fluences of the will ; and others, along with Spurzheim, 
 that they are essential parts of the nerves to which 
 they belong, originating nervous fibres and serving as 
 points of communication between different nerves, as 
 well as probably aiding in the evolution and distribu- 
 tion of the nervous fluid, a fluid which is supposed by 
 many to exist, although it has never yet been a sub- 
 ject of demonstration. The ganglia appear to us 
 to effect two purposes, to be inlets of nutrition to 
 the nervous filaments, and modifiers of the action of 
 nerves. The first of these objects is effected by the 
 extended surface, w r hich the ganglion presents for the 
 entrance of blood-vessels, and the second from the 
 change of relationship which the nervous fibres experi- 
 ence in their transit through the ganglion, a change 
 which may be compared to the change of relationship 
 which takes place to a great degree in the formation 
 of a plexus. 
 
 A plexus is formed by the mutual communication 
 and subsequent separation of two or more nervous 
 cords. The plexus is sometimes simple and formed 
 in the manner above stated, sometimes much more 
 complicated, when we find a greater degree of plaiting 
 or interlacing, and generally the greater the number of 
 cords that enter into the plexus, the crossing and inter- 
 lacing is the greater. Some of the plexuses are situ- 
 
CENTRE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
 
 71 
 
 ated at the exterior and others in the interior of the 
 body. Some are formed by nerves of vegetative and 
 others of phrenic life. They resemble in this respect 
 the ganglia, and probably ganglia and plexuses differ 
 in nothing essential. This opinion however is purely 
 hypothetical, yet it receives some support from the 
 fact that ganglia are found occasionally to take the 
 place of plexuses and vice versa ; and that one of 
 the ganglia (the Gasserian), at the posterior root of 
 a compound or spinal nerve always assumes the plexi- 
 form character, that it may probably accommodate itself 
 more easily to the form of the surrounding textures. 
 Plexuses seem chiefly useful as organs of sympathetic 
 union, collecting the nervous fibres and cords from 
 various organs, and thus combining these organs in 
 sympathetic unity. What the structure and use of 
 ganglia in the invertebrated animals may be, is not 
 easy to determine. Analogy would lead us to the 
 belief that the superior ganglia at least of such animals 
 are modifications of brain, as these ganglia always enter 
 into the formation of their heads, and differ as remark- 
 ably in form and magnitude as the instinctive powers 
 of such creatures differ. 
 
 Thirdly. — Of the Cerebrospinal axis. This part 
 of the nervous system is contained within the cranium 
 and vertebral canal, and displays great diversity of 
 parts and complication of structure. We may divide it 
 into four portions. 1st, The spinal marrow or cord. 2d, 
 The medulla oblongata. 3d, The cerebellum ; and 4th, 
 The cerebrum. The first and second of these divisions 
 are remarkable for their external smoothness, the third 
 for its laminated appearance, and the fourth for its 
 
72 
 
 SPINAL CORD. 
 
 convoluted structure. In the spinal cord and medulla 
 oblongata, the grey* cerebral matter is enclosed in the 
 white ; and in the cerebellum and cerebrum, the grey 
 matter both covers the white and is plunged in various 
 ways into its substance. 
 
 1st. Of the Spinal Cord, — The spinal cord is an 
 irregular cylindrical mass that extends from the cross- 
 ing of the pyramidal bodies, which is nearly opposite 
 the foramen magnum of the occipital bone, to the inferior 
 margin of the first lumbar vertebra, and consequently 
 occupies only the cervical, dorsal, and a small part of 
 the lumbar regions of the spinal canal — the remaining 
 part of the canal being occupied by the cauda equina, 
 or nerves which connect the pelvic extremities to the 
 lower part of the cord. 
 
 We cannot wait to notice the beautiful adaptation of 
 the spinal cord to its surrounding apparatus, or show 
 how exquisitely the spine, its external incasement, is 
 not only calculated to protect the nervous prolonga- 
 tion within, but to perform opposite and apparently 
 inconsistent actions upon the due performance of which 
 however, not only the well-being of the spinal cord 
 itself, but of almost every other part of the body de- 
 
 * The central parts of the nervous system in man, and almost all 
 vertebrated animals, consists of two very distinct kinds of nervous 
 matter or neurine, as it has lately been called. The one grey and 
 pulpy or un fibrous is found upon the exterior of the cerebrum and 
 cerebellum, in the interior of the spinal cord and forming also the 
 principal part of the internal ganglia of the brain : the other is white, 
 and consists of fibres which form the largest portion of the central 
 organs of the nervous system. The grey matter is more vascular 
 than the white, and is supposed to be endowed with eminently exalted 
 vital powers, 
 
STRUCTURE OF THE SPINAL CORD. 
 
 73 
 
 pends. We can only afford time to refer to the struc- 
 ture and uses of the spinal cord itself. This is the least 
 complicated of all the parts of the cerebrospinal axis. 
 It consists of two columns of white nervous matter 
 united together in the mesial line of the body, and 
 inclosing a central column of grey matter of a very 
 peculiar form. The whole mass is perfectly symme- 
 trical, and divided by an abdominal and dorsal fissure 
 or groove into two equal or nearly equal parts. The 
 lateral longitudinal grooves referred to by Soemering 
 and Portal we have never been able to discover. We 
 are persuaded they do not exist and this is also the 
 opinion of Spurzheim, and many other modern anato- 
 mists. The spinal cord is not of equal thickness 
 throughout. Its thickness at every part bears a 
 uniform relation to the magnitude of the nerves that 
 proceed from it, and consequently it is thickest at the 
 points where the nerves of the upper and lower extremi- 
 ties are attached. Each column of the cord has two 
 sets of nerves inserted into it, one into its dorsal, 
 and the other into its abdominal surface. These are 
 usually called the dorsal and abdominal roots or origins 
 of the spinal nerves ; although Serres and GeofTroy 
 St. Hillaire, have clearly demonstrated that these 
 nerves arise from the various organs of the body, and 
 are inserted into the spinal cord. The experiments of 
 Bell and Magendie, have also proved that the dorsal 
 roots or insertions, with their ganglia, are nerves of 
 common sensibility, and that the anterior insertions 
 belong to nerves of motion oniy. These facts have 
 led many physiologists to the conclusion that the 
 spinal cord is an organ of motion and sensation, but in 
 
74 
 
 USES OF THE SI'INAL CORD. 
 
 what respects it differs from the functions of the nerves 
 inserted into it, has not till lately been explained. 
 Dr. Spurzheim says, that it is, 1st, The origin of the 
 spinal nerves ; 2d, An apparatus that contributes to 
 muscular and sensitive powers ; and 3d, A means of 
 communication between the cerebral operations, the 
 sense of touch, the power of motion in general, and 
 the functions of vegetative life collectively. 
 
 These indeed are the received opinions of Physiolo- 
 gists. Of late, another use has been attributed to the 
 cord by Dr. Marshall Hall, which he calls the reflex 
 function. Dr. Hall has clearly demonstrated that 
 motions may be excited in muscles by stimulating nerves 
 of se?isation, and that such motions will take place 
 without the intervention of sensation or volition, for 
 these motions take place after the brain is removed, 
 but cannot be superinduced except by the direct appli- 
 cation of a stimulus to the motor nerves, after the 
 spinal cord has been destroyed. 
 
 Spurzheim admits, with the more accurate anato- 
 mists, that each lateral half of the cord consists of a 
 single column of nervous matter, to which both nerves 
 of motion and sensation are attached ; he supposes the 
 column formed by a nervous ribbon rolled upon itself ; 
 and can easily suppose the transference of action that 
 takes place upon the principle of Dr. Hall. The 
 spinal cord appears besides to be an instrument of com- 
 munication between the nerves and the brain, the seat 
 of the intellectual operations. We could easily prove 
 the correctness of this opinion by a reference to the 
 effects of compressing the spinal cord — the nerves 
 below the point of compression only being uniformly 
 
THE MEDULLA OBLONGATA. 
 
 75 
 
 affected, and never the nerves between the point of 
 compression and the brain. When the spinal cord at 
 the upper part of the neck is compressed the animal 
 instantly dies, and we know that it dies, not so much 
 from the direct effects of the lesion, as from the 
 paralysis superinduced upon the nerves, below the 
 point of compression, and more particularly from the 
 paralysis of the respiratory nerves. These nerves are 
 cut off from the influences of volition, the respiratory 
 muscles consequently do not act, and death necessarily 
 and immediately ensues. 
 
 2nd. Of the Medulla Oblongata, — The medulla 
 oblongata is often viewed by anatomists as nothing 
 more than the upper extremity of the spinal cord, and 
 differing in no respect from the lower part of the pro- 
 longation, except in a slight difference of form, and 
 a greater degree of bulging or protuberance. The 
 medulla oblongata, however, is an organ in some 
 respects essentially different, though in connexion 
 with the former. It is more complicated in structure 
 than the body of the spinal marrow r , of which it may 
 be said to constitute the capital or top. It consists of 
 six eminences or columns of cerebral matter, three on 
 each side ; these are the pyramidal, olivary, and resti- 
 form bodies, by the union of which a distinct mass is 
 formed, which lies within the cranium, and is in con- 
 nexion with nerves, like the spinal cord itself, and 
 capable besides of being traced upwards into the sub- 
 stance of the cerebrum and cerebellum. It seems, there- 
 fore, to have functions in common with the spinal cord, 
 and others which cannot be said to appertain to that 
 part of the nervous system. The medulla oblongata is 
 
76 STRUCTURE OF CEREBELLUM. 
 
 undoubtedly an organ of communication and connexion 
 between certain nerves and the brain, and constitutes 
 besides the formative or commencing fibres of the cere- 
 brum and cerebellum. This last mentioned opinion 
 is not purely hypothetical, it is derived from observa- 
 tion. The medulla oblongata exists before the brain ; 
 it consists of bundles of fibres which are found to ex- 
 tend upwards with the development of the cerebral 
 organ. There can be no doubt that the medulla oblon- 
 gata consists of bundles of fibres ; there can be no doubt 
 that these bundles increase in length from below up- 
 wards, and there can be no doubt that these bundles 
 can be traced into the cerebrum and cerebellum, and 
 that they enter into the structure of these parts. It is 
 extremely probable, besides that the respiratory func- 
 tion has its seat in this part of the nervous system. 
 
 3d. Of the Cerebellum The cerebellum is situated 
 
 in the lower and back part of the cranium, under the 
 posterior lobes of the cerebrum, a dense membrane 
 intervening to ward off the pressure of the superincum- 
 bent mass. The cerebellum is of an elliptical form, 
 the long diameter stretching horizontally and at right 
 angles to the mesial line of the body. Like all other parts 
 of the nervous system, it is symmetrical, its middle line 
 corresponding with the mesial line of the body, and 
 dividing the whole mass into the right and left hemi- 
 spheres, which have been still farther divided by some 
 anatomists into lobes, and these lobes into laminae. It is 
 foreign to the present discussion to enter into a minute 
 examination of all the processes that are found upon 
 the external and internal surface of this division of the 
 brain. It is sufficient at present to state that the 
 
THE CEREBELLUM PROBABLY COMPLEX. 
 
 77 
 
 cerebellum consists of grey and white cerebral substance, 
 trie grey covering the exterior of the whole mass, and 
 found also in the interior. This last constitutes the 
 ganglion of the cerebellum, a nucleus of grey matter 
 which is brought into view, by making a vertical 
 incision at the junction of the internal with the two 
 external thirds of the cerebellic hemispheres. The 
 white or fibrous matter of the cerebellum is continued 
 from the corpora restiformia of the medulla oblongata 
 and meeting with the grey ganglia, it proceeds strength- 
 ened and reinforced, and enters into the formation of 
 the laminae. This constitutes the diverging fibres of 
 the cerebellum. Another set of fibres are described 
 by Gall and Spurzheim as arising from the laminae, 
 and which enter into the formation of the pons varolii 
 or tuber annulare. These are the converging fibres 
 of the cerebellum, w r hich meet in the mesial line and 
 form a commissure which always bears a relation to 
 the size of the cerebellar hemispheres. 
 
 The cerebellum is not a simple portion of cerebral 
 matter. It is highly complicated, and probably is 
 the seat of more than that feeling indicated by Gall. 
 This is a supposition which appears more than pro- 
 bable from the following considerations : — 1st. The 
 magnitude of the cerebellum. 2dly. The complicated 
 character both of the external and internal struc- 
 ture of the part. 3dly. The successive additions made 
 to it during its development. 4thly. The diversity 
 of form and complication which exist in the cerebella 
 of lower animals. And, 5thly. The fact that injuries 
 that affect one part only of the mass, produce effects 
 on the generative organs. There can be no doubt that 
 
78 
 
 ALL BRAINS NOT OF THE SAME FORM. 
 
 part of tins organ is the seat of the instinct of propa- 
 gation. What the functions of the other lobes may be 
 we cannot tell, and it is useless to conjecture. 
 
 4th. The Cerebrum. — This is the largest, most com- 
 plicated, and most important part of the nervous system. 
 Occupying six-sevenths at least of the cranial cavity, it 
 chiefly contributes to the size and form of the whole 
 head, and deserves consequently particular considera- 
 tion. Some have maintained that the form of the head 
 is dependent upon the scull rather than upon the brain, 
 but the most undoubted evidence exists of the erro- 
 neous nature of such a conclusion. The brain, we 
 know, is not only formed prior to the scull, but every 
 modification of form and size of the cerebral organ, and 
 parts within, influence in a corresponding ratio the form 
 and size of the osseous encasement. 
 
 The form of the cerebrum has been represented as 
 nearly the same in all brains, but the idea is funda- 
 mentally erroneous. There is a similarity undoubtedly 
 among different brains, but nothing more ; and it may 
 be questioned if two brains have been ever found pre- 
 cisely alike. We find not only differences in the great 
 outlines, some being long and narrow and others short 
 and broad — some being large and massy in the superior 
 region and narrow below — while in others an oppo- 
 site configuration is visible, the greatest mass being at 
 the base of the brain, and the least at the top ; but re- 
 markable differences are also discoverable in the rela- 
 tive size of the anterior, middle, and posterior lobes, 
 and in the relative size of the different convolutions. 
 The cerebrum has indeed a form which may be said in 
 a general way to appertain to all brains ; but the modi- 
 
STRUCTURE OF THE CEREBRUM. 
 
 79 
 
 fications of that form are infinite, like the diversity of 
 character that exists in society. The general form may 
 be said to be oval when viewed from above, the smaller 
 extremity of this oval being turned forwards. The cere- 
 brum is divided by a deep fissure into two nearly equal 
 and symmetrical parts, termed hemispheres, the fissure 
 giving* lodgement to a dense membrane which separates 
 the hemispheres, and prevents the one from gravitating 
 upon the other in the varied lateral motions of the 
 head. The two sides of the cerebrum are united ii. 
 the centre at different points, but at the anterior and 
 posterior extremities they are completely separated. 
 The superior, lateral, inferior, and commutual surfaces 
 of both hemispheres of the cerebrum are remarka- 
 ble for the number of ridges and depressions, or in 
 other words, for the convolutions found on every part 
 of the external surface of the organ. The internal 
 surface is smooth and so disposed as to form cavities or 
 chambers called ventricles or cells, which secrete a 
 serous fluid ; but the use of such chambers and the fluid 
 they secrete is not known. In the ventricles, the internal 
 processes of the brain are best seen ; but without wait- 
 ing to describe these processes, it may be stated that 
 they are not viewed as phrenological organs. They 
 are believed to be, some of them, ganglia or organs of 
 reinforcement, and others organs of cerebral communica* 
 tion and connexion. 
 
 Gall viewed the brain as composed of two sets 
 of fibres — the diverging and converging. The first, 
 he says, are capable of being traced from the pyra- 
 midal and olivary bundles of the medulla oblongata, 
 through the great ganglia, to the convolutions which 
 
80 
 
 PHRENOLOGY FOUNDED ON CEBEBRAL FORM. 
 
 are principally formed by such fibres ; and the second 
 from the grey matter upon the surface of the convolu- 
 tion to the mesial plane of the brain, where they form 
 by their convergence the commissures. Whether the 
 structure of the brain, as indicated by Gall and Spurzheim, 
 be substantially correct is yet problematical. Some of 
 their views have been proved to be correct ; but it re- 
 mains to be proved, whether others are equally well 
 founded. 
 
 Phrenology leads us to draw conclusions from the 
 form of the brain regarding the functions of the indi- 
 vidual parts ; and these conclusions, if true, can never 
 be affected by any subsequent discovery that may be 
 made of the intimate texture of the organ. Gall's pri- 
 mary phrenological observations were made previous 
 to the knowledge he ultimately arrived at, of the struc- 
 ture of the brain. But these observations are still ad- 
 mitted to be correct, and they will remain correct what- 
 ever notions we may entertain regarding the structure. 
 Gall's phrenological conclusions were not drawn from 
 any supposed anatomical structure. His conclusions 
 were the result of close and accurate observations, and 
 of observations relating entirely to the form of the 
 brain. So long, then, as we can prove a relationship 
 between the configuration of the brain and the charac- 
 ter of the mental powers, the intimate structure, in 
 determining the truth of this relationship, can at best 
 be only of secondary importance. 
 
 Every part of the brain exists at the period of birth, 
 yet at that period it is unfit for exercising its functions. 
 It is larger at that period than in many of our intelli- 
 gent animals, yet the mind of the infant is a perfect 
 
QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF BRAIN. 
 
 81 
 
 blank. We are bound to believe, therefore, that the 
 want of some quality rather than quantity of brain is 
 the cause of this peculiarity. The brain is destitute of 
 the necessary consistency or cohesion, and a certain 
 consistency of fibre seems indispensable for vigorous 
 action. In tracing the brain from birth to the period 
 of old age, we can gain little assistance even from 
 those who have devoted their attention to this very 
 subject, for they have generally proceeded upon the 
 principle that the brain is a single organ. All their 
 observations, therefore, respect the general length, 
 the breadth, or the average proportions of such parts 
 as the cerebrum and cerebellum, or the proportions of 
 the cerebrum and cerebellum to some of the internal 
 processes. If we would exclude any from this general 
 animadversion, it would be the Wenzels. For twelve 
 years they were engaged, and under most favourable 
 circumstances, in investigating the structure of the 
 brain, and they have given the result of their experi- 
 ence in a book remarkable for minute and elaborate 
 detail.* The general result of their investigations is, 
 that some parts of the brain increase most in size before 
 birth, others between birth and the seventh year, but 
 that all the parts of the cerebral organ have acquired, at 
 the seventh year, their full dimensions, and suffer no 
 alteration in this respect afterwards. 
 
 These facts, founded as they are on accurate obser- 
 vation, do not affect in the slightest degree the funda- 
 mental principles of Phrenology, for Phrenologists have 
 all along drawn a broad line of demarcation between the 
 
 * Dc Penitior. Struct. Cerebri 
 
82 
 
 FULL SIZE OF BRAIN AT SEVEN YEARS. 
 
 effects of size and energy of an organ. And although 
 it has been proved that the brain attains its full 
 size at the seventh year it has not been insinuated that 
 its organization is perfected at that period. We know, 
 indeed, that the brain is much softer at the seventh than 
 at the twenty-fifth year. It is obvious, therefore, that 
 after the brain has attained its full size, internal changes 
 are still in operation ; and these changes are as necessary 
 for the fall manifestation of the intellectual operations 
 as that of the full external development itself. Besides, 
 the measurements of the Wenzels do not lead to the 
 conclusion, that the cerebrum and cerebellum are 
 exactly of the same size, and much less of the same 
 form, in all individuals — quite the reverse. They 
 found the greatest disparity in these respects ; and, 
 consequently, the heads of children of seven years of 
 age differ as much from each other as at later periods 
 of existence, and are fitter subjects of phrenological 
 observation, than the heads of the more advanced in 
 life. The history of Phrenology speaks strongly in 
 favour of this opinion, and Gall seems to have been 
 peculiarly attached to the study of Phrenology on the 
 heads of young persons. The brain at that period is 
 less concealed ; the skull, muscles, and integuments, 
 are extremely thin ; the frontal sinuses are not then 
 developed ; and as the brain is then fully formed, it is 
 clear that every thing concurs to render our ideas of 
 the configuration of the whole brain, and of the rela- 
 tive size of the individual parts more accurate, than at 
 the advanced periods of life.* 
 
 * To those who have not examined carefully into the matter, the 
 statement in the text may iug Q£ incredible, and the 
 
PUOPORTION OF BRAIN IN ANIMALS. 
 
 83 
 
 In the heads of man and all vertebrated animals there 
 are two parts, the cranium and face. The one contains 
 the brain, and the other lodges the principal organs of 
 sensation, particularly the organs of sight, smell, and 
 taste. If these organs are greatly developed, the 
 greater is the size of the face, and the greater its relative 
 proportion to the cranium. On the contrary, the 
 larger the brain the greater must be the capacity of the 
 cranium, and the greater its proportion to the face. 
 On these principles a large cranium and a small face 
 indicate a large brain with a restricted development of 
 some of the external senses, but a small cranium and a 
 large face is admitted by all physiologists to indicate 
 the opposite character. So much have physiologists 
 been persuaded of these facts, that they have laboured 
 for centuries to discover some criterion by which the 
 proportion of brain and consequent proportion of intel- 
 lect could be discovered in living animals. Camper 
 
 palpable increase of size of the head, which takes place after the seventh 
 year, may seem a decided refutation of the allegation. But it must be 
 remembered that the increase which takes place after the period 
 above mentioned, is easily accounted for from the growth of parts 
 exterior to the brain. In the child at that period, the cerebral envelopes 
 are extremely thin ; they afterwards become thicker and thicker by an 
 increase of skull, of fat, of muscle, and of skin : the additional growth 
 of these parts accounting most satisfactorily for whatever increase of 
 size the head may have attained. Some phrenologists believe that the 
 organs grow from the effects of mental exercise even after a very late 
 period in life, and casts of the same individuals at different periods of 
 their lives are adduced in support of the supposition. In all such 
 cases which the writer had an opportunity of examining, the increase 
 was obviously external, for the face had increased in the same propor- 
 tion. After attaining full growth, the brain, like the eye, neither 
 increases nor diminishes in size ; its consistency or density may vary, 
 but we have no reason to believe that any change takes place either in 
 its form or size. 
 
84 
 
 DOCTtUNE OF CAMPER. 
 
 was the most successful of these inquirers, and his prin- 
 ciples, so far as they go, are consonant with Phrenology. 
 If a line be drawn from the upper jaw by the side of 
 the nose over the most prominent part of the forehead, 
 it will form an angle with another line drawn horizon- 
 tally from the nostril to the opening of the ear. This 
 is the celebrated facial angle of Camper. The angle 
 varies with the form of the brain. It is more obtuse or 
 open as the forehead advances, and with the retreating 
 of the forehead it is the more acute. 
 
 The facial angle of the Horse in this way, 
 measures .... 23° 
 
 Ram, . . 30° 
 Dog, . . 35° 
 Ourang-Outang, 56° 
 European Adult, 85° 
 While phrenologists admit, to a certain extent, the 
 justness of Camper's principles, they know that his 
 plan is defective. It cannot indicate particular talents. 
 The phrenological system, however, has this great su- 
 periority, that it leads to a just estimate both of the 
 general powers of the mind and of the peculiar talents 
 and dispositions of the individual. Camper's views are 
 so far phrenological, that they not only imply the brain 
 to be the organ of the mind, but they even imply that 
 the anterior part of the brain is more intimately con- 
 nected with the intellectual powers than the others. 
 Camper's measurements refer only to the anterior parts 
 of the brain, and his general conclusions regarding 
 these parts are not inconsistent with Phrenology. But 
 will any such measurements of the developments of 
 the lateral and posterior parts of the brain lead us to 
 
PHRENOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. 85 
 
 a just conclusion regarding the sagacity of the animal 
 or the intelligence of man V By no means. No phy- 
 siologist has fallen into the absurdity of supposing this. 
 But does it not follow, that if we cannot estimate the 
 intelligence of the individual from the lateral and pos- 
 terior parts of the brain, as well as from the anterior, 
 that all these parts cannot be concerned in the same 
 function ? Here then is another argument in favour 
 of the opinion, that different parts have different func- 
 tions, or, in other words, an argument favourable to 
 phrenology. The doctrine of Camper then is in 
 harmony with the phrenological system. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Phrenological Nomenclature.— Fundamental Powers of the Mind.— 
 The Essence of the Mind an improper Subject of Investigation. — 
 Short Notification of the Fundamental Functions of the Phrenolo- 
 gical Organs, and Abuses to which some of them give rise. — Size 
 of the Organs. — Activity of the Organs. — Temperaments.— Combina- 
 tion of the Organs. 
 
 Many object to the phrenological nomenclature. The 
 names of some of the organs, it may be admitted, are 
 by no means fascinating ; but if the thing is correct we 
 ought not to dispute too much about the terms in which 
 it is conveyed. The founders of the system had diffi- 
 culties to contend with which only few can appreciate ; 
 and surely we can bear with them a little should they 
 have imposed upon us names which are not strictly 
 conformable to the genius of our language. At the 
 
83 
 
 PHRENOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. 
 
 same time, the terms are formed upon a principle more 
 philosophic than may at first sight be imagined. The 
 terms characterizing the propensities are derived from 
 a fundamental word, which is usually sufficiently plain. 
 Take constructiveness for example. The fundamental 
 word is construct, the meaning of which is perfectly 
 obvious. To the fundamental word, ive is added, which 
 indicates the power of producing, and ?iess is still far- 
 ther added, which expresses an abstract state. The 
 vocable ous is used in some instances to characterize a 
 sentiment , as cautious, conscientious, and ness is added, 
 as in the former instances, to point out the abstract 
 condition. At the same time, the names of many of 
 the sentiments, and of all the intellectual powers, are 
 formed of common terms, such as love of approbation, 
 self-esteem, hope, form, colour, order, comparison, &c. 
 To these terms no serious objection can be made ; 
 they are expressive, and can never be misunderstood. 
 The phrenological nomenclature, however, has given 
 birth to no small merriment among those who cannot 
 look beyond the surface of things. Such terms, it is 
 said, are too outlandish for common use ; but where is 
 the science without its technicalities. Anatomy, che- 
 mistry, botany, and mineralogy, are full of them ; but 
 shall we despise, reject, or laugh at those sciences, 
 merely because the nomenclature may not be to our 
 liking? The weakness of the objection is rendered still 
 more apparent, when we remember that out of 35 or 
 36 technicalities, three-fourths of them are found with 
 precisely the same import in all our standard English 
 dictionaries. The few remaining terms, are no doubt, to 
 a certain extent new ; but so are the ideas they are made 
 
FUNDAMENTAL POWERS OF THE MIND. S7 
 
 to represent. Even of these few, lour are compounded 
 of the common English words, adhesive, acquisitive, 
 constructive, ideal, to which no objection can rationally 
 be made. Four are compounded of words less purely 
 English, but still of words in use. These are amative, 
 concentrative, combative, and secretive. The only 
 term in phrenology, derived exclusively from a foreign 
 language, is philoprogenitiveness, a term which is no 
 doubt rather uncouth as an English word ; but which 
 expresses more powerfully the meaning intended to be 
 conveyed, than any other term which can be employed. 
 It may even be conceded to the opponents of phreno- 
 logy, that the phrenological terms, like the technicali- 
 ties of every science, are harsh and unwieldy ; bat, 
 notwithstanding, they are neither illogically compound- 
 ed, nor unphilosophically applied. 
 
 It is of the utmost moment in investigating the 
 phenomena of mind, to ascertain what mental powers 
 are fundamental. Philosophers have hitherto attempt- 
 ed to arrive at this wished for result solely by reason- 
 ing, but have they been successful or attained unani- 
 mity upon the subject? Have they not arrived at 
 as many different conclusions as the number of inves- 
 tigators ? They have besides erred in generalizing 
 too much. They have referred all the actions of 
 animals to something they call instinct, and the 
 thoughts and actions of men to intellect. One bird as 
 soon as it is hatched runs into the water, and they 
 say that it does so by instinct. Another sings by 
 instinct. Others migrate by instinct. Some animals 
 make provision for the winter by instinct. Now, though 
 we shall not call in question the propriety of such a 
 
88 INSTINCT AND INTELLECT. 
 
 term, can we suppose that one condition of the brain 
 will explain all these various instincts ? If we do not 
 admit that animals have positive knowledge, we must 
 both admit that they have determinate instincts ; 
 and that these powers, whatever they may be, are 
 alone the gifts of nature. All the actions of men 
 have been referred to intellect; but though intellect 
 is necessary for the successful prosecution of human 
 affairs, yet can it be explained how one man can 
 excel in painting and not in music ; how one man 
 may possess a nice taste for music, and exhibit no 
 talent for mathematics or poetry ; or how a man may 
 be a natural orator, and excel neither in poetry nor 
 mathematics? This diversity of talent, I am aware, 
 has been attributed to the peculiarities in the mental 
 constitution, and the opinion is so far just ; but it is 
 not sufficiently explicit. Men are born with, intellects 
 or understandings which differ materially from each 
 other, so that there are particular kinds of understand- 
 ings as there are of instincts among the inferior ani- 
 mals ; and Phrenology demonstrates that each kind 
 of understanding has a particular instrument for its 
 manifestation. 
 
 Dr. Gall attempted to compare the parts of the 
 brain with the powers of the mind as inculcated in 
 systems of philosophy. But he could arrive at no 
 satisfactory result. He then compared the develop- 
 ments of different parts of the brain with the 
 actions of men, and he had soon reason to con- 
 gratulate himself on his success. And is it not an 
 undoubted fact that some men show a disposition 
 to certain actions from their earliest childhood ; 
 
IS MIND SIMPLE OR COMPOUND ? 89 
 
 some to music, some to drawing-, some to calculation, 
 and some to constructing mechanical instruments, 
 &c. ? The ancient philosophers maintained that all 
 genius is inherent ; nay they went farther, they 
 advocated the doctrine that every idea is innate. 
 But the phrenological doctrine is exceedingly 
 different. Phrenologists maintain that the disposi- 
 tions of mankind are innate, in the same way that 
 the power of locomotion or vision is dependent on 
 organs that are born with us ; but as we cannot foretell 
 what kind of muscular movements may take place, or 
 what things may be seen, neither can the ideas which 
 may arise in the mind be foretold as they depend on 
 circumstances which are contingent. 
 
 Phrenologists admit those powers of the mind to be 
 fundamental, which exist in one kind of animal, and 
 not in another ; which differ from or are not propor- 
 tionate to the other faculties of the same individual ; 
 which appear or disappear earlier or later in life, than 
 other faculties ; which act or rest singly, and which 
 may singly preserve their proper state of health or 
 disease.* Now if the phrenological doctrines be tried 
 by these tests, they will not be found defective. Not 
 one of the powers which Phrenology has developed 
 can be dispensed with, or its place supplied by any 
 other power. 
 
 A question extremely interesting and intimately 
 connected with this point arises. Is mind itself 
 simple or is it compound? Metaphysicians and phi- 
 losophers generally admit it to be simple, and that the 
 
 • See Combes System. 
 
90 
 
 FERSONAL IDENTITY. 
 
 various powers which it displays are but so many 
 states or conditions of the same indivisible essence. 
 The feeling of personal identity which we generally 
 experience under every state of being, would naturally 
 lead us to this conclusion, and the majority of phreno- 
 logists are of that opinion. But many entertain very 
 different views. The question cannot be decided by 
 observation. We do not know in what the essence of 
 matter consists, and it is far more difficult to dispel 
 the thick darkness which veils the essence of the mind. 
 At the same time the argument drawn from personal 
 identity is far from conclusive, as individuals have 
 occasionally become insane on that subject, and on no 
 other. Such persons lose all consciousness of their 
 past and proper personality, and imagine themselves 
 different persons altogether, while in other respects 
 they feel and think correctly. Now, if the feeling of 
 personal identity arose from the unity, indivisibility or 
 singleness of the essence of the mind, how could that 
 feeling be lost while the powers of the mind remained 
 entire. But if we admit that the mind consists of an 
 aggregate of powers, we could easily suppose that one 
 of these powers could supply the feeling of personal 
 identity, and be lost and recovered like any of the 
 other powers. 
 
 Some curious cases of this kind are on record.* 
 They seem to lead to the inference that the feeling of 
 personal identity is a primitive mental affection con- 
 nected with a cerebral organ, and hence liable sepa- 
 rately to disease. At the same time many eminent 
 
 * See Medical Repository, for 1816. 
 
THE MIND NOT COMTLEX. 
 
 91 
 
 phrenologists entertain the opposite opinion ; among 
 these we might mention, Dr. Gall and the Rev. Dr. 
 Welsh. Dr. Gall says, " In my opinion, there exists 
 but one single principle, which sees, feels, tastes, hears, 
 touches, thinks, and wills. But in order that this 
 principle may become capable of perceiving light and 
 sound, — of feeling, tasting, and touching, — and of 
 manifesting the different kinds of thought and propen- 
 sity, — it requires the aid of various material instru- 
 ments, without which the exercise of all these faculties 
 would be impossible."* 
 
 Dr. Welsh, argues strongly for the individuality of the 
 mind, the thoughts and feelings of which alone, he 
 supposes, are manifested through the organs of the brain. 
 " The leading doctrine of Phrenology," he says, " is 
 that different portions or organs of the brain are con- 
 nected with the primitive feelings of the mind. The 
 truth of this position can obviously be ascertained only 
 by observation. But taking it for granted that it is 
 true, it may be asked how it can be reconciled with the 
 great principle to which so frequent reference has been 
 made, that the powers, thoughts, and feelings of the 
 mind are not different from the mind, but merely the 
 mind itself existing in different states ? 
 
 " It requires but little reflection to be satisfied that 
 the introduction of cerebral organs does not in any 
 degree affect Dr. Brown's leading principle. The 
 cerebral organs are not the mind — nor is any state of 
 these organs the mind. The mind we believe to be a 
 simple and indivisible substance. And the only differ- 
 
 * Sur lcs Fonctiona du Cerveau, i. 243. 
 
92 
 
 PHRENOLOGY AND THE 
 
 ence that the doctrines of Phrenology introduce in 
 regard to Dr. Brown's principle is, that, instead of the 
 feelings and thoughts being merely the relations of the 
 simple substance mind to its own former states or to 
 external objects, they are the relations of the simple 
 substance mind to certain portions of the encephalon. 
 
 " In looking upon any object— as snow — we have 
 the notion of a certain colour. Now the notion is not 
 in the snow but in the mind. That is, the notion of 
 colour is the mind existing in a certain relation to an 
 external object. But it is allowed on all hands, that 
 there is an intervening step between the snow and the 
 mind : there is an affection of the optic nerve. The 
 notion of colour, then, is the mind existing in a certain 
 relation to the optic nerve. It will be conceded that 
 this does not alter the question as to the simplicity of 
 the mind. And if this is conceded, it is abundantly 
 obvious that another step in the process might be con- 
 ceived without taking away from the simplicity of the 
 immaterial part, and that, instead of an affection of the 
 optic nerve being the immediate antecedent of the 
 notion of colour, it might be a particular portion of the 
 encephalon. As the notion of colour, upon this sup- 
 position, is a relation of the mind to the organ of colour, 
 it follows, that, if that organ were changed in any 
 respect, the state of the mind would also be changed. 
 Thus, if it were larger, or of a finer structure, or more 
 active, the perception of colour would be more delicate, 
 or quick, or pleasing. The same remarks might be 
 extended to all the organs. Where the organ of 
 Causality is large, as in the case of Dr. Brown himself, 
 then there will be a tendency to reason ; which ten- 
 
DOCTRINE Of BROWN. 
 
 93 
 
 dency is a state of the mind in relation to a material 
 organ, which state would have been different had the 
 organ been different. 
 
 " A multitude of organs may all be affecting the 
 mind at the same instant, and in that case a variety of 
 feelings will be experienced. But still the mind is 
 simple, and it is only its relations to these different 
 organs that are complex. 
 
 " When we say, then, that when we have any power, 
 as, for example, of reasoning, we are not to suppose 
 that the power is different from the mind. There is a 
 material organ which is separate from the mind, but 
 the perception of relation is a state wholly mental. 
 One state of the organ may give the perception of rela- 
 tion, another the desire to perceive or discover it ; but the 
 perception and desire are both attributes not of matter 
 but of mind. — The effect of the organ being large or 
 small, active or inactive, in different individuals, or 
 upon the same individual at different times, is the sub- 
 ject to which I alluded in the chapter on Cause and 
 Effect, as that which Dr. Brown had not considered."* 
 
 Fortunately in studying Phrenology we are not called 
 upon to decide concerning the essence of the mind. It 
 is to the powers and faculties of the mind only that we 
 have to direct our attention ; and observation has enabled 
 us to decide that every primitive propensity, feeling, and 
 intellectual power, is connected with a cerebral part or 
 organ. What the mind may be, stripped of this mortal 
 coil, we cannot say. We have no experience of it in 
 that state ; and instead of entering upon such a fruitless 
 
 * Welsh's TJfrof Dr. Thomas Brown, p. 521. 
 
94 dugai.d Stewart's mode 
 
 speculation, it is better, as Dr. Welsh has remarked, 
 to follow the precept of the poet, to " Wait the great 
 teacher death, and God adore."* 
 
 The greatest philosophers of the present day, admit 
 that all subjects connected with the essence or nature 
 of the mind, lie beyond the reach of human investiga- 
 tion. Mr. D. Stewart is quite explicit upon the subject. 
 "Speculations regarding the nature of mind," he says, 
 " seem now to be universally abandoned, as endless and 
 unprofitable." This is a most important and just ad- 
 mission, but, if the mind, as divested of humanity, is not 
 a legitimate subject of inquiry, there can be no possible 
 objection to the study of the mind in connection with 
 the body, or in other words, in connection with organ- 
 ization. By studying properly the organization, it is 
 obvious that much light will be thrown upon the mental 
 phenomena, and even Mr. Stewart, who has neglected 
 this mode of investigation altogether, has so far stumbled 
 upon the true philosophy, as to recommend such a mode 
 of inquiry, in terms of unqualified approbation. " Among 
 the difficult topics," says Mr. Stewart, " connected with 
 the natural history of tbe human species, the laws of union 
 betwixt the mind and body, and the mutual influence 
 they have on one another, is one of the most important 
 inquiries that ever engaged the attention of mankind, 
 and almost equally necessary in the science of morals 
 and of medicine." But does Mr. Stewart in the whole 
 of his beautiful speculations, once attend to this most 
 important rule of practice ? No. Like other philoso- 
 phers of the same school, he uniformly proceeds upon 
 
 * See Combe's Syste;n. 
 
OF INVESTIGATING MIND. 
 
 95 
 
 the principle, that the " objects of metaphysical specu- 
 lation are the immaterial properties of an immaterial 
 being :" — a principle which is not only at direct vari- 
 ance with the position above stated, but which leads 
 to the total exclusion of observation in metaphysics, 
 and a fortiori to the investigation of mind, independ- 
 ently of organization. When you investigate the pro- 
 perties of matter, these philosophers will tell you to 
 open your eyes and exert all your senses to the utmost : 
 but when you study the phenomena of mind, you 
 must shut your eyes, lull all your senses, and attend 
 only to the workings of your own minds, or to the 
 operations of consciousness. But if the study of the 
 influence of the corporeal organization upon the mind 
 really be of such importance as Mr. Stewart has 
 granted, how can this influence be discovered without 
 observation. The brain is the organ of the mind, and 
 if the mental manifestation can be influenced by the 
 organization, as Mr. Stewart admits, how can we arrive 
 at just conclusions connected with this subject, unless 
 our eye be steadily fixed upon the corporeal organ of the 
 mind, and the states and conditions of that organ care- 
 fully noted. Consciousness can obviously avail us 
 nothing in this " important" part of the investigation. 
 Delirium we all admit is a particular state of mind, and 
 a state that uniformly exists during inflammation of the 
 brain. Now suppose the question to be, whether 
 this condition of the mind we call delirium, could be 
 more satisfactorily investigated, by attending to the 
 workings of our own minds, or to the state of the 
 corporeal organ, we would be at no loss to give a 
 satisfactory answer. When the question is placed in 
 
96 OPINIONS OF THE ANCIENTS. 
 
 this form, it is stripped of some of its complexity, and 
 the importance of attending to the state of the organiza- 
 tion, rather than the operations of consciousness, is at 
 once apparent. Pure reasoning never could lead us 
 to a just conclusion upon such a subject, and had 
 medical science been investigated in this way, into 
 what a tissue of absurdities it would have led ! 
 
 In these days of philosophic observation, an inquiry 
 therefore into the origin and nature of the mind would 
 justly appear absurd and ridiculous. It was not however 
 always thus. To the ancients, the soul, the mind, the 
 spirit, or by whatever name it was known, was a fertile 
 subject of speculation. It may not be uninteresting to 
 glance at the views of our ancient worthies upon the 
 subject. Some of the ancients believed the mind or soul 
 to exist from all eternity, and that it is incorporeal and 
 immortal. Plato entertained these views, and supposed 
 still further that its primary locality was amongst the 
 stars, and that when it grew weary of celestial objects, 
 it infused itself into an earthly body at the moment o» 
 its birth. Aristotle surmised that it did not exist from 
 all eternity, but that it begins to exist at the time when 
 the body is born, and that it is infused into the body 
 the instant it is born, and continues in it till death, 
 when it returns to heaven. Other philosophers were 
 of opinion that the souls of men descended into the 
 shades or into hell, though not all into the same place 
 — some were thrown into Tartarus, the lowest abyss oi 
 the infernal abodes, and others, who had deserved better 
 treatment, were conducted into the pleasanter fields of 
 Elysium. Ennius maintained that the body returned 
 into the earth, and that the soul flew away into heaven, 
 
REGARDING THE MIND. 
 
 97 
 
 and that the shade or ghost, which he insisted was the 
 image of the soul, went into hell. Pythagoras believed 
 the soul to exist from all eternity, to be incorporeal 
 and immortal, and to migrate from body to body, 
 whether of men or beasts till the end of the world : 
 but many others believed the soul to be corporeal and 
 mortal. Of these we may mention, Heraclitus, De- 
 mocritus, Epicurus, Hipparchus, Hippo, Thales, Hip- 
 pocrates, Xenophanes, Parmenides, Empedocles, Lu- 
 cretius, &c. Agreeing as these philosophers did in the 
 materiality and mortality of the soul, they differed most 
 widely regarding its nature. Hippo and Thales sup- 
 posed it to consist of water ; Heraclitus, Democritus, 
 and Hipparchus of fire ; Xenophanes of water and earth ; 
 Parmenides of earth and fire ; Empedocles, of all the 
 four elements, fire, air, earth, and water ; and Critias, 
 of blood ; — opinions sufficiently contradictory to assure 
 us that all cannot be well founded, or rather that the 
 subject is one beyond the reach of human investigation, 
 and cannot therefore be a legitimate subject of inquiry. 
 Phrenologists investigate the powers of the mind in 
 connexion only with the brain, and thus simplify mental 
 philosophy by reducing it to a branch of physiological 
 science. 
 
 Phrenologists ho we ver, admit two great orders of mental 
 powers, Feelings and Intellectual Faculties. Although 
 usually confounded by philosophers, these two kinds of 
 mental powers are essentially different. Man is said to 
 be a reasonable being, and although the observation is 
 just to a certain extent, yet are all his actions the 
 result of reason ? Are not many of his actions such as 
 reason cannot approve ? Is he not frequently influenced 
 
98 
 
 PHRENOLOGICAL ARRANGEMENT 
 
 by feelings alone, and feelings which are purely of an 
 instructive character ? Are there not such feelings as 
 sexual desire and parental attachment ? But are they 
 the result of reason ? Do we not find them in powerful 
 operation even in the inferior animals ? and asserting 
 occasionally their independent character in man, by 
 rising in awful activity even when reason objects, or 
 is absent as in sleep ? I think we must admit this, and 
 if we do, we admit, at the same time, the correctness of 
 the phrenological classification of the mental powers 
 into feelings and intellect. Many are inclined to admit 
 that the brain is connected in some inexplicable manner 
 with the purely intellectual powers, but they refer the 
 feelings to other organs, as the heart, liver, stomach. 
 Hence they speak of a good head, a bad heart. But 
 is the heart the seat of the moral feelings ? If it were 
 so, or if the moral feelings spring from it, or any other 
 organ except the brain, we would find these feelings in 
 a higher degree than in man, for these organs are 
 larger and of a finer organization in some of the mam- 
 miferous animals, than in man. Phrenologists maintain, 
 that all the feelings have their seat in the brain, and 
 that it is more easy to prove the connexion between 
 the feelings and certain parts of the brain, than to show 
 the connexion between the intellect and that organ. 
 The Feelings have been arranged into two genera. 
 Propensities and Sentiments. The first are those 
 feelings which give impulses to act in a certain deter- 
 minate manner, as the sexual, the parental, &c. ; and 
 the second are those which modify the propensities, as 
 self-love, religious feeling, benevolence, &c. All the 
 propensities are feelings strictly of the animal kind, and 
 
OF THE MENTAL POWERS. 
 
 99 
 
 common to man and inferior animals. The sentiments 
 are feelings of a higher description. Some of them are 
 found existing to a certain degree, in a few of the 
 inferior animals, but the greater part of them are 
 peculiar to man. The organs of the Propensities are 
 situated at the posterior and inferior part of the brain, 
 and when such parts of the brain are more largely de- 
 veloped than the others, the individual in whom such 
 a conformation exists, is unfit for any thing great or 
 noble. His happiness lies entirely in animal gratifica- 
 tion, and he attempts to gratify these feelings, reckless 
 of the peace or happiness of others. 
 
 The organs of the Sentiments are situated at the 
 crown of the head, and when very fully developed, 
 impart a benignity and grandeur to the individual which 
 is never found in conformations of a different kind. 
 All artists who have studied nature know this, hence 
 we find them giving the requisite elevation to the heads 
 of characters famed for moral and religious qualities. 
 But could they represent such a character as Shaks- 
 peare's Caliban with such a conformation ? If they 
 did, they would shock our ideas of natural consistency. 
 Caliban could only be properly represented with a 
 forehead, " villanously low," or if we give him a dif- 
 ferent conformation, we would change his character ; 
 he would no longer be Caliban. The sculptor, the 
 portrait, and historical painter, can appreciate the 
 truth of these observations. They have studied prac- 
 tical Phrenology, without knowing, it may be, that there 
 is such a science. Their works, indeed, are so many 
 phrenological illustrations, and the closer they copy 
 nature, the more truly phrenological they become. 
 
100 
 
 INTELLECTUAL POWERS AND 
 
 The powers purely intellectual, have been arranged 
 by phrenologists into two kinds. 1st, The knowing, or 
 perceptive powers, or those faculties which enable us 
 to form ideas of physical objects and their qualities : 
 and 2ndly, The reflective powers, or those faculties by 
 which we compare and judge. The organs by which 
 these powers are manifested, are situated in the fore- 
 head, and it has long ago been remarked, that with the 
 development of this part of the brain, the intellectual 
 powers are the stronger. The organs of the knowing 
 faculties are situated at the lower and middle parts of 
 the forehead : and those of the reflective faculties, at 
 the uppermost part of the forehead. We seldom find 
 these two great sets of organic parts equally developed. 
 In the majority of mankind, the lower part of the fore- 
 head is the larger. Hence, we find the majority of 
 mankind, better adapted for observing and collecting 
 facts than for reasoning correctly, or drawing just con- 
 clusions from the facts with which they are acquainted. 
 When the upper part of the forehead is the most pro- 
 tuberant, the individual so constituted, is fond of rea- 
 soning. He is apt to generalize too much. The 
 knowing organs being comparatively less developed, 
 dry facts have to him no attraction. Every fact and 
 every event excites his reasoning power. On a single 
 fact he will erect a theory. He reasons profoundly, 
 but his reasonings are too speculative to be useful. 
 When both knowing and reflecting organs are fully 
 developed, and in nearly an equal degree, the indivi- 
 dual so constituted has the best possible intellectual 
 conformation. He gathers with avidity, knowledge 
 from every quarter. He reasons also profoundly, but 
 
MODE OF INVESTIGATING THEM. 101 
 
 facts arc the foundations of bis reasonings and indue* 
 dons. Such a conformation exists in an eminent 
 degree in Lord Brougham ; and need I say, that his 
 character is such as phrenologists would expect from 
 the conformation. 
 
 In investigating any of the powers of the mind, we 
 ought, 1st, to observe the power as it exists in man, 
 and the relationship it bears to his corporeal organiza- 
 tion. 2d, The power as it exists in inferior animals, 
 (when such is the case) and the relationship it bears to 
 their organization. 3d, The power as it appears during 
 insanity. 4th, The essential nature of the power as 
 divested of all extraneous circumstances, or in its insu- 
 lated state, and, 5th, The modifications which the 
 power undergoes from particular combinations of 
 organs. It may be necessary to make a remark or two 
 on each of these topics. 
 
 In investigating any power of the mind, we must 
 like Dr. Gall, refer to the actions of men for no other 
 mode of inquiry will lead to a satisfactory result. By 
 attending to the workings of our own minds, we at 
 best obtain an imperfect view of human nature : — we 
 obtain a view of the mental phenomena appertaining 
 to the individual, and not to the species, and thus study 
 mankind under a false light, and through a distorting 
 medium. Dr. Gall showed us how to avoid this error : — 
 how to walk out of our little selves, and to view the 
 workings of the human mind as they appear in the 
 broad light of day, and in the face of society. The 
 actions of men are facts which cannot be disputed, and 
 which alone can lead to just conclusions regarding the 
 mental state : for, if actions of a particular kind are 
 
102 MODE OF INVESTIGATING 
 
 performed only by persons of a particular conformation 
 of brain, the relationship can be easily established, and 
 an important step gained towards the elucidation ot 
 the mental condition : for though the act itself what- 
 ever it may be is necessarily different from the mental 
 state, yet a knowledge of the concomitancy between 
 the cerebral conformation, and the specific character 
 of the act will sooner or later lead to a knowledge of 
 the mental condition from which the act springs. 
 
 2dly, In studying the constitution of the human mind, 
 we are also much assisted in observing the mental 
 phenomena of the inferior animals, as displayed in their 
 acts, and in relationship with their organization. The 
 psychology if we may so speak of the inferior animals 
 is a subject of deep interest, and calculated to throw 
 a blaze of light upon some parts of the mental con- 
 stitution of man. The feelings in these animals are 
 generally of a simpler character than in man, and 
 consequently better adapted in that state for observa- 
 tion. They are also less under the control of intellect, 
 and therefore brought nearer the essential or primi- 
 tive type, the state sought after so eagerly by all 
 mental philosophers. Besides, the infinite variety of 
 these animals, and the unlimited control over them 
 which we possess, their instincts often appear at de- 
 terminate periods, and continue for a time in an over- 
 whelming state. They are thus magnified to suit as 
 it were our imperfect senses, and materialized to render 
 in some measure tangible what in ourselves is more 
 pure and etherialized. 
 
 3dly : The mental powers ought to be studied as 
 they appear in the insane. Gall was the first of philo- 
 
THE INTELLECTUAL POWERS. 
 
 103 
 
 sophcrs who investigated insanity aright, and traced it 
 to its true cause, and there can be no doubt that the 
 proper investigation of insanity will lead to correct ideas 
 of the sane condition of the mind. The insane man is 
 in some measure like an inferior animal. His feelings 
 are either not under the control of intellect, or the 
 intellectual powers are incapable of acting in concert : 
 there is at all events a difference from the healthy state, 
 and the investigation of that difference, and the causes 
 upon which it depends will necessarily lead to more 
 correct conclusions of the sane condition of the mind. 
 
 4thly, The essential or fundamental character of the 
 mental powers, ought particularly to be investigated. 
 Observation alone will not lead us to this result. Gall 
 himself with all his talents of observation, could not 
 find out the primitive character of some of the mental 
 powers which he discovered. Is observation then of 
 no consequence in the elucidation of this subject ? Far 
 from it. Accurate and extensive observation will give 
 us the data upon which our conclusions must rest, and 
 if our reflecting powers are well developed, our con- 
 clusions will be sound in proportion to the extent and 
 accuracy of our data. 
 
 We are now prepared to give a short sketch of the 
 situation, uses, and abuses, of the phrenological organs. 
 The reader who wishes a fuller elucidation of the 
 subject, should consult the last edition of Mr. Combe's 
 excellent system of phrenology, a work which redounds 
 to the credit both of the literature and philosophy of 
 the countrv in which we live. 
 
104 
 
 PROPENSITIES. 
 
 SHORT NOTIFICATION OF THE PHRENOLOGICAL ORGANS 
 
 AND PRIMITIVE FACULTIES OF THE MIND MANIFESTED 
 
 THROUGH THESE ORGANS. 
 
 Order 1.— FEELINGS. 
 Genus I. — Propensities — Common to Man with 
 
 THE LOWER ANIMALS. 
 
 The organs of the Propensities are situated at the 
 back part, at the sides, and at the base of the brain. 
 We might thus make a threefold division, which would 
 assist materially in recollecting them. Those organs 
 that lie fairly in the back of the head are the three fol- 
 lowing : — 1st. Amativeness, which is situated lower- 
 most of the three, and which imparts a breadth and 
 prominency to the upper part of the neck. 2d. Philo- 
 progenitiveness, which lies immediately above the 
 former, and usually in the female, constitutes the most 
 prominent part of the hind-head ; and 3d. Inhabitiveness, 
 which lies immediately above the last, midway between it 
 and the part of the head where the hair turns backwards. 
 1. — Amativeness. 
 
 Large. Small, 
 
 Use : — To produce sexual love. Object : — The pro- 
 
PROPENSITIES. 105 
 
 pagation of the species. Abuses: — Fornication, adul- 
 tery, incest, and other improper, illegitimate, and 
 criminal modes of gratification. Its inactivity pro- 
 duces passive continency. 
 
 2. — Philoprogenitiveness. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — To produce love of offspring, and affection for 
 young and tender beings. Object : — Preservation of 
 offspring. Abuses : — Pampering and spoiling of chil- 
 dren, and excessive sorrow for their loss. When 
 inactive, it produces carelessness for children. 
 
 3. — Inhabitiveness.* 
 
 Use : — Imparts a feeling of attachment to, and a 
 desire of permanence in, place, and probably confers 
 •also the power of fixing and rendering permanent our 
 ideas and emotions. Object: — Self-preservation in 
 inferior animals, as it induces them to select places 
 best adapted for their organization. Abuses: — Aver- 
 sion to the active duties of life, home-sickness, a brood- 
 ing over morbid mental impressions. 
 
 The organs of the Propensities situated at the side 
 of the head, extend in two irregular lines along the 
 
 * Concentrativeness.— Combe, 
 
106 PROPENSITIES. 
 
 lower part of the cranium, from philoprogenitiveness 
 to the outer side of the socket of the eye. Two of 
 these organs lie behind the opening of the ear, and 
 when large impart breadth to the back part of the head ; 
 two lie immediately above that opening, and two 
 before it. The organs that lie behind the ear are 
 placed the one somewhat before the other. The 
 two that lie immediately above the opening of the ear 
 are so disposed, that the one is placed exactly over the 
 other, and the two situated anterior to the ear hold a re- 
 lationship somewhat similar to the two behind the ear. 
 Adhesiveness lies by the side of Philoprogenitiveness, 
 and Combativeness descending betwixt Adhesiveness 
 and the opening of the ear. Of the two situated 
 exactly over the opening of the ear, the lower one is 
 Destructiveness, which is surmounted by Secretive- 
 ness. Before Secretiveness, and upon a higher level, 
 we find Acquisitiveness; and still farther forward, 
 and a little lower, near the outer part of the eye in 
 the temples, we find Constructivencss. At the same 
 time no description, however accurate, will enable the 
 student to attain a correct idea of the situation of these 
 organs, without referring to the plates, or what is better, 
 to the mapped busts. 
 
 4. — Adhesiveness. 
 
 Use : — Attachment to persons. Object : — Friend- 
 ship and society arise from it. Abuses : — Attachment 
 to worthless or improper persons ; inconsolable grief 
 for the loss of a friend. Its inactivity produces care- 
 lessness about others. 
 
propensities. 
 6. — Comb ati ven ess. 
 
 107 
 
 Use .—Tendency to oppose and attack. Object ;— - 
 Defence, intrepidity, courage. Abuses : — Love of 
 disputation and contention, quarrelsomeness. Its in- 
 activity predisposes to peaceableness, and aversion to 
 
 wrangling. 
 
 6. — Destructiveness. 
 
 Large. Small. 
 
 Use: — Tendency to destroy. Object: — The de- 
 struction of whatever is noxious for self-preservation, 
 and the killing of inferior animals for food. Abuses : — 
 Irascibility, cruelty, murder, tendency to torment, harsh- 
 ness, severity, &c. Its inactivity gives rise to passive 
 meekness. 
 
 7. — Secretiveness. 
 Use : — To conceal our thoughts or actions from 
 
 \ 
 
108 
 
 PROPENSITIES. 
 
 others. Object: — To prevent our involuntary thoughts 
 and emotions from being exposed to public view. 
 Abuses : — Quizzing, cunning, deceitfulness, lying, &e. 
 When inactive, it predisposes to simplicity of manners. 
 
 8. — Acquisitiveness. 
 
 Small Large. 
 
 Use : — The tendency or desire to acquire. Ob- 
 ject : — To provide for future wants. Abuses : — Ex- 
 cessive worldly-mindedness, selfishness, avarice, theft, 
 &c. Its inactivity leads to a carelessness for property. 
 
 9. CONSTRUCTIVENESS. 
 
 Large. 
 
 Small. 
 
 Use: — Imparts the desire and tendency to con- 
 struct. Object: — To induce all endowed with the 
 feeling to protect themselves from the inclemencies of 
 the weather, and from other dangers. Abuses: 
 
PROPENSITIES. 109 
 
 Construction of whatever may have an injurious ten- 
 dency, or any thing from improper motives. 
 
 The organs of the Propensities that lie in the base 
 of the brain are beyond the reach of observation in the 
 living subject ; accordingly, phrenologists have not yet 
 arrived at any decided conclusion regarding the func- 
 tion of these organs. Some suppose that the organ of 
 the love of life is situated in some part of the middle 
 lobe— an opinion, we conceive, at best only probable. 
 It is more than probable, however, that the instinct 
 for food emanates through some other part of the in- 
 ferior surface of the middle lobe. This instinct has 
 been denominated Gustativeness, or Alimentiveness, 
 which, when large, imparts a swell to the head at the 
 temporal arches before and a little below the opening 
 of the ear. In the phrenological busts it is marked 
 with a cross. 
 
 Gustativeness. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the desire for food. Object : — To 
 enable the animal to select food best adapted for its 
 organization. Abuses : — Inordinate desire for the 
 pleasures of the table, gluttony, drunkenness. Its in- 
 activity disposes to temperance in eating and drinking. 
 
 Genus II. — Sentiments. 
 
 The organs of the Sentiments are situated in the 
 superior region of the brain, and, when large, impart 
 both a breadth and elevation to that region of the 
 head. Their exact situation must be learned from the 
 
 L 
 
110 SITUATION OF THE SENTIMENTS. 
 
 bust It may be stated, however, that these organs 
 are all double, as in every other part of the brain ; but 
 that those in the middle line of this region, from their 
 proximity, (although in different hemispheres of the 
 brain,) are figured on the busts as if they were single. 
 Four of these organs lie along the middle line of the 
 head, and when examined from behind forward, hold 
 the following order : — 1st. Self-esteem, which lies far- 
 thest back, and immediately before and above In- 
 habitiveness. 2d. Firmness. 3d. Veneration, which 
 corresponds with a line drawn over the crown from the 
 one ear to the other. 4th. Benevolence, which extends 
 from the last mentioned to the upper part of the fore- 
 head. By the sides of these the other organs of the 
 sentiments are found allocated in the following man- 
 ner : — By the side of Self-esteem we find the Love of 
 Approbation ; and by the side of this last, and a little 
 more anteriorly, the organ of Cautiousness, which 
 corresponds with the centre of ossification of the pari- 
 etal bone, and a certain distance around that point. 
 By the side of Firmness, Conscientiousness is situated. 
 By the side of Veneration, Hope and Wonder are 
 found. Lying a little to the side and stretching far- 
 ther forwards than Hope, and by the side of Benevo- 
 lence, we find Imitation ; and at the outer and lower 
 margin of which Ideality is found, bounded in front by 
 Wit. 
 
 The organs of the Sentiments differ from those of 
 the Propensities, not only in situation, but in function. 
 The Sentiments are feelings of a refined kind, the 
 exercise of which is accompanied with an emotion ; 
 but no emotion attends the exercise of the Propensi- 
 
SENTIMENTS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 ties. The Sentiments have been simply arranged into, 
 1st. Sentiments common to man, with some of the 
 lower animals ; and, 2d. Those proper to man. 
 
 Some have viewed it as a prostitution of the term 
 Sentiment, to apply it to any instinctive power of an 
 inferior animal. But there are gradations in inferior 
 animals. The higher of these animals display feelings 
 of a 4ess gross kind, and which, in a more exalted 
 state, form an important feature in humanity. The 
 sentiments which exist in some of the more exalted 
 inferior animals, are in a simple and weak state ; but 
 in man they burn with a brilliancy that imparts a 
 waimth and lustre to his moral nature.* 
 
 I. Sentiments common to Man and some Animals. 
 10. — Self-Esteem. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — Imparts a love of self. Object : — To enable 
 man to prize, and to turn to the greatest advantage, 
 
 * Aristotle asserts, that a part of divinity is bestowed on man only 
 of " all animals," but afterwards modifies the expression, and says, 
 "or most of all animals." See Part. Animal. 1. ii. c. 10, as quoted by 
 Dr. lilliotson in his Human Physiology. 
 
112 
 
 fcENTIMENTS 
 
 all his powers. Abuses : — Egotism, conceit, pride,* 
 disdain, love of power. Its inactivity disposes to hu- 
 mility. 
 
 11. — Love of Approbation. 
 
 Use : — Desire of the good opinion of others. Ob- 
 ject : — To induce that conduct in man which will ren- 
 der him generally agreeable or pleasing to society. 
 Emulation arises from it. Abuses : — Excessive thirst 
 for praise, vanity,* ambition, &c. Disregard of the 
 good opinion of others arises from its inactivity, 
 
 12. — Cautiousness. 
 
 Large. Small. 
 
 Use :— To impart fear. Object :— To induce a ten- 
 dency to shun the dangers and evils with which we are 
 
 * The following contrast of the proud and the vain man, drawn by 
 Gall, affords a beautiful proof of the philosophic acumen of the founder 
 of the phrenological system : — 
 
 " The proud man is imbued with a sentiment of his own superior 
 merit, and from the summit of his grandeur treats with contempt or 
 indifference all other mortals ; the vain man attaches the utmost im- 
 portance to the opinions entertained of him by others, and seeks with 
 eagerness to gain their approbation. The proud man expects that man. 
 kind will come to him and acknowledge his merit ; the vain man knocks 
 at every door to draw attention to him, and supplicates for the smallest 
 
8ENTIMENTS. 113 
 
 surrounded. It forms an essential element in a circum- 
 spect and prudent character. Abuses : — Cowardice, 
 unfounded apprehension, despondency, melancholy, 
 &c. Its inactivity produces absence of fear. 
 
 13. — Benevolence. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — It imparts the desire of the welfare of others. 
 Object: — Places man in relation with other sentient 
 beings, and conduces much to their enjoyment and 
 happiness. Abuses : — Prodigality, profusion, too great 
 a facility of temper. Its inactivity predisposes to ne- 
 glect of charitable objects. 
 
 II. Sentiments proper to Man. 
 
 The organs of such sentiments do not exist in the 
 inferior animals. These organs, therefore, are charac- 
 teristic of humanity, and impart feelings of morality and 
 religion. They give elevation and dignity to our 
 
 portion of honour. The proud man despises these marks of distinction 
 which on the vain confer the most perfect delight. The proud man is 
 disgusted with indiscreet eulogiums ; the vain man inhales with ecstasy 
 the increase of flattery, although profusely offered and by no very skil- 
 ful har.d." 
 
114 
 
 SENTIMENTS. 
 
 moral nature, and fit us for the purest pleasures and 
 the noblest destinies. 
 
 14 Veneration. 
 
 Large. Small. 
 
 Use : — To impart the tendency to respect or vene- 
 rate. Object : — To hold men, as members of society, 
 in bonds of closer fellowship. It forms an essential in- 
 gredient in religious devotion. Abuses : — Servility to 
 superiors in rank or authority, love of the antiquated, 
 superstitious awe. The inactivity of the organ pro- 
 duces want of respect to men, and coldness in religious 
 exercises. 
 
 15 Firmness. 
 
 Large. Small. 
 
 Use: — Imparts fortitude. Object: — Enables us 
 to bear up under evils and misfortunes which cannot 
 be avoided or overcome. Abuses : — Obstinacy, infa- 
 
SENTIMENTS. 
 
 115 
 
 tuation. Its inactivity produces feebleness of purpose, 
 fickleness, and inconstancy. 
 
 16. — Conscientiousness. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — Imparts a desire for justice. Object : — It 
 fits men for respecting the rights of each other, and 
 forms them for social intercourse. Abuses : — Exces- 
 sive refinement in our views of duty, remorse for 
 actions which are innocent or of no moment. Its in 
 activity leads to forgetfulness of duty. 
 
 17— Hope. 
 Use : — Imparts the expectation of future good. 
 Object : — It induces men to look beyond the present, 
 moment, and anticipate and prepare for futurity. It 
 is an important element in faith. Abuses .-—Credulity, 
 absurd expectation, love of scheming. Its inactivity 
 produces a carelessness of the future. 
 
 18. — Wonder. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the love of novelty. Object: — In- 
 duces an interest and delight in what is new or extra- 
 ordinary, and thus acts as a stimulus to the knowing 
 and reflecting powers. Abuses: — Love of the marvel- 
 lous, belief in witchcraft, ghosts, or in any thing super- 
 natural. Its inactivity produces a disrelish of the 
 
116 
 
 SENTIMENTS. 
 
 marvellous, and predisposes to a preference of the pro- 
 bable and real. 
 
 19. — Ideality. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the love of the beautiful and sub- 
 lime. Object : — It leads us to appreciate the indescrib- 
 able beauties of the works of nature, and to pant after 
 superior excellence in works of art. It is an essential 
 element in poetry and other departments of the fine 
 arts. Abuses : — Excess of enthusiasm, preference of 
 the gaudy and glaring to the useful : tendency for the 
 imagination to carry captive the judgment. Its inac- 
 tivity produces a homeliness of character. 
 
 20.— Wit. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the feeling of the ludicrous, and 
 forms an essential element in the mental constitution 
 of such geniuses as Shakspeare, Rabelais, Voltaire, or 
 Cervantes. 
 
 21. — Imitation. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the desire and capability of imita- 
 tion. Object : — To assist in expressing with more 
 
EXTERNAL SENSES. 11' 
 
 effect the natural language of all our faculties, and 
 enable us to imitate works of nature and of art. 
 Abuses : — Slavish imitation of others. Its inactivity 
 produces mannerism. 
 
 Order II. INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. 
 
 Genus I External Senses. 
 
 SIGHT, HEARING, SMELL, TASTE, TOUCH. 
 
 Uses : — To bring the animal that possesses them in 
 communication with the external world. 
 
 That all our ideas are derived from the external senses 
 is one of the oldest opinions in philosophy. That these 
 organs of the senses are great inlets to knowledge cannot 
 be doubted ; but it is quite clear that the organs them- 
 selves merely receive impressions — they do not form 
 ideas. For the formation of ideas the impressions must be 
 transmitted farther than the senses. Physiologists now 
 agree that such impressions are transmitted to the brain, 
 which is said to be the common sensorium, and that the 
 mind there takes cognizance of the impression, or, in 
 other words, forms an idea. According to this view, then, 
 the brain is admitted to be necessary to the formation 
 of ideas, else why should the mind not be affected by 
 the organ of sensation without the intervention of the 
 brain. The brain is necessary, then, for the origin of 
 all our ideas, even according to this principle, and the 
 
118 
 
 FOREHEAD. 
 
 question naturally suggests itself, whether it is more pro • 
 bable that the same portions of cerebral matter should 
 be the parts through which different kinds of ideas should 
 be formed, or that different portions of the brain should 
 be allotted for this purpose. The brain is admitted to 
 be necessary in some way or other to the elaboration 
 of every idea. This is a conclusion which cannot be 
 denied. It is as capable of demonstration as any fact 
 in physiology, and it has already been demonstrated. 
 Now, with this admitted fact fully before us, whether 
 is it, a priori, more likely that the same parts should 
 elaborate different kinds of ideas, or that for the forma- 
 tion of every different kind of idea there should be a 
 different part ? Take it any way the anti-phrenologists 
 choose, the probability is against them. If they admit 
 that the brain is the material organ of the mind, they 
 admit that the mind cannot think without that organ, 
 even though the external senses are perfect, and as the 
 powers of the mind are various and different, it is, to say 
 the least of it, more than probable that each power has 
 a particular cerebral part for its manifestation. 
 
 THE FOREHEAD. 
 
 The organs situated in the forehead have been a 
 stumblingblock to the unobservant. Such individuals 
 cannot conceive that so many organs could be con- 
 gregated in so small a space. But the convolutions of 
 the brain are there equally numerous ; and a little study 
 will enable any one to become acquainted with the 
 situation of all the organs. To facilitate our acquaint- 
 ance with this interesting part of Phrenology, we may 
 view the forehead as consisting of three ranges of 
 
SITUATION OF THE KNOWING ORGANS. 1 19 
 
 organs — a lower, a middle, and a higher. In the 
 lower and middle, the organs of the knowing faculties 
 are situated ; and in the highest, those of the reflect- 
 ing. With three exceptions, the organs of the facul- 
 ties that perceive the existence and qualities of exter- 
 nal objects are situated in the lower range, side by 
 side, and in the following order:— 1st. Individuality, 
 which is situated between the eyebrows and over the 
 root of the nose, and Form, Size, Weight, Colour, in 
 immediate succession outwards along the course of the 
 eyebrow — Form lying rather at the side of the root of 
 the nose than in the eyebrow,and the others correspond- 
 ing with about the two inner or nasal thirds of the eye- 
 brow or orbitary arch. 
 
 The organs that perceive the relations of external 
 objects, are situated partly in the lower range, but 
 principally in the middle one. Three of such organs 
 only are situated in the lower range. These are 
 Order, Number, and Language ; the two first men- 
 tioned occupying the outer third of the arch of the 
 eyebrow — Order by the side of Colour, and Number 
 still nearer the temples at the extremity of the orbitary 
 arch, rounding off the arch and descending a little by 
 the side of the eye. Language is situated behind al! 
 the organs of the lowest range, over the back part of 
 the roof of the orbit or socket of the eye, and is be- 
 yond the reach of observation ; but as it rests upon the 
 back part of the roof of the orbit, it depresses the part 
 of bone upon which it rests, and thus protrudes, more 
 or less, the eyeball itself. We look, therefore, to the 
 prominence of the eye for the sign of the size of the 
 organ. 
 
120 
 
 KNOWING ORGANS. 
 
 The knowing organs of relation are situated in the 
 middle range of the forehead ; Eventuality immedi- 
 ately above Individuality, in the very middle of the 
 forehead ; and Locality, Time, and Tune, extending in 
 succession onwards, in the order now mentioned, to 
 the temples. 
 
 The organs of the Reflective Faculties surmount all 
 the others in the forehead ; Comparison in the middle 
 immediately above Eventuality, and Causality by the 
 side of Comparison, and bounded towards the temples 
 by Wit. 
 
 Genus II. — Knowing Faculties which perceive 
 the Existence and Qualities of external 
 Objects. 
 
 22. — Individuality. 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use ; — Imparts the power of observing and remem- 
 bering specific individual existences, without refer- 
 ence to the uses, qualities, or relations of such exis- 
 tences. It is an indispensable ingredient in a genius 
 for physical science. 
 
KNOWING ORGANS. 
 
 23.— Form. 
 
 121 
 
 Use : — Imparts the talent of observing and remem- 
 bering- the configuration of bodies, and is necessary to 
 the successful cultivation of many of the imitative arts. 
 
 24.— Size. 
 
 Use : — Enables us to observe and remember the 
 dimensions of bodies. 
 
 25. — Weight. 
 
 Use : — Gives the talent of observing, appreciating, 
 and remembering the resistance and momentum of 
 bodies, and forms an essential element in the genius 
 for mechanics. 
 
 26. — Colour. 
 
 Use ; — Communicates the talent of perceiving and 
 remembering colours, and is essential to the painter, 
 and all in whom a nice discrimination of colour is re- 
 quired. 
 
 Genus III. — Knowing Faculties which perceive 
 the Relations of external Objects. 
 
 27. — Locality. 
 Use ; — Imparts the power of observing and remem- 
 bering the relative position of bodies ; is essential to 
 the landscape painter, topographer, geographer, astro- 
 nomer, and surgical anatomist, and those requiring a 
 nice discrimination of the relative position of things. 
 
122 
 
 KNOWING ORGANS. 
 
 28. — Number. 
 
 Use : — Confers the power of observing and remem- 
 bering the number of objects ; imparts the talent of 
 calculation ; is indispensable to a genius for arithmetic, 
 algebra, logarithms, and all sciences conversant with 
 simple numbers. 
 
 29. — Order. 
 
 Use: — Communicates the talent of observing and 
 remembering the arrangement of objects, and confers 
 
 an aptitude for methodical arrangement. 
 
 •♦ 
 
 30. — Eventuality. 
 
 Large. Small. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the power of observing and remem- 
 bering events or occurrences of every kind, and con- 
 duces to the talent of practical details in the affairs 
 of life. 
 
 31 Time. 
 
 Use : — To enable us to perceive and remembor 
 duration, or the relation which one thing bears to an- 
 other in time. It forms an element in the musical 
 talent. 
 
reflecting organs, 123 
 
 32.— Tune, 
 
 Small. Large. 
 
 Use : — Imparts the power of perceiving and remem- 
 bering melody. The musical ear depends upon it ; and 
 without which, however acute the organ of hearing 
 may be, no musical talent can exist. 
 
 33. — Language. 
 
 Use : — The power of perceiving and remembering 
 the signs of our ideas. It takes cognizance both of 
 natural and artificial language, and forms an element 
 iii the philological talent. 
 
 Genus IV. — Reflecting Faculties which com- 
 pare, judge, and discriminate. 
 
 These are the highest faculties of the mind, and 
 which pre-eminently distinguish men from the inferior 
 animals, and enable him to control and mould to his 
 will with facility and power the whole of the animal 
 creation.* 
 
 * "Sanctius his animal men tisque capacius altae 
 Deerat adhuc, et quod dominari in ca?tera possit, 
 Natus homo est." 
 Or, to use the words of Milton, when referring to the creatknof man— 
 
124 
 
 SIZE AN INDICATION OF TOWER JN 
 
 84. — Comparison. 
 
 Use : — Gives the power of discovering resem- 
 blances, differences, analogies, either among things or 
 ideas, and disposes to the use of figurative language. 
 
 35. — Causality. 
 
 Use : — To trace the relation between cause and 
 effect, and the dependencies of phenomena. It im- 
 parts a clear conception of logical consequences, and 
 constitutes the principal element in the talent for ab- 
 stract and metaphysical speculation. 
 
 Phrenologists calculate the power of the organs 
 of the brain by their size, and when the organs are 
 large, no difficulty can be experienced in discover- 
 ing them. But is size the only indication of power in 
 an organ ? by no means ; size is one condition of an 
 organ, and a most important one, but phrenologists 
 also take into account the activity of the part ; the 
 opponents of phrenology forget this, and hence the 
 errors into which they fall ; they will tell you that with 
 phrenologists, size is every thing; they will then bid you 
 look at the fleetness and bottom of a race horse, com- 
 pared with the slow and clumsy movements of the 
 gigantic and unwieldy cart horse, and ask triumphantly 
 if size is of any consequence ? but the example now 
 referred to is not a fair one ; the race horse is of a dif- 
 ferent breed from the cart horse ; all its parts, inde- 
 pendently of its muscles, conspire to give it fleetness ; 
 
 " Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, 
 God-like erect, with native honour clad, 
 In naked majesty, seemed fords Qf all ; 
 
THE ORGANS OF THt BRAIN. 
 
 125 
 
 but to place the subject fairly before us, we ought to 
 compare the effects of size, in two individuals of the 
 same kind. If we see two cart horses of very unequal 
 • size, are we not certain that the larger one is most 
 powerful? and do we not know that among race horses, 
 those in which certain muscles are developed in a 
 greater degree than others, are always the speediest ? 
 Among men the same law holds good ; pugilists know- 
 that a man of ten stones weight, can never be a match 
 for one of fifteen stones. The man of fifteen stones 
 may indeed, from disease or certain other causes, be 
 weaker than the other, but this can never prove that 
 size is of no consequence ; for, all things being equal, 
 the larger man will necessarily be stronger than the 
 smaller. This remark applies to every organ of body, 
 and why should the brain * be viewed as an exception ? 
 
 * " Willis has described the brain of a young man imbecile from 
 birth ; its volume was scarcely one-fifth part of that of an ordinary hu- 
 man brain. If. Bonn, professor at Amsterdam, has two little crania 
 of idiots, and the brain of an imbecile who reached his twenty-fifth year, 
 and was so stupid that he was shown for money as an African savage, 
 &c. 1 have observed heads equally small in many living idiots from 
 birth. All these crania and heads are thirteen or fourteen inches in 
 circumference, and eleven or twelve inches from the root of the nose to 
 the occipital foramen. With from fourteen to seventeen inches in 
 circumference, and from about ten or twelve from the root of the nose 
 to the occipital foramen, we have more or less stupidity — a more or less 
 complete incapacity to fix the attention upon one object-— uncertain or 
 transitory feelings and passions — confusion of ideas. Heads of eighteen 
 or eighteen and a half inches in circumference are still small, although 
 they permit a regular exercise of the faculties ; they possess but a sad 
 mediocrity of talent — a spirit of servile imitation— an extreme defi- 
 ciency of seizing the relationship between cause and effect — a want of 
 self-government, and often few desires. Still some qualities or faculties 
 may be considerable, because particular organs may be greatly develop- 
 ed, forming a striking contrast with the mediocrity of the rest. But as 
 we approach large brains,, we see intellectual faculties of greater mag- 
 
126 
 
 TEMPERAMENT INFLUENCES THE 
 
 In calculating the power of an organ, activity or 
 internal state as well as size is attended to, and this 
 must be particularly remembered in calculating the 
 power of the cerebral organs. The activity of an 
 organ may depend upon a variety of causes — on origi- 
 nal organization or temperament,* on health, on exer- 
 
 nitude, till we arrive at heads twenty-one or twenty-two inches in cir- 
 cumference^ — the dimensions at which men obtain the height of intelli- 
 gence."— See Gall, Vol. I., p. 196, and Vol- II., p. 322. 
 
 * In endeavouring to ascertain the activity of the intellectual power, 
 in any given case, the temperament of the individual should be care- 
 fully noted. The term temperament is another word for original con- 
 stitution ; and although the constitutions of men vary with the individual, 
 and consequently vary ad infinitum — yet it has been found practicable 
 to reduce the temperaments of men into a few divisions. Phrenologists 
 generally admit only of four primary or fundamental temperaments, 
 viz. ; 1st, The nervous ; 2d. The sanguineous ; 3d, The bilious ; and 
 4th, The lymphatic. In some individuals the temperaments are pure, 
 in others they are mixed, and the mixture may exist in various de- 
 grees. The nervous, for example, may exist with the sanguineous, or 
 with the bilious, or with the lymphatic ; or, there may be a mixture 
 of any three of the temperaments, or, a mixture in various degrees of 
 all the four. The pure or unmixed temperaments may be thus de- 
 scribed. 
 
 The nervous temperament is indicated by delicacy and irritability of 
 frame. The skin is soft and fine, and not thickly covered with hair; 
 the muscles and bones rather slender, and the muscular motions quick 
 and lively. 
 
 The sanguineous temperament is indicated by a florid complexion, 
 blue eyes, light hair. The skin soft, the superficial veins large, the 
 pulse full and frequent, and the body round and plump. 
 
 The bilious temperament is known by a complexion of a swarthy or 
 leaden hue, dark eyes, coarse black or brown lank hair, slow pulse. The 
 bones are large, the muscles wiry, and the countenance sombre and 
 melancholic. 
 
 The lymphatic temperament is distinguished by light hair, light or 
 grey eyes, a pallid complexion. A weak soft pulse, a cold skin, and a 
 torpid state of all the functions. The countenance is soft, heavy and 
 unmeaning. Of these temperaments the nervous imparts quickness of 
 mental manifestation ; the sanguineous energy ; the bilious durability ; 
 
MENTAL MANIFESTATION. 
 
 127 
 
 cise. All these circumstances operate on corporeal 
 organs of every kind, and there is, besides, one which 
 is peculiar to the cerebral — the mutual influence of 
 these organs. Exercise alone has a wonderful influ- 
 ence in affecting the power of an organ. We observe 
 this every day in the muscular system. A muscle 
 when kept for some time in a state of inactivity becomes 
 soft and flabby, and incapable of energetic contraction, 
 but let the same muscle be inured to regular exercise, 
 it becomes firmer and redder, and much more power- 
 ful. Such is an exemplification of activity in contra- 
 distinction to size, in an organ of motion. But may 
 not mental exercise affect in some way the organization 
 of the brain ? It is possible that it may render it 
 denser by the greater quantity of blood which is carried 
 to the brain during the process of thinking, and we 
 may have thus actual power imparted, although no 
 increase of size be discoverable. But the energy or 
 activity of an organ can only be imparted in this way 
 to a limited degree ; and consequently, where great 
 power is wanted great size is indispensable. This ob- 
 servation applies to every other organ of the body, 
 and why should we suppose that the organs of the 
 brain are exceptions to the general law ? 
 
 It is a common but very erroneous opinion, that all 
 brains, or what is the same thing, that all heads are 
 alike. The heads of men differ as much as their faces ; 
 and all know that two faces have never yet been found 
 perfectly alike. The varieties of form in the human 
 head are, indeed, infinite ; hence we can easily explain 
 
 and the lymphatic torpidity ; circumstances which must never be for. 
 gotten in estimating the character of any individual. 
 
128 THE FORM OF THE HEAD VARIES 
 
 the infinite diversity of character that exists in society. 
 Compare the heads of members of the same family, 
 and amidst the family resemblances which exist in all , 
 you will be astonished at the striking individual differ- 
 ences. Compare, again, any one of these with others 
 of a different family, and you will not only perceive 
 the difference, but be able to say in what the difference 
 consists. If you extend, then, your sphere of observa- 
 tion, you will soon be convinced that there are national 
 as well as family peculiarities. The English head 
 can easily be distinguished from the French head, and 
 the French and German* from the Turkish or any other. 
 
 * Dr. Viraont thus particularizes them. When speaking of the 
 German scull, he says, " The regions of the reflective faculties, of Cau- 
 tiousness, and of the moral sentiments, are all largely developed. Ven- 
 eration and Benevolence in particular are'well marked. The perceptive 
 faculties considered generally, with the exception of Tune, are moder- 
 ately developed. The organs of Ideality, Constructiveness, and Gusta- 
 tiveness, are often very prominent, Secretiveness and Self- Esteem are 
 also very conspicuously large. 
 
 " The French head is smaller than the German. The region of the 
 perceptive faculties is generally larger, while the organs of reflection 
 are smaller in the French than in the Germans. The organs of 
 Tune and Number are larger in the Germans. The French are gen- 
 erally deficient in the organ of Cautiousness. The organs of Individ- 
 uality, of Colour, and Form, are generally large in the French, as also 
 those of Comparison, Wit, Wonder, and Poetry. The organs of Con- 
 structiveness, Imitation, and of the sense of the beautiful in the arts, 
 are also large in them ; particularly the last two. The organ of Love 
 of Approbation or vanity generally predominates. Benevolence is 
 well developed ; but Veneration, Self- Esteem, and Firmness are not so." 
 
 " During my stay in London, I went almost every Sunday to the 
 churches. The result of my remarks may be shortly stated. Con- 
 sidered generally, the size of the heads of the inhabitants of London do 
 not differ much from that of the Parisian heads : in particular points 
 the differences are very striking. In equal numbers the reflective 
 faculties are more developed in London than in Paris ; and the same 
 rule holds in regard to Cautiousness, Firmness, and Self- Esteem. The 
 
IN DIFFERENT NATIONS. 
 
 129 
 
 All travellers admit this ; and the numerous collection 
 of sculls and casts of the heads of individuals of differ- 
 ent nations which now exist, has set the matter at rest. 
 There can be no doubt, then, that there are individual, 
 family, and national peculiarities of head, and are we 
 to suppose that these differences of form are unproduc- 
 tive of differences of character ? Glance for a moment 
 at the forms of the Caucasian, Mongolian, and Ethio- 
 pian heads, and then endeavour to draw such a con- 
 clusion. To what conclusion would the history of these 
 varieties of mankind lead regarding the forms of their 
 heads ? Would it lead a phrenologist to the conclu- 
 sion, that the form of the negro head is as fine as that 
 of the Caucasian ? By no means. History tells us 
 that the Ethiopian has always been in a state of ex- 
 treme barbarism,* while the Caucasian varieties have 
 uniformly displayed high intellectual powers and from 
 time immemorial been the promoters and depositaries 
 of human knowledge. The doctrines of Phrenology 
 would lead at once to the conclusion that the Ethio- 
 pian head must be greatly different in form, greatly 
 defective compared with the Caucasian. We know, 
 
 organ of Alimentiveness is larger in the English, and to this cause 
 is to be ascribed their love of spirituous liquors. Drunkenness is the 
 predominant vice of the English." Dr. Vimont quotes from Bulwer's 
 " England and the English," the number of persons entering gin-shops 
 within certain periods of time, and adds, " the Scotch, and particularly 
 the Irish, appear to be greatly addicted to spirituous liquors. I have 
 never spoken to an Irishman who has not assured me that idleness, and 
 particularly drunkenness, were the dominant vices of the mass of the 
 Irish population." — p. 489, as quoted by Mr. Combe. 
 
 * Individual instances exist among the negro tribes of exalted moral 
 and intellectual endowments, but these are exceptions, and are uni- 
 formly accompanied with superior development of the brain. 
 
130 
 
 VARIETIES IN THE FORM OF 
 
 indeed, that the negro head approaches to the monkey 
 form, and that the negro brain is less developed than 
 that of the Caucasian ; that the anterior lobes are 
 strikingly defective, and that consequently no circum- 
 stances short of a change of cerebral form, could make 
 the negro equal to the Caucasian. 
 
 There is an endless variety of form in the human head, 
 and to satisfy himself on this point, the reader might first 
 consult the writings of Cuvier, and particularly the first 
 volume of his Animal Kingdom, in which the forms of 
 the heads of the three grand varieties of mankind are 
 particularly described ; then he might turn to Blu- 
 menbach's plates of the crania of different nations. 
 Blumenbach enumerates five varieties of mankind, the 
 Caucasian, Mongolian, American, Ethiopian, and 
 Malay, and the sculls of which may be thus described. 
 In the Caucasian variety the scull is fully developed in 
 the upper and front parts, these forming a large and 
 smooth convexity, a little flattened towards the temples : 
 there is a general softness, harmony, and proportion in 
 the entire contour of the head. Some differences in the 
 formation of the scull have been, observed in different 
 nations of the Caucasian race : in the Turks, for in- 
 stance, a singular globularity of this part has been re- 
 marked, and in the Poles and Russians a considerable 
 contraction of the orbits. But we have not sufficient 
 information on this subject, to lead us to any definite 
 conclusions. 
 
 In the Mongolian variety, the head is of a square form, 
 with the forehead low and slanting. The orbits are 
 large and open, and the superciliary arches elevated. 
 
 In the Ethiopian variety, the front of the head is 
 
THE NATIONAL HEADS. 
 
 131 
 
 laterally compressed and elongated, so that the length 
 of the whole scull from the teeth to the occiput is con- 
 siderable. It forms a complete contrast to the globular 
 head of some Europeans, and to the square heads of 
 the Calmucks. The forehead is wonderfully narrowed 
 off, and the face widened below, the foramen magnum 
 is large and farther back, and the apertures for the 
 nerves are larger. The organs of sense are more de- 
 veloped, and the narrow forehead and protruded muzzle 
 give to the negro head a character decidedly animal. 
 
 The American scull may be thus characterised — 
 broad cheek-bones, depressed forehead, deep orbits 
 and nasal cavity generally large. 
 
 The Esquimaux and Greenlanders who seem to form 
 a link between the Americans and Mongolians, have 
 broad cheek-bones, and large jaws and face, flattened 
 nose, the cranium sufficiently ample, but distinguished 
 by a posterior elongation. 
 
 The Carib tribes are conspicuous for a most remark- 
 able depression of the forehead, which defect they 
 increase by artificial means. The hinder parts of the 
 scull greatly preponderate : the face is large and muscu- 
 lar. The nasal bones neither small nor flat. The 
 nasal cavity is large, and the jaws and teeth display 
 great strength. 
 
 In the Malay variety, the scull is narrow at the 
 anterior and upper part. The face is large and the 
 jaws prominent. 
 
 The reader having satisfied himself that there are 
 national varieties of heads, let him direct his attention 
 to those of his own nation — to those that surround him, 
 Let him more particularly observe the heads of different 
 
132 
 
 THE CAUSE OF N\TI«N^l CHARACTER 
 
 families, and after he has familiarized his mind with 
 such diversities of form, he will then be prepared to 
 observe and distinguish the peculiarities of form that 
 appertain to the heads of members of the same family ; 
 for amidst the family resemblances which always more 
 or less exist, he will uniformly find decided and palp- 
 able differences. 
 
 The following six outlines of the sculls of as many 
 different tribes and nations, even though in profile and 
 on so small a scale, will enable the reader to form some 
 idea of the differences of form that exist in sculls of 
 different nations : — 
 
 l. — Ntiv Hollander. 
 
 2.— North American Indian. 
 
 6. — European. 
 
TO BE LOOKED FOR IN THE BRAIN 7 . 
 
 133 
 
 It is generally admitted, that a great diversity of intel- 
 lectual and moral character exists among men. The va- 
 rieties of character are, indeed, infinite ; and this being 
 admitted, how are we to account for this variety ? Is it 
 to be attributed to education — to climate — to forms of 
 government — or to food ? Each and all of these causes 
 have been assigned, but they are obviously quite inade- 
 quate to produce the effect. Take a small community 
 of children, a boarding school for example, in any part 
 of the country or world, and observe, if similarity of 
 government, education, climate, and food will reduce 
 the inmates to a uniformity of character. It is of no 
 moment how soon the training commences, or how long 
 it is continued, uniformity cannot thus be effected, and 
 every teacher of youth knows this and will admit it. 
 If these causes, acting as equally as possible on a 
 limited number of individuals, cannot produce a uni- 
 formity, what reason have we to suppose that they 
 could produce such an effect upon a greater number, 
 or upon the whole of mankind ? or what reason have 
 we to imagine that the diversity of character, that un- 
 doubtedly exists among men should arise from the 
 unequal operation of these causes. In attributing 
 the diversity of human character, to these comparatively 
 adventitious circumstances, philosophers have looked 
 too far from themselves. They have erred like chil- 
 dren, who, when sailing along the banks of a river, see 
 houses and trees in motion, and never dream that the 
 motion is nearer themselves, or like the astronomers of 
 old, who beheld in the rising and setting of the sun, a 
 diurnal rotation of the whole universe, never for a mo- 
 ment suspecting that the motion of the earth upon its 
 
134 IN INSANITY THE ESSENCE OF THE 
 
 own axis, would explain simply and perfectly all the 
 phenomena. Man has within himself the elements of 
 an infinite diversity of character. Admit that the 
 character of man depends upon his brain, and the 
 diversity of character can easily be accounted for. 
 The form, size, and internal constitution of the brain 
 vary ad infinitum among men, and these modifications 
 of structure necessarily impart corresponding modifica- 
 tions of function. Throughout nature the most stu- 
 pendous effects are produced by simple means. By 
 the operations of the law of gravity, millions of worlds 
 are preserved in their proper relative situation and 
 their motions through space maintained with mathe- 
 matical exactitude and regularity. It argues strongly 
 in favour of phrenology, that it can explain so simply 
 the diversities of human character that are admitted to 
 exist, and on a principle to which, if we admit the brain 
 to be the organ of the mind, no rational or solid objec- 
 tion can be made. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 On Insanity.— Proximate Cause corporeal. — Corporeal Agents produce 
 it — Insanity hereditary.— Different Kinds of Insanity.— Principles of 
 Treatment. 
 
 If Phrenology is true it should explain the pheno- 
 mena of mind both in a state of health and disease. 
 Now, it is well known, that it can afford this explana- 
 tion. Insanity in all its forms is dependent on a 
 peculiar condition of the brain. If insanity is a 
 disease of the mind itself, as many suppose, then ' 
 
MIND IS NOT AFFECTED. 
 
 135 
 
 Phrenology has no foundation in nature ; or if it be 
 attributable to the direct influence of demons, as was 
 long believed and inculcated, then Phrenology is little 
 better than a dream, and medical science neces- 
 sarily as inefficacious in the treatment of such disease 
 as the divining rod of the enchanter. But to obviate 
 such conclusions — such absurdities, we should say — it 
 is only necessary to show that insanity in all its forms 
 is dependent on certain corporeal states — that insanity 
 is a corporeal disease, and may be curable or incurable 
 according to the circumstances of the case, like every 
 other corporeal disorder. It is scarcely possible to form 
 an idea of a disease purely intellectual. Every disease 
 with which we are acquainted depends upon some 
 structural derangement of the organ affected. There 
 is no disease purely functional. The function of an 
 organ depends altogether on the structure ; and to 
 speak of the function of an organ being affected with- 
 out a previous change of some kind in the structure, is 
 fraught with the greatest absurdity : — it is to contend 
 that the function may exist without the structure ; or, 
 in other words, that an effect may exist without its 
 cause. Now, in diseases of the mind, is the structure 
 of the mind affected ? is there any thing that can be 
 called structure in the mind ? has the mind parts and 
 proportions ? For, unless it has parts to be affected, 
 how could a disease exist ? Many who speak of a 
 disease of the mind, contend also for the mind's ethe- 
 reality and indestructibility? but are not the two 
 opinions obviously at variance ? If the mind is liable 
 to disease it is also liable to die ; and are all those 
 •who contend for the existence of mental disease, pre- 
 
136 
 
 INSANITY IS A 
 
 pared to impugn the consoling doctrine of the soul's 
 immortality ? Phrenologists, at least, do not acquiesce 
 in such a proposition. Phrenologists maintain that in 
 insanity, the corporeal instrument of the mind alone 
 is affected : and they conceive, that what may be predi- 
 cated of the organ is not necessarily applicable to the 
 agent that uses the organ. 
 
 That insanity is a corporal disease may be deduced 
 from the following considerations: — first, agents that 
 produce their effects upon the body only, produce it. 
 Every thing that affects the organization of the brain, 
 either directly or indirectly, influences the manifesta- 
 tion of the mind ; a blow which depresses a portion 
 of the scull annihilates for a time the power of think- 
 ing, and the elevation of the broken piece of cranium 
 restores the mind to its wonted powers ; inflammation 
 of the brain is uniformly attended with delirium, and 
 with the removal of the inflammation the delirium 
 ceases ; insanity may also be induced by the improper 
 use of intoxicating liquors ; aliments and drinks have 
 an influence on the morals — many medicines have the 
 same effects : now, do not these agents act only on the 
 body ; do aliments or medicines act on the mind ? No ; 
 they act only on the corporeal organization, and hence 
 those peculiar states of the mind that are induced are 
 dependent on the corporeal condition. 
 
 Secondly. Insanity is an hereditary disease. The 
 hereditar} r nature of insanity is a fact so obvious and 
 generally admitted, as scarcely to require either illus- 
 tration or proof. If proof were demanded, I would 
 refer not only to the opinion of mankind generally, 
 but to men whose days and nights have been devoted 
 
CORPOREAL DISEASE. 
 
 137 
 
 to the investigation of the disease, and who are unani- 
 mously of opinion that it may be transmitted from 
 generation to generation. In corroboration of this 
 view Haslam relates ten cases, to one only of which we 
 shall at present advert. In detailing the history of an 
 inmate of a madhouse, he says, that the patient's 
 grandfather was mad, but that there was no insanity in 
 his grandmother's family. The father of the patient 
 was occasionally melancholic, and had one raving 
 paroxysm — his mother's family were sane. The same 
 patient had a brother and five sisters — now, mark the 
 effect of the disease upon them : his brother, Haslam 
 says, has been confined in a madhouse, and all his 
 sisters have been insane — with the three youngest the 
 disease came on at parturition. It is also well known 
 that the longer insanity has existed in any family, and 
 the greater the number of generations that have been 
 affected, the more liable is the disease to appear. 
 Fodere has observed, that among Cretins children of 
 the first generation are only a little disposed to the 
 disease, but if such children intermarry with other 
 Cretins, it appears much more frequently ; and if three 
 generations of such children consecutively intermarry, 
 the disease, he says, is a certain and inevitable event. 
 In the same proportion, he informs us, the probability 
 of hereditary insanity lessens by intermarrying succes- 
 sively with healthy persons. These are facts with 
 which all are familiar ; but if they prove any thing 
 they prove the corporeal nature of the disease in ques- 
 tion. They cannot be explained by referring the dis» 
 ease to the mind itself ; for, is the immaterial and im- 
 mortal existence we denominate mind transmitted by 
 
138 
 
 INS AM IV IS AN" 
 
 generation? if we are not assured on this point, we 
 cannot be certain that peculiarities of mind can be so 
 transmitted. It is an incontestable fact, however, that 
 corporeal peculiarities may be transmitted by genera- 
 tion. Gout, scrofula, phthisis, apoplexy, are heredi- 
 tary diseases ; the stomach, heart, lungs, liver, brain, 
 and every other organ, participate of inheritance. We 
 can distinguish family brains as well as family feet, 
 family hands, and family faces ; and when peculiarities 
 of talent and disposition display themselves in certain 
 families, and are transmitted from father to son through 
 a series of generations, is it not more just and philoso- 
 phical to ascribe these to the peculiarities of the cor- 
 poreal organs which can undoubtedly be transmitted, 
 than to some peculiarities of the intellectual principle 
 with the nature of which we are totally ignorant ? But 
 it is not by reasoning only that we deduce the corpo- 
 real nature of insanity. We see it arising from causes 
 which produce other corporeal complaints, and pre- 
 senting symptoms which every one must admit have a 
 reference to corporeal organs only. These symptoms 
 are headach, pain over the eyes, stricture and numb- 
 ness across the forehead, dizziness, noise in the ears, 
 and dilatation or contraction of the pupils of the eye ; 
 symptoms w r hich, though no other existed, would lead 
 every medical man to suspect a morbid condition of the 
 brain ; and, after death, is that condition not found ? 
 Were we to answer this question simply in the affirma- 
 tive, or bid you rely upon the authority of some eminent 
 phrenologist whose opinion we could cite, you might 
 be inclined to receive the enunciation with that dis- 
 trust which any ex parte statement naturally carries 
 
HEREDITARY E1SEASE. 
 
 1G0 
 
 along with it. But to place the subject most impar- 
 tially before you, we would refer to the work of Dr. 
 Abercromby on the diseases of the brain — one of the 
 latest and ablest works upon the subject. Dr. Aber- 
 cromby is no phrenologist, yet his work is calculated 
 to do Phrenology some service. The dissection of 133 
 cases is given in that work ; and, with the exception of 
 two or three obscure cases from which no conclusion 
 can be drawn, they lead irresistibly to the conclusion, 
 that disease of the brain is uniformly attended with 
 mental alienation, and mental alienation with cerebral 
 disease. In all these cases, the cerebral disease and 
 mental affection hold the relationship of cause and 
 effect ; and were our experience on this subject greater 
 than it is, we could infer from the state of the mind 
 the precise state or condition of the cerebral organ. 
 
 From reasoning and observation, then, the proxi- 
 mate cause of insanity must be considered as corporeal. 
 The mind, in this state, is no more diseased than in 
 the derangement of the five senses or of the organs of 
 voluntary motion. In all diseases of the organs of 
 sensation, the proximate cause is not looked for beyond 
 the corporeal organs. In palsy, cramp, tetanus, &c, 
 the cause is not looked for in the mind, but in the in- 
 struments by which the will is propagated and volun- 
 tary motion produced. Ought we not to reason in the 
 same manner regarding the internal organs ? Indeed, 
 too much attention has been paid to the moral and 
 metaphysical causes of insanity ; while the corporeal, 
 unquestionably more within the sphere of our observa- 
 tion and comprehension, have been overlooked — almost 
 tutally neglected. If insanity is a disease purely men- 
 
140 
 
 THE MORAL TREATMENT 
 
 tal, it should be cured by reasoning ; but will ratioci- 
 nation effect a cure ? It' so, why should medical 
 men interfere ? Should not the insane rather be 
 intrusted to the divine and metaphysician as for- 
 merly ; but who would be so foolish as trust a serious 
 case of insanity to this mode of treatment ? " The 
 good effects," says Haslam, whose practical knowledge 
 of insanity was very extensive, "the good effects 
 which have resulted from exhibiting logic as a remedy 
 for madness, must be sufficiently known to every one 
 who has conversed with insane persons, and must be 
 considered as time lost." In opposition to these views, 
 it has been urged that insanity may be cured by moral 
 treatment alone ; and if this be admitted, how can the 
 fact be reconciled with the corporeal nature of the 
 disease. It must indeed be admitted that the soothing 
 plan of treatment, which is the medical name for the 
 moral, is often highly efficacious, and is now, we are 
 happy to find, the method of treatment usually adopted 
 in this country. But this concession does not over- 
 turn the fact of the corporeal nature of insanity, for 
 the moral treatment is beneficial in almost every cor- 
 poreal disease. Many diseases of the heart are cured 
 by this plan alone. In inflammation of the eye, we 
 exclude the light from the inflamed organ, we keep 
 the patient on low diet, and avoid every cause of 
 excitement, and the inflammation may be overcome j 
 but is the disease not seated in a corporeal organ ? in 
 inflammation of the brain, the moral, or soothing plan, 
 is uniformly had recourse to ; but because the inrlam- 
 mation may subside by these means, are we to conclude 
 ^lamination of the brain is not a corporeal dis- 
 
HIGHLY BENEFICIAL IN INSANITY. 
 
 141 
 
 ease ? Now, insanity is a symptom of a diseased con- 
 dition of the brain, depending" primarily, in the majo- 
 rity of cases, on a greater or less degree of inflamma- 
 tory action ; it cannot be surprising then, that a plan 
 of treatment which wards off from the diseased organ 
 every species of excitement, should be productive of 
 beneficial consequences. It would be surprising in- 
 deed, were it otherwise. Enter into any of our best 
 conducted hospitals for the insane, and after attending 
 to the practice most successfully employed, say whe- 
 ther it accords or not with the corporeal nature of 
 the disease. Will you find the patient bound hand 
 and foot and thrown into a dungeon till his senses 
 return, or chained to a stake and lashed into a sense 
 of duty or obedience to his merciless overseer ? No ; 
 you will find the patient treated upon different prin- 
 ciples ; you will find leeches applied to his temples, 
 his head shaved and covered with a blister, the secre- 
 tions of his bowels improved by appropriate alteratives, 
 his nervous system soothed by hyoscyamus, opium, 
 and other anodynes, and the wants and comforts of 
 the patient attended to, so far as may be consistent 
 with his general safety. This plan of treatment is 
 applicable only to a corporeal disease ; it presupposes 
 an affection of the head, a disease of the brain ; and it 
 would be more philosophical, in speaking of insanity, 
 to call it a disease of the brain, than to use an appella- 
 tion which is so liable to mislead, and which at best 
 indicates but one symptom of the morbid affection. 
 Had insanity always been denominated a disease of the 
 brain, or been viewed as of this character, would the 
 heart-rending scenes which at one time were of daily 
 
142 
 
 nilt£NOLOGY LEADS TO JUST VIEWS 
 
 occurrence in every madhouse, ever have been witness- 
 ed ? or, when entering these abodes of wretchedness, 
 would human ears ever have been assailed by the 
 clanking of chains, the resounding lash of the whip, 
 and the reiterated yells of the miserable outcasts, 
 writhing under a blind but systematic medical torture ? 
 Had the grand fundamental principle of Phrenology 
 been known, that the brain is the material organ of the 
 mind, a man could no more have been scourged or 
 mutilated for being insane, than for labouring under 
 diarrhoea or dysentery ; he would have been viewed 
 only as an object of deep commiseration, and means 
 resorted to with some rational prospect of benefit. 
 The knowledge of a disease is admitted to be half its 
 cure ; and if we can point out the seat even of any 
 obscure disease, we have made an important advance 
 to its successful treatment. 
 
 It may be urged that medical science is not indebted 
 to Phrenology for this view of the nature and treatment 
 of insanity. If such views, however, existed before 
 the introduction of Phrenology, they had little influ- 
 ence on medical practice. In none of our standard 
 medical authorities is it decidedly stated that the brain 
 is the organ of the mind. It is only since Phrenology 
 was promulgated, and a force of evidence produced 
 which bore down all opposition, that the position has 
 been generally admitted. But Phrenology has not 
 only led us to seek for the cause of insanity, where 
 alone it is to be found — in the corporeal organs — it has 
 also enabled us to explain the endless variety of phases 
 through which it passes, and modifications w r hich it 
 assumes. How curious, and, according to the old 
 
Ol' TREATMENT IN INSANITY. 
 
 143 
 
 philosophy, how perplexing", are some of the symptoms 
 of insanity ! A person, for example, may be insane 
 on one subject or one set of subjects, and perfectly 
 rational on every thing 1 else ; and some idiots even 
 exhibit remarkable talents in a particular way. " By 
 an inexplicable singularity," says Fodere, "some of 
 these individuals (Cretins) endowed with so weak 
 minds, are born with a peculiar talent for copying- 
 paintings, for rhyming, or for music." He knew several, 
 he says, " who taught themselves passably to play on 
 the organ and harpsichord, others who understood, 
 without ever having had a master, the repairing of 
 watches, and the construction of some pieces of mecha- 
 nism." He adds, "that these powers could not 
 be attributed to the intellect, for the individuals not 
 only could not read books, but could not comprehend 
 what was said to them." A man may be insane on 
 love, or religion, or on as many different subjects as 
 there are primitive powers of the mind. 
 
 It has been already stated that insanity is not a 
 disease, but a symptom of a disease, or of numerous 
 diseases, and a symptom which can only be removed 
 by taking away the pathological cause inducing it ; or, 
 in other words, by changing the state of the brain on 
 which it depends. Insanity bears the same relation 
 to the brain that irregularity of pulse bears to the 
 heart, and as a deranged condition of the pulse cannot 
 be cured without removing the disease from the heart, 
 neither can mental manifestation be improved without 
 a change of the state of the brain. These phreno- 
 logical views of the subject may be illustrated still 
 farther by comparing insanity to a central point, from 
 
144 
 
 INSANITY A DISEASE OF THE BRAIN. 
 
 which lines diverge in every direction ; all the lines 
 have this in common, that they communicate with the 
 central point, but each line has also a separate and 
 independent existence. If one line alone be affected, 
 the disease would correspond with partial insanity, 
 but if all the lines be affected it would correspond with 
 complete insanity ; the mental phenomena could thus 
 easily be supposed to vary with the lines affected. 
 Substitute organs for lines, and a perfect idea may be 
 formed of the phrenological doctrine of insanity. 
 When one of the organs of the brain is affected with 
 disease, the insanity is partial, and the degree of 
 insanity will depend on the number of organs affected. 
 From this view of insanity, how easily it enables us to 
 explain every attendant phenomenon, and what a 
 power Phrenology is capable of imparting in the dis- 
 covery and treatment of cerebral diseases. * 
 
 * The following cases will illustrate still farther the connexion 
 between insanity and disease of the brain :-— 
 
 Dr. Haslara repeatedly asserts, that insanity is always connected with 
 a morbid condition of the brain. 
 
 Greding has noticed thickening of the skull in 6 * out of 21 . besides 
 other morbid states. 
 
 Spurzheim says, that disease of the head always exists in insanity. 
 
 M. Georget, after numerous dissections of the brains of insane per- 
 sons, arrives at the same conclusion. — Medico. Chirurgical Review, 1827. 
 
 Mr. Davidson examined with great care, the heads of 200 patients 
 who died in the Lancaster County Lunatic Asylum, and he says that 
 scarcely a single instance presented itself, in which traces of disease in 
 the brain or its membranes were not evident even when lunacy was 
 recent, and the patient died of a different disease.— Observations on 
 Mental Derangement, by Andrew Combe. 
 
 Dr. Wright of the Bethlem Lunatic Hospital informs us, that he 
 examined the heads of 100 patients who died of insanity, in 90 of which 
 disease was most palpable, and though less marked in the remaining 
 ten, yet he discovered disease in some foi m or other. — Medico-ChirurgL 
 col Review, 1828. 
 
PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION. 1 45 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ON THE PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION. 
 
 Principle 1st. Education does not confer new powers either mental or 
 corporeal, but merely improves those already implant- 
 ed by nature. 
 
 2d. All the powers of the mind cannot be improved to an 
 equal degree in any individual. 
 
 3d. The improvement of any one power of the mind does 
 not affect the strength or energy of any of the other 
 mental powers. 
 
 4th. The intellectual powers which are naturally strongest 
 in any individual should be cultivated to a greater 
 degree than those that are weak. 
 
 5th. Education to be effective must be practical. 
 Advantages of Phrenology. 
 
 I. There is no living being with which we are 
 acquainted susceptible of education to the same extent 
 
 A competitor for the prize offered by Esquirol for the best essay on 
 insanity, states that he examined the heads of more than one hundred 
 individuals who died insane, and arrives at the following conclusions : 
 1st, That in the brains of those who die insane, changes of structure 
 will always be found. 2d, That these changes are the consequences of 
 inflammation, either acute or chronic. 3d, That there exists a corre- 
 spondence between the symptoms and the organic changes, and that the 
 names, monomania, mania, &c, ought to be employed as representing 
 degrees and stages of inflammation of the brain. — Archives Generates 
 de Medicine. 
 
 Although these are important facts, and argue strongly in support of 
 the conclusion we are advocating, still it must be admitted, that cases 
 of insanity have existed, in which no trace of cerebral disease was 
 found after death. Too much has been made of such cases by some 
 physiologists. The simple explanation I conceive to be, that the 
 structural disease eluded observation ; and who can say that a slight 
 change in the molecules of the brain — a change inappreciable by our 
 senses — will not affect materially the function of the organ. It is often 
 
146 
 
 PLANTS SUSCEPTIBLE OF 
 
 as man, and the reason of this is found in the great 
 superiority of man's natural endowments; for education, 
 it is to be particularly remarked, does not confer new 
 powers, either mental or corporeal, but simply improves 
 
 extremely difficult to detect the existence of disease in nervous matter 
 of any kind, yet in many instances we are bound to believe that disease 
 exists, although the structure is not obviously affected. In amaurosis, 
 or " serene drop," we cannot doubt that the nerve of vision is in a 
 morbid state, although it may appear of as natural a structure as in the 
 healthy eye. In some instances of this disease, the slightest opacity of 
 the retina is often all that can be detected ; and in other instances, the 
 change of structure is so slight, as to elude completely our present 
 means of detection. 
 
 Pinel, Calmeil, Grandchamps, Bayle, Foville, and Falret, have in . 
 vestigated the anatomical characters of insanity with great care, and 
 under the following threefold aspect: — 1st, Whether organic lesions 
 exist in insanity. 2dly, What are those lesions ? and 3dly, Do they 
 vary? 
 
 Their answers to the first question are quite decided : they agree that 
 in all cases there are lesions. In their answers to the second they 
 assert, that these lesions are to be found chiefly in the brain, or its 
 membranes ; and in the third place, that the lesions differ in their 
 nature, seat, and extent. 
 
 Monsieur Foville says, that when the intellectual faculties are alone 
 affected, the grey of some part is diseased ; and that when the intellec- 
 tual disturbance has been acute, the cortical part presents a redness 
 similar to erysipelas, and that this redness is uniform or not, more or 
 less diffused, or more or less superficial. Sometimes the cerebral sub- 
 stance is found to have lost its consistency, while at other times it is 
 preternaturally solid and firm. 
 
 When the disease is chronic, a different set of morbid characters 
 according to the same authority, are found. The seat is the same, but 
 the affected portion he says, is divided into two layers, one superficial, 
 discoloured, indurated, and raised like a membrane, and the other 
 which lies immediately beneath this, presents a rugose and granular 
 appearance. 
 
 In some cases, the cortical substance is softened and separated from 
 the white ; in others, the convolutions are partially or generally wasted 
 and occasionally cysts are formed where the atrophy has occurred. — 
 See Andral on Diseases of the Nervous Systeyn, Medical Gaze, te, Vol. 
 xv \\\. p. S12. 
 
CULTURE OR EDUCATION. 
 
 147 
 
 those already implanted by nature ; this position, 
 though to us perfectly obvious and incontrovertible, 
 is not generally admitted. It will be necessary, there- 
 fore, that we enter upon its full examination, and that 
 the subject may be placed in as strong a light as possi- 
 ble, we shall refer first to the effects of education upon 
 the Vegetable Tribes; secondly, upon the Inferior 
 Animals ; and thirdly, upon Man, 
 
 In what, we would ask, does the education or culture 
 of a plant consist ? Is it not in imparting to it its pro- 
 per nourishment, in placing it in the most favourable 
 circumstances for appropriating the nourishment im- 
 parted, and in obviating those external causes which 
 tend to its injury ? By attending to these circum- 
 stances the plant will grow, bear fruit, and display in 
 full vigour the energies of its nature ; but you can force 
 it to do no more. You cannot by any mode of culture 
 change the nature of a plant. No mode of culture 
 could, for example, convert a plum-tree into an apple- 
 tree, or make the poppy, which secretes opium, distil 
 the juice of the grape. Culture can produce no such 
 changes on vegetables ; it may give addition of size ; it 
 may modify or heighten the fragrancy or savour of the 
 vegetable or its productions, but cannot alter the in- 
 trinsic character of any individual vegetable substance. 
 
 In the education of inferior animals, in the next 
 place, the same principle applies. We may affect or 
 modify the character of such animals by education, but 
 we cannot change their natures. We cannot, for exam- 
 ple, impart the dispositions of a carnivorous animal, to 
 that of a herbivorous, or vice versa. We can tame, no 
 doubt, the most furious of animals, but this training 
 
148 
 
 EDUCATION OF INFERIOR ANIMALS 
 
 does not impart any new power, but merely decreases 
 or strengthens, modifies or changes, the direction of 
 powers which previously existed. The taming of a 
 wild animal is effected by exciting in the first place 
 its fears, so that it may be completely overawed, for 
 without this no subsequent step in the treatment could 
 be availing. After the trainer has imparted a sense of 
 his invincible superiority upon the animal by a frequent 
 recurrence to such means as are found adequate to the 
 purpose, his next step consists in repressing and keep- 
 ing in a state of quiescence, those natural instincts and 
 dispositions which have a tendency to show themselves ; 
 which may be effected, partly by keeping the animal 
 in a state of due subordination, and partly by exclud- 
 ing those circumstances which can excite the disposi- 
 tions we wish to overcome ; and lastly, he must excite 
 and keep in constant activity, those kindly feelings 
 which exist to a certain extent in all animals, and 
 which show themselves occasionally in their most 
 furious state. It is an undoubted fact, that in the in- 
 ferior animals, as well as in man, propensity of every 
 kind is increased by exercise and weakened by disuse ; 
 so that even in the lion, if we could lull for a great 
 length of time those passions which naturally agitate 
 and convulse his frame, we would insensibly rob the 
 animal of his furious nature, and assimilate it to other 
 animals less furious and consequently more manageable 
 and docile, but do we by these means change his 
 inherent dispositions ? Is the mild and inoffensive 
 lion that has been encaged for years and subjected to 
 the mastering hand of man, a totally different being 
 from him who ranges in the forest in all his shaggy 
 
CONDUCTED UPON PRINCIPLE. 
 
 149 
 
 terrors, and appals by his thunders the animal world 
 around him ? The one is educated as far, it may be, as 
 his nature will permit ; but the animal has received no 
 new instinct, and all its old are still lurking within it, 
 and liable to break forth by the operation of every ex- 
 citing cause. 
 
 In taming or educating an animal of an opposite 
 character from the lion, a hare, for example, though 
 we must proceed upon similar principles, yet the appli- 
 cation of these principles must vary with the natural 
 character of the animal ; as timidity in the hare is the 
 overwhelming feeling, great care would be necessary to 
 diminish its intensity, for till this was accomplished the 
 education of the creature could not be proceeded with ; 
 but strong though the feeling be in that animal, it may, 
 to a great extent, be overcome ; the intensity of every 
 animal feeling is increased by circumstances which 
 excite the feeling, and weakened by what represses 
 and keeps it in a state of inactivity. In the example 
 referred to, the timidity would be diminished by plac- 
 ing the animal for a long time in situations where it 
 could suffer no injury, and at the same time experience 
 frequent acts of kindness ; it is in this way only that 
 the feeling of timidity in an animal would be partially 
 overcome. 
 
 But in the training of animals it may be said that 
 more can be effected than the weakening or soften- 
 ing down of certain feelings ; we can teach them 
 something positive ; we can make them learn what 
 is foreign to their natures ; we can impart, in a 
 word, new dispositions and powers. Can we not, for 
 example, train a dog to discover game without injuring 
 
150 NO NEW POWER CAN BE 
 
 or devouring it, and thus to act contrary to the im- 
 pulse of its nature ? Can we not impart the elegant 
 accomplishment of dancing to bears and horses, and 
 can we not teach parrots, starlings, and magpies to 
 speak, and is not speech admitted by philosophers to 
 be the prerogative and glory of the human race ? 
 These allegations may seem to demand some explana- 
 tion. In training a dog for a particular purpose we 
 have, in the first place, to accommodate ourselves to 
 the particular instincts and dispositions, as well as the 
 inherent sagacity of the animal we wish to train. A 
 bull-dog, for example, could not be trained to the 
 duties of the shepherd's dog, nor a greyhound to those 
 of the setter or pointer. We can easily train any dog to 
 perform a certain set of acts, but how comes it that all 
 dogs cannot be trained equally to the same pursuits ? If 
 the education of dogs consisted in imparting to them new 
 instincts or corporeal powers, all surely could be taught 
 to the same degree, for every thing would depend on the 
 trainer,the reception of the power not being dependent, 
 in any degree, on the animal ; it must, according to the 
 supposition, come from the trainer ; nay, if the suppo- 
 sition was correct, a sheep or any other animal might 
 be raised to the same degree of sagacity and useful- 
 ness as the shepherd's dog, an idea not only inconsis- 
 tent with all experience, but manifestly absurd. That 
 dogs, bears, and horses may be made to dance, to a 
 limited extent, is unquestionable ; but this attainment 
 is not the result of the superaddition of any power, 
 cither corporeal or mental. Dancing essentially con- 
 sists in moving the feet in a particular manner, but ail 
 these animals could move their feet as soon as they 
 
IMPARTED TO ANIMALS. 
 
 151 
 
 were brought into the world ; and the young foal frisking 
 around its dam in the pasture field displays more varied 
 and elegant movements than all the more measured 
 steps of the circus dancing-horse. The one is like a 
 finished gallopade, while the other is a miserable cari- 
 cature of something like the Highland Fling. It is 
 particularly obvious, therefore, that in teaching a horse 
 to move his limbs in a particular manner, we confer 
 no new power upon the animal, we only give a new 
 direction to a power which formerly existed. But this 
 remark cannot surely apply to speech. No inferior 
 animal in its natural state speaks, but by education can 
 we not make them display this power ? and if so, the 
 power is capable of being imparted ; and if any new 
 power can be imparted by education, the argument 
 we are attempting to support must fall to the ground. 
 But we are prepared to show that no animal but man 
 can, in the proper acceptation of the term, be taught 
 to speak. Parrots, starlings, magpies, and a few other 
 animals, imitate, indeed, a certain limited number of 
 articulated sounds; but this is not speech. Before a 
 being can be said to speak, it must comprehend the 
 meaning of the words it uses. But do these animals 
 know the import of any word, or have we the means 
 of imparting the necessary intelligence to them ? We 
 undoubtedly have not. So long as the intelligence is 
 awanting, they cannot, upon any sound principle, be 
 said to speak ; for speech is essentially the communica- 
 tion of ideas, and the articulate sounds we use are 
 merely the signs or symbols of these ideas. The signs 
 are nothing in themselves, it is the ideas we are taught 
 to associate with them gives them value ; but as in the 
 
152 
 
 EDUCATION IMPROVES THE 
 
 inferior animals there is no perceptible relationship 
 between the sign they may be taught to use, and the 
 thing signified, there can be no speech. In educating 
 the inferior animals, we must first study their inherent 
 dispositions and improve them, and turn them to the 
 purposes we may require. If we proceed upon the 
 principle of imparting new powers, either corporeal or 
 instinctive, our efforts will be unavailing : nature can- 
 not be changed. 
 
 If these observations are applicable to the inferior 
 animals over which we have such unlimited power, we 
 may draw the same conclusions regarding the educa- 
 tion of man. Many men who have received the 
 best education which influence and money could pro- 
 cure, have after all, remained consummate fools ; and 
 many who have had little or no assistance, have by 
 the sheer force of their genius astonished mankind by 
 their powers. Shakspeare, Burns, Mozart, and many 
 others that could be mentioned, are of this last de- 
 scription. If education is every thing in eliciting the 
 powers of the mind, as some have supposed, why are 
 not all educated individuals as great in poetry as 
 Shakspeare ? and why are all men not equal in mental 
 power and mental acquirements? Is the difference 
 which unquestionably exists, attributable to the differ- 
 ence of degree in the education of individuals ? Are 
 the talents of men found to bear a uniform relation- 
 ship to the ratio of their education ? Do members of 
 the same family, who are educated as nearly as possible 
 in the same manner, and to an equal degree, never 
 display diversities of mental power ? and if they do 
 differ in mental capacities, to what is this attributable? 
 
NATURAL POWERS OF MAN. 153 
 
 It cannot be to education, but to something in them- 
 selves. 
 
 In every department of nature, variety is the 
 predominant characteristic. In the grass that covers 
 the face of the globe, two blades cannot be found 
 perfectly alike. Two objects in nature have never 
 been in this state, and what reason have we to think 
 that the mind is an exception to this law ? Do 
 not the varieties of mental conformation continually 
 force themselves upon our observation. These vari- 
 eties are found at the moment of birth as well as at 
 death. It is evidently an ordinance of nature. No 
 circumstance with which we are acquainted, can pro- 
 duce an equality. An equality of corporeal stature 
 and strength might as reasonably be expected. 
 
 Is education then of no use to man ? Far from it. 
 Although education cannot do every thing, it can 
 effect much. Man possesses a greater number of 
 inherent moral and intellectual powers than any other 
 animal ; all these powers are susceptible of improve- 
 ment, and it is the object of education to give a proper 
 direction to these powers, and to raise the moral and 
 intellectual status of the individual to the highest point 
 of which his nature is capable. If the intellectual 
 powers, however, are naturally very weak, no educa- 
 tion can render them strong ; and if they have been 
 naturally very strong they will remain so even without 
 education. Education can improve the powers of 
 man, but not to an indefinite extent. The man who 
 has naturally a weak verbal memory, may improve it 
 by education, but never to the extent of an individual 
 who has that power naturally strong. If the reflecting 
 
154 
 
 ALL THE MENTAL POWERS NOT 
 
 powers of an individual are naturally weak, no system 
 of training can render that individual pre-eminent in 
 metaphysical or abstract speculation. By education 
 his powers will be improved, but under no circum- 
 stances could he be made to equal a Locke, a Newton, 
 or a Bacon. 
 
 It is painful to observe the absurd and contradic- 
 tory opinions entertained by men who have preten- 
 sions to the character of philosophers, regarding* the 
 mind and the effects of education upon it. One com- 
 pares the human mind in its natural state to an uncul- 
 tivated field, and education to the ploughing or pre- 
 paring of it for the seed ; another compares educa- 
 tion both to the ploughing of the field and sowing of the 
 seed ; w T hile a third likens the human mind to a gar- 
 den full of weeds, and education to the uprooting of 
 the noxious productions. Were we permitted to speak 
 metaphorically on the subject, we would say that the 
 human mind is a garden full of natural plants ; and 
 that although education consists in the cultivation of 
 these plants, yet it must be remembered, that the 
 cultivation of one plant does not affect the luxuriancy 
 or growth of any other. Or we would rise higher in 
 the regions of metaphor, and compare the human 
 mind to a diamond which, in the natural state, might 
 be mistaken for a common mineral, but from which 
 the hand of the artist, like the efforts of the teacher, 
 can remove asperities, and draw forth latent and re- 
 splendent excellencies. What polishing does to the 
 diamond, education effects upon the mind, but no 
 more ; it draws out and improves talents ; it polishes, 
 but never changes the inherent character of man. It 
 
EQUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE OF CULTURE. 155 
 
 may be considered, therefore, an incontrovertible ax- 
 iom in philosophy, that education cannot impart new- 
 powers, but can only improve, and that to a limited 
 degree, the powers originally conferred by nature. 
 
 II. All the powers of the mind cannot be improved 
 to an equal extent in any individual. 
 
 This position is not only a natural conclusion drawn 
 from our knowledge of the mental constitution of man 
 as indicated by Phrenology, but is also supported by 
 daily experience. It is an incontrovertible fact, that 
 individuals experience great difficulty in acquiring some 
 kinds of knowledge, while in other departments of 
 literature or science, they make rapid progress ; they 
 feel instantly at home, and experience in such studies 
 nothing but delight. But even admitting that man is 
 born with all the mental powers equally strong, which 
 is not the fact ; to preserve them all in an equal 
 degree of strength, the same degree of exercise or 
 culture would require to be given them all ; but the 
 smallest consideration will lead to the conclusion that 
 this is impracticable. Who has the requisite time or 
 corporeal strength even for such a species of training ? 
 To train one power to the highest degree of which 
 it is susceptible, our undivided attention is often re- 
 quired ; but how could undivided attention be given to 
 one power if all the other powers of the mind must 
 be attended to in an equal degree ? Suppose you 
 wish to cultivate that power of the mind we call num- 
 ber or calculation. If you devote your attention ex- 
 clusively to arithmetical or algebraical subjects you 
 would attain greater eminence in these departments of 
 science, and improve the mental power on which that 
 
156 
 
 THE MENTAL POWERS AR£ 
 
 eminence depends, than if we were to attempt to 
 cultivate also the fourteen remaining intellectual powers. 
 If these observations are well founded, we ought not 
 to attempt to cultivate all the powers of the mind to an 
 equal degree, and any system of education founded on 
 such a principle will lead to nothing but disappoint- 
 ment. 
 
 III. The improvement of any one power of the 
 mind, does not increase the strength or energy of any 
 other mental power. 
 
 This principle of education flows directly from the 
 phrenological doctrine, that the mind displays its powers 
 through different organs, each organ being susceptible 
 of action and repose independently of the others. The 
 common opinion seems to be at variance however with 
 the above position. A boy sent to school to cultivate 
 his mind, is first taught to read his native language. 
 After he has attained a knowledge of this indispensable 
 preliminary, he is sent, it may be, to the grammar school, 
 where he consumes four or five years in learning 
 the meaning of a few Latin or Greek words ; he 
 has now got what is called a grammar-school educa- 
 tion; in the estimation of some he is an educated boy; 
 and his friends suppose, that because he understands 
 a few words of Latin and Greek, his mind is cultivated 
 — he is fit for every thing. But this training is calcu- 
 lated to cultivate only one of the powers of the mind, 
 the power which phrenologists call Language; and 
 to show that the other powers are not improved by 
 such a course of training, we have only to observe the 
 effects of this training on the general character of 
 those who are subjected to it. Do we not every iay 
 
INDEPENDENT OF EACH OTHER. 
 
 157 
 
 observe young men who have uniformly stood foremost 
 among their fellow-students, both at schools and 
 colleges, — who have shown the greatest aptitude in 
 learning languages, — who have even displayed great 
 philological powers, and whose mind, so far as Philo- 
 logy is concerned, may be said to have received the 
 last polish from the hand of the artist, — have yet, in the 
 ordinary affairs of life, and in other departments of 
 science, displayed the greatest imbecility ? We do not 
 wish to disparage philological attainments — for the suc- 
 cessful cultivation of some professional pursuits they 
 are indispensable ; but their importance ought not to 
 be over-estimated. And those who believe that in 
 learning the meaning of words all the powers of the 
 mind are cultivated, over-estimate the advantages of 
 cultivating a verbal memory, and fall, besides, into 
 a most pernicious error. Do the best philological 
 scholars make the best arithmeticians, musicians, or 
 artists ? Or do they explore, with equal success, the 
 facts and abstractions of physical and metaphysical 
 science ? They do not. Among these departments of 
 art or science, there is nothing alike : for their success- 
 ful cultivation, therefore, other powers of the mind are 
 required ; and it would be as absurd to suppose that 
 a training up of one power would strengthen or affect 
 any other power, as it would be to imagine, by im- 
 proving the organ of touch or taste, we must necessarily 
 render more acute the organ of hearing. 
 
 IV. The intellectual powers which are naturally 
 strongest in any individual, should be cultivated to a 
 greater degree than those which are weak. 
 
 If man could cultivate all his powers to the highest de- 
 
158 
 
 THE STRONGEST POWERS OF THE MIND 
 
 gree of which they are capable, and all to an equal extent, 
 the very reverse of this proposition ought to be our rule 
 of practice ; but so long as the various intellectual powers 
 of the same mind confessedly differ in power, it would, 
 obviously be absurd to endeavour to reduce them to 
 one standard ; we could only effect our purpose by 
 weakening the stronger powers, and would thus neces- 
 sarily lower the intellectual status of the individual. 
 The majority of mankind display partial talents, or 
 talents of a particular kind only. Some display a single 
 talent only ; and though great in reference to that 
 talent are weak and imbecile in regard to every thing 
 else. The character of the man is generally estimated 
 from his most predominating talent ; and if that talent 
 exist to an extraordinary degree, he may be viewed 
 as a prodigy among his fellow-men. Did we, however, 
 reduce in such a case all the powers of the individual 
 to an equality, as we cannot raise the lower powers 
 to an equality with the higher, we would necessarily 
 reduce the higher to an equality with the lower, thus 
 obviously lessening the value of the whole character ; and 
 any system of education founded on such a principle 
 must deteriorate, but cannot exalt the character either 
 of individuals or nations. Look at the blasting effects 
 of the application of this equalizing principle on the 
 state of India. By the institution of the castes, every 
 individual must follow after the occupation or profession 
 of his forefathers. Taste and talent are there never con- 
 sulted ; these are made to bend to external circumstan- 
 ces; genius is consequently cramped; industry paralyzed ; 
 every motive to individual and national improvement 
 withdrawn ; and a soporific mixture thrown, as it were* 
 
SHOULD BE CHIEFLY CULTIVATED. 
 
 159 
 
 upon the intellectual activities of the community. Let, 
 however, the institution of castes be demolished ; let 
 the arbitrary restrictions that press down that immense 
 population to the dust be taken away ; let the talents 
 of every man have free scope, and we shall soon find 
 the character of the whole people improved ; genius 
 asserting its natural and inalienable superiority, and 
 shedding a refinement and glory over an amiable, 
 though benighted people. In this country it is far 
 otherwise : all are free, the lowly peasant equally with 
 the high-born prince can follow the bent of his genius ; 
 and where talent or genius shows itself, it is certain of 
 encouragement. 
 
 As man cannot cultivate all his powers equally, it 
 is surely better that he should cultivate those which 
 he can turn to some account, than by unavailing efforts 
 endeavour to excel in something for which he was 
 never designed by nature. How ridiculous it would 
 be for an individual paralytic in the lower limbs to 
 choose the profession of dancing ; but would it not 
 be equally absurd for an individual destitute of musi- 
 cal talent, to follow music as a profession ; or an 
 individual who could not discriminate colours, to wed 
 himself to the profession of painting. When talent is 
 naturally weak, it may by cultivation be rendered 
 stronger; but no education can compensate it for natural 
 deficiencies ; and hence when any power of the mind 
 is very weak, the cultivation of the power will never 
 lead to any satisfactory result, and time will be lost in 
 the effort, which might have been beneficially employed 
 in training some of the other powers more susceptible 
 of improvement. As no human being can excel in 
 
160 
 
 THE MENTAL CONDITION 
 
 every thing, why should not every one confine his 
 attention to that department of art or science most 
 congenial to his nature ? But how are we to discover 
 the talents or genius of the individual ? In two ways, 
 First, In observing the natural bias or inclination of 
 the individual ; and, secondly, by following the light 
 which Phrenology throws so broadly and steadily upon 
 the subject. Many will acquiesce in the justness of 
 the first of these observations, who would smile at the 
 idea of determining the profession of an individual by 
 the form of his head ; but to those who have studied 
 phrenological science, there is in such a position nothing 
 either unphilosophical or impracticable. 
 
 If it be admitted that the brain is the only part of 
 the body through which mind is displayed — and the 
 position cannot be disputed, it is a fact on which all 
 physiologists agree ; — if it is admitted, then, that the 
 brain is the organ of the mind, it must also be ad- 
 mitted, that any modification of the organ will affect 
 the mental manifestation. A similar observation ap- 
 plies to every other organ of the body, and we have 
 yet to learn that the brain is an exception to the 
 general law. Now, size and form are important modi- 
 fications which affect the functions of every organ ; and 
 why should we imagine that these modifications can 
 have no effect upon the functions of the brain ? We 
 know that they have a most decided effect ; and 
 Phrenology tells us what these effects are. Supposing, 
 in the next place, that those who display particular 
 talents are remarkable for particular cerebral conforma- 
 tions, is it absurd to suppose that such conformations 
 could be recognized, and the talents coexistent with 
 
ASCERTAINABLE BY THRENOLOGY. 161 
 
 the conformations predicated ? If this view of the case 
 be objected to, then we are entitled to ask, what is the 
 cause of the mental imbecility in the heads of idiots or 
 new-born children ? Is it attributable or not to the 
 state of the brain ? Can a case be adduced with 
 decided idiotic conformation, in which the intellectual 
 powers have been displayed even in a moderate de- 
 gree ? No such case is to be found — the thing* is 
 physically impossible. You might as well expect the 
 imperfect eye of the mole to equal in visual power 
 the keen and piercing eye of the eagle. No human 
 being with such a brain can be intelligent. We 
 have at least never seen such a phenomenon, and 
 what reason have we to believe in the possibility of 
 such an occurrence ! But does it not follow, that if the 
 form of the head which appertains to the majority of 
 idiots can affect the mental manifestations, other con- 
 formations must produce other effects ? and is it absurd 
 to suppose that these effects could be ascertained ? It 
 is now generally admitted, that the brain at the fore- 
 head is the seat of the intellectual operations ; and if 
 this opinion be well founded, is it not obvious that a 
 small development of forehead must be incompatible 
 with intellectual greatness, else what is the use of the 
 brain at all ? It is now also admitted, that a large 
 development of the posterior and lateral parts of the 
 brain may exist with a small anterior development ; 
 and that as the intellectual power corresponds with the 
 magnitude of the forehead only, the lateral and poste- 
 rior parts of the brain cannot be concerned in the 
 manifestation of the intellectual powers. Now, Phreno- 
 logists assert that observation leads them not oniv to 
 
162 
 
 THE CHARACTERS OF MEN 
 
 the conclusion that the mental feelings and intellectual 
 powers occupy different divisions of the brain, but they 
 maintain, likewise, that observation has enabled them 
 to condescend on the precise parts of the brain which 
 are the seats of the different feelings and intellectual 
 powers. Now, suppose you wish to test the truth 
 of these observations you must appeal to nature, and 
 observe particularly whether the power is ever seen 
 without the development, or if this mode of experiment 
 appears unsatisfactory, you will find that the power 
 may be predicated from any given development. * 
 
 * In corroboration of the above statement, the following documents, 
 though a little out of place, will be perused with interest : — 
 
 From GiiORGE Salmond, Esq., Procurator Fiscal of Lanarkshire ; 
 Walter Moir, Esq., Sheriff Substitute of Lanarkshire ; and Mr. D. 
 M'Coll, Governor of Glasgow JaiL 
 
 To George Combe, Esq. Sheriff's Chambers, 
 
 Glasgow, 22d April, 1836. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 A few days ago Sheriff Moir having told me of your intention 
 to examine phrenologically some of the criminals in Glasgow jail, I ex- 
 pressed a wish to be present, in order that I might have a practical test 
 of the system, and ascertain whether your inferences of character 
 should accord with what was privately and officially known of them by 
 myself ; and Mr. Moir having kindly honoured me with an introduc- 
 tion to you, I had the gratification of attending your examination of a 
 number of these persons, and of hearing with sincere interest the accu- 
 rate conclusions you arrived at on each of them. 
 
 Never before having witnessed such an operation, and expecting that, 
 after a tedious process of examination, taking notes, and comparing 
 and calculating results, something of an oracular generality of charac- 
 ter should be announced, I was very much pleased to observe, that 
 ■while your examination of each did not average a minute, you instant- 
 ly, and without hesitation, stated the character, not generally, but 
 with specialities of feelings and propensities, surprisingly justified by 
 what I knew of them ; and being aware that you had no access to them, 
 nor means of knowing them previously, as they were taken at the mo- 
 
DEDUCIELE iROM THE FORM OT THE BRAIN*. 
 
 163 
 
 Phrenology may be tested in both of these ways, and 
 in both it will be found true to nature. Since, then, tne 
 external configuration of the head leads us to a satis- 
 factory knowledge of the talents and mental constitu- 
 
 raent promiscuously from numbers of the other criminals, I was at once 
 led to a conviction of the truth of the science, and to see eminent ad- 
 vantages of such knowledge to society, and more immediately in regard 
 to criminal jurisprudence and practice. 
 
 Of the instances of your observation, suffer me to mention a few, 
 which at the time occurred to me as peculiarly convincing. 
 
 The first man you examined you pronounced " a thief, reckless and 
 dangerous, who, for instance, if under the influence of liquor, would 
 not hesitate to murder or destroy all around him." Now this fellow 
 has for years travelled about the country with a horse and cart, selling 
 salt and trifling articles, and has acquired the character of a masterful 
 thief, and just now stands indicted with a cruel assault on, and high- 
 way robbery of a poor labourer, of all his hard earnings last harvest. 
 
 Another, you observed, had " a fine intellect, and was likely to have 
 been guilty of swindling;" and the accuracy of this observation on a 
 painter, who is indicted for falsehood, fraud, and wilful imposition, or 
 swindling is self-evident. 
 
 A third, whom you pronounced " a cunning, daring, and decided 
 thief," is an incorrigible thief, who for years has, in the most concealed 
 and adroit manner, headed a gang of housebreakers, and is at present 
 indicted for highway robbery, committed by his savagely knocking down 
 with a heavy stob a poor man, who was almost killed on the spot. Pri- 
 vate information leads me to understand that he has been party to 
 another crime, of a nature equally, if not more, daring and cruel. 
 
 A fourth you described to be " a depraved and most dangerous man " 
 He is a crony of the man last noticed ; has long been a thief, and was 
 one of the most noted corpse-lifters while subjects were bought by the 
 medical schools ; and he is said to have been concerned with the man 
 last mentioned in the atrocious crime alluded to at the close of the ob- 
 servations as to him. 
 
 A fifth, whom you judged to be " a sly thief, who, with a meek and 
 specious aspect, possessed daring even to cruelty," is a fellow who is 
 by trade a thief, adroit and cunning, and who has often attacked and 
 escaped from the officers of justice. He lately stole in broad day- 
 light, on the streets of Glasgow, a silk handkerchief from a gentle- 
 man's pocket, and ran off. Being promptly pursued, he, as a decoy, 
 threw from him the napkin. Being after a race overtaken, he leaped 
 
164 
 
 CHARACTER DEDUCIBLE FROM 
 
 tion of individuals, there can be no great difficulty in 
 assigning to each individual the mental status to which 
 he is entitled, or in directing the attention of indivi- 
 
 into a dung-pit, whither the gentleman could not think of following 
 him, but stood watching him till the police he sent for arrived. On 
 this the fellow in the most fawning manner craved sympathy, and 
 finding this did not move the gentleman's purpose, he suddenly sprung 
 out, and, on being seized, made a desperate struggle, bit severely the 
 gentleman's hand, and by his force and violence, might soon have got 
 off had not the police arrived. 
 
 The accuracy of your conclusions has deeply impressed me with the 
 benefit which would accrue to society from the application of such in- 
 vestigations toward the better classification of criminals confined 
 before and after trial, to the selection and treatment of convicts, and 
 even to the more certain identification of such criminals as might effect 
 their escape from justice or confinement. 
 
 With much regard believe me to be, dear Sir, yours most faithfully, 
 GEO. SALMOND, 
 Pror. Fiscal of Lanarkshire. 
 
 We were present on the occasion of Mr. Combe's visit to the Jail of 
 Glasgow, and testify to the perfect accuracy of Mr. Salmond's repre- 
 sentation of what happened. Mr. Combe's inferences of the characters 
 of such prisoners as he then examined, were most accurate, and never 
 could have been the result of chance. 
 
 WALTER MOIR, 
 Sheriff- Subst. of Lanarkshire. 
 D. M'COLL, 
 Governor of Glasgow Jail. 
 
 Second Letter from George Salmond, Esq., Procurator Fiscal of the 
 County of Lanark. 
 
 Sheriff's Chambers, 
 Dear Sir, Glasgow, Uh May, 1836. 
 
 In my last I said nothing of the case of a young man charged 
 with murder whom you examined, because the investigation as to him 
 had not been made by me, and consequently the nature of the evidence 
 was unknown to me, but having since heard the whole, as adduced on 
 his trial, I beg leave to trouble you with this addition, as deeming it 
 highly confirmatory of the justness of your remarks at the time you 
 examined nun. 
 
THE FORM OF THE HEAD. 165 
 
 duals to those pursuits in which they are calculated to 
 excel. 
 
 V. Education to be effective must be practical.* Man, 
 surrounded as he is with natural objects, is capable only 
 of investigating successfully the existence, qualities, 
 phenomena, and relations of these objects ; he has 
 powers adapted for such investigations, but for no 
 others. He should attempt then the investigation of no 
 subject beyond the range of his faculties, for the inves- 
 tigation can lead to no beneficial consequences. Many 
 
 You may remember that you said of him that you could discover 
 nothing remarkable about him as indicative of strong criminal propen- 
 sity ; and that, on being told that he was indicted for the murder of his 
 own father, you said " that his head did not indicate a great tendency 
 to violence," and that " surely he must have had very great provoca- 
 tion." 
 
 Now, the proof at the trial showed that the provocation given him 
 was such, that one of the jury was for acquitting him altogether, and 
 the other fourteen, while they returned a verdict of culpable homicide, 
 recommended him to the leniency of the court ; and the latter sen- 
 tenced him only to nine months' imprisonment. 
 
 I beg to refer you to the report of the evidence in the Glasgow news- 
 papers of the 28th or 29th ultimo, as amply justifying your conclusions 
 as to this person. His name is Robert M' Anally. 
 I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully, 
 
 GEORGE SALMOND. 
 
 See " Testimonials on behalf of George Combe, as a candidate for the 
 Chair of Logic, in the University of Edinburgh," from which the above 
 letters are extracted : — a publication which is calculated to do Phreno- 
 logy some service. 
 
 * Cowley, in his Essays says, " It is deplorable to consider the loss 
 which children make of their time at most schools employing or rather 
 casting away six or seven years in the learning of words only and that 
 very imperfectly." — Locke remarks, " Would not a Chinese, who took 
 notice of our way of breeding, be apt to imagine that all our English 
 gentlemen were designed to be teachers and professors of the dead lan- 
 guages of foreign countries, and not to be men of business in their own ? M 
 — On Education. 
 
J 66 
 
 EDUCATION SHOULD BE 
 
 delight in pure metaphysical speculations ; but to what 
 advantage can such speculations be turned, they are in 
 themselves of no value ; and if we concede that they 
 may be indirectly useful in strengthening the reflective 
 powers, it is upon some such principle as if we could 
 approve of tight-rope dancing as an excellent exercise 
 for the muscles, while the same end could be more 
 usefully and safely attained by persevering with energy 
 in our regular and lawful employments. Every depart- 
 ment of human knowledge consists of two parts — of 
 facts. Many men are better adapted for collecting 
 simple facts, and of conclusions or deductions from 
 facts, than for reasoning soundly or drawing just conclu- 
 sions from the facts with which they are acquainted. 
 Phrenology can not only explain most satisfactorily the 
 causes of these two different qualities of mind, but can 
 indicate with accuracy the individuals in which one or 
 other quality predominates. Science, it may be re- 
 peated, essentially consists of facts, and inferences from 
 facts ; and Phrenology explains the reason of this, and 
 shows its harmony with the arrangements of nature, by 
 demonstrating that man has powers of two kinds only — 
 one kind for appreciating facts both physical and men- 
 tal, and another for reasoning, or drawing conclusions 
 or deductions. Phrenology inculcates that the intellec- 
 tual powers of man are of two kinds — the knowing and 
 reflecting. This is the phrenological doctrine, and it 
 harmonizes most beautifully with what we find to be the 
 essential nature of all science. If science consisted of 
 something more than facts and reasonings, of some- 
 thing which the powers of the mind, as indicated by 
 Phrenologists, could not appreciate, then there would 
 
OF A PRACTICAL NATURE. 167 
 
 be a gap, a fatal defect in the phrenological system ; 
 but we find no such imperfections in the new philoso- 
 phy. It accounts most satisfactorily for every mental 
 phenomenon, and is, at the same time, in universal, 
 harmony with the objects and operations of nature. In 
 calling the new philosophy to our aid in the cultivation 
 of the mental powers, we obtain principles of education 
 applicable, first, to the whole human race ; and, second- 
 ly, to the mental peculiarities of individuals. We know 
 that all mind emanates from the brain; we know also 
 that at the early periods of life, man is better adapted 
 for observing facts than for reasoning upon them ; and 
 we know that at such periods of existence the knowing 
 organs are in a greater activity than the reflecting. 
 Nature herself then points out the tract which ought to 
 be followed. It is clear that the knowing organs 
 should be called into exercise before the reflecting. 
 Did we, however, reverse this order of nature, by 
 attempting to train a child to reason before he had 
 called the knowing organs into operation, and by their 
 operations stored the mind with important facts, we 
 would err as egregiously as if we would attempt to 
 teach a child to dance before it could walk — to sing 
 before it could speak — or to eat the most solid aliment 
 before its teeth had been formed. 
 
 Look at the plans of education in vogue at present 
 in many of our Universities, and say if they accord 
 with rational or consistent principles. Suppose a 
 young man enters our universities to be trained up to 
 the sacred profession, he must attend a certain number 
 of classes, and according to a determinate order. He 
 enters the University by the door of the Latin class j 
 
168 
 
 EDUCATION SHOULP 
 
 he walks next into the Greek ; then he passes into the 
 Logic ; the Moral Philosophy classes now open to receive 
 him ; and after a profound training, it may be, in the 
 subtleties of dialectics, and intricacies of metaphysical 
 speculation, he is thought fit for entering the Natural 
 History and Natural Philosophy class, where he may 
 become acquainted with the objects and phenomena of 
 external nature. Students of the sacred profession (who 
 were afterwards reputed useful and effective preachers) 
 have even been known to have studied no department of 
 science save languages, logic, moral philosophy, and 
 systematic divinity ; who were totally ignorant of the 
 elements of physical science ; who could give no rational 
 explanations of the operations of physical nature ; who 
 uniformly ascribed the operations to the direct inter- 
 position of the great First Cause. And it is always thus : 
 ignorance and superstition go hand in hand, and the 
 more ignorant a man is of physical science, the more 
 superstitious he will necessarily be. We do not object 
 so much to the sciences which are taught in our uni- 
 versities, as to the order in which they are taught. 
 We object particularly to the pre-eminence given to 
 abstract and metaphysical speculation, to the partial, 
 almost total exclusion of the physical sciences ; and 
 the objection is not made on speculative grounds, but 
 from the following considerations. First, A knowledge 
 of all that appertains to metaphysics is less useful to 
 mankind than a knowledge of physical science. Second- 
 ly, The great majority of mankind can excel in some of 
 the physical sciences, while comparatively few attain 
 eminence in metaphysical pursuits : and, Thirdly, The 
 arrangement of studies objected to is inconsistent with 
 
BE PRACTICAL. 169 
 
 every sound principle of education, as it places that 
 which is difficult before that which is easy, instead of 
 the more rational way of commencing with what is 
 most simple, and leading the way by insensible grada- 
 tions into that which is more intricate. We do not 
 expect much ratiocination from a child. A child given 
 to abstract reasoning would excite our astonishment, 
 but we are not surprised at a child that it is curious 
 and observant, for all children are so. A child easily 
 gets acquainted with objects that surround him ; with 
 people, with inferior animals, with household furniture, 
 with articles of dress, with persons, with places. 
 Varied and extensive knowledge of this kind is accu- 
 mulated with astonishing rapidity. An ordinary child 
 in the first six years of his existence acquires a know- 
 ledge of as many insulated facts as are found in any of 
 our physical sciences, and there can be no doubt that 
 the facts of any of these sciences, could be communi- 
 cated even to very young children, provided proper 
 plans of instruction were adopted ; provided, in other 
 words, their education were of a practical character. 
 There is a natural tendency in the minds of all children 
 to acquire facts, and the pure and simple facts of physical 
 science differ in nothing essential from the facts or 
 existences which meet our daily observation. The 
 child, however, gets quickly acquainted with the 
 objects that surround him, while he moves tardily on 
 with his task in natural history, chemistry, geography, 
 botany, or any other of the natural sciences. And the 
 reason is, that in the one case he obtains a practical 
 knowledge of the objects that are around him ; every 
 
170 
 
 THE POWERS OF THE MIND TO BE 
 
 thing he practically examines makes a strong and last- 
 ing impression on his mind, whereas by studying phy- 
 sical sciences through the medium of books or lectures 
 only, as is too frequently the case, a feeble impression 
 is produced upon the mind. If a child were induced 
 to engage practically in the prosecution of such studies, 
 he could as assuredly be made as easily acquainted 
 with every important fact connected with such sciences, 
 as he could be made to distinguish an orange from an 
 apple, a piece of rock-salt from a piece of loaf-sugar, or 
 gooseberry jam from currant jelly or marmalade. Every 
 part of physical science conversant with material objects 
 must be subjected to the scrutiny of the external 
 senses ; the more such objects are scrutinized, the 
 better will they be known, and the more lasting will 
 be their impression on the mind. All education, then, 
 should be practical ; theoretical education is education 
 only in name. 
 
 But how is the education of man to be effected ? in 
 what order are the powers of the mind to be exercised ? 
 For a satisfactory answer to these questions recourse 
 must be had to Phrenology, for no other system of 
 philosophy can lend the smallest assistance in solving 
 the important problem. Phrenology, however, demon- ■ 
 strates, First, That the brain in the forehead is the 
 seat of the intellectual operations. Secondly, That the 
 brain in its progress to maturity undergoes certain 
 changes of form : and Thirdty, That these changes take 
 place, according to fixed and established laws. In train- 
 ing, then, the intellectual powers of a human being, 
 we ought to be guided generally by the order in which 
 the powers appear. Now we know that the lower 
 
CULTIVATED IN A CERTAIN ORDER. 
 
 171 
 
 part ot the forehead is always sooner developed than 
 the upper, and we ought therefore to cultivate those 
 connected with the lower before those of the upper. 
 In the forehead we find three ranges of organs, the 
 lower, middle, and upper*. If all the organs in the 
 lower region were nearly equally developed, then they 
 might be cultivated in the order in which they are 
 situated, commencing with Language and Individuality, 
 and proceeding outwards to Number. The order of 
 nature in educating a human being is here apparent. 
 The first departments of knowledge which a child 
 should be taught, then, are languages or the meaning 
 of words, more particularly its own language. The 
 facts of natural science, such as chemistry and natural 
 history, or those parts of these sciences which in after- 
 life he may turn to some account. He should also at 
 an early period engage in drawing, painting, and the 
 elementary parts of numbers or of arithmetic. These 
 may be taught during the first fourteen years of a child's 
 existence. f From the fourteenth to the twentieth year, 
 
 * Seepages, US, 119. 
 •f A question has been mooted whether or not the mental powers 
 should be cultivated, during the first seven years of the child's age. 
 Some maintaining that the mental cultivation duing that period should 
 be entirely omitted, while others insist, that too much knowledge 
 cannot at this period be imparted, or the child too rigidly trained. 
 Both parties appear to be in error. No system of education is good 
 which overlooks or omits the physical development of the child, and 
 that system is also defective, that omits moral and intellectual training. 
 The arguments that have been adduced against the early intellectual 
 training of children, apply not so much to the use, as the abuse of that 
 training. In children predisposed to disease of the brain, great intel- 
 lectual efforts should no doubt be avoided, and a long-continued strain, 
 ing of the nervous system would be injurious to constitutions of evrrv 
 kind. But while this must be admitted, the argument does net apply 
 
172 
 
 THE KNOWING ORGANS TO BE TRAINED 
 
 he may cultivate the powers connected with the second 
 range of organs; these are, Eventuality, Locality, Time, 
 and Tune. Or to express the same idea in ordinary 
 language, between the fourteenth and twentieth year, 
 besides entering more fully into those parts of natural 
 science which had formerly occupied his attention, he 
 will be able during this period to engage in the study 
 of history, geography, chronology, and music ; and 
 after the twentieth year, when the upper range of 
 organs attain their full development, he may engage in 
 the more abstract departments of science ; in moral 
 and political economy, and the investigation of prin- 
 ciples, whether applicable to science or to the arts. 
 
 Phrenology is not a speculative science. It ex- 
 plains not only all the greater phenomena of mind, but 
 accounts for the dispositions, feelings, the peculiarities 
 of intellect, and the tendencies to particular kinds of 
 action or of conduct which individuals display. It 
 also throws, as we have seen, a broad and steady light 
 upon the general principles of education, upon the 
 
 to the moderate use of mental exercise in all constitutions, and to 
 regular and daily mental exercise in constitutions of a particular kind. 
 In all healthy children, moderate mental exercise will increase the 
 health of the brain as much as moderate physical exercise, the tone 
 and growth of the muscular system. The danger lies only in the excess 
 and the quantity of exercise that ought to be permitted, (whether men- 
 tal or corporeal) which will depend upon the constitution of the child. In 
 children of the nervous temperament, the quantity should be small and 
 alternate frequently with purely physical exertion, and in those of the 
 lymphatic temperament much greater. Indeed mental excitement that 
 would prove injurious to nervous children, would conduce to the health 
 of children of a different constitution. Many children require a variety 
 of stimuli, to induce in their torpid system the highest health, and in 
 guch constitutions the stimulus of mental exertion is necessary to the 
 full development of the brain. 
 
BEFORE THE REFLECTING. 
 
 173 
 
 education of individuals, and on the means of improv- 
 ing eventually, the whole human race. It lays the axe 
 to the root of the fallacies, that man is the creature of 
 circumstances ; that all men are naturally equal ; and 
 that all the powers of the mind are susceptible of in- 
 definite improvement. It demonstrates, that as all the 
 mental phenomena are dependent on the brain, that 
 external circumstances can no more change the talents 
 and disposition of individuals, than they can change 
 the organization of the brain ; and that until such a 
 transformation takes place, these positions must be erro- 
 neous. It shows that all men are not naturally 
 equal, for no two brains are found precisely alike ; and 
 that the doctrine of the indefinite improvability of 
 man cannot be true so long as the brain is an orga- 
 nized mass, and like every organized body susceptible 
 of growth, maturity, and decay. Phrenology is not 
 only calculated to give us a clear insight into the work- 
 ings of the human mind, but it enables us also to render 
 the mental powers available to the possessor. 
 
 It must be admitted that the majority of mankind 
 are possessed of partial talent. A man that can excel 
 equally in every department of art and science, does not 
 exist. His existence is a physical impossibility. But 
 even admitting the possibility of the case, a question 
 arises, whether it would be more prudent to cultivate 
 one or a few of these powers to the degree of which 
 they are susceptible, or to attempt to cultivate all the 
 powers and attain only a mediocrity in each. Had 
 Paganini, for example, attempted to excel in mathe- 
 matics, metaphysics, poetry, painting, languages, &c, 
 as well as in music, would he have stood so pre-eminent 
 
174 BY IMPROVING THE VERBAX MEMORY 
 
 above his compeers ? He probably would not have been 
 known beyond the city of Genoa, in which he was born. 
 The powers of man are limited, and it is better that he 
 should do little and that well, than that he should 
 attempt much and do nothing successfully. Now, is 
 it a matter of little moment that Phrenology should be 
 able to point out what powers of the mind are capable 
 of the most successful cultivation in any individual ? Is 
 it nothing that whole years of unavailing efforts should 
 be saved ? that the child from his earliest infancy should 
 be directed into the path in which his own happiness is 
 to be found, and in which he can most successfully 
 promote the happiness of others ? Nobody will doubt 
 that if Phrenology can lead to this end, that it is 
 capable of effecting much good ; and every one ac- 
 quainted with Phrenology also knows that the talents 
 of any individual can easily be recognised, and their 
 relative power consequently easily calculated. 
 
 The systems of education inculcated by philosophers, 
 and followed in our schools, are too theoretical to be 
 useful. A book is placed in the hand of a child before 
 it can speak its own language. It is taught to commit 
 to memory passages in prose and passages in poetry. 
 To impart to it correct ideas of morality and religion, 
 it is made to read a treatise on moral duty and to com- 
 mit to memory psalms, and hymns, and passages of the 
 Bible. In teaching some of the abstract sciences even 
 the same principle prevails. A young man engages in 
 the study of mathematics, the Elements of Euclid are 
 committed to memory, and his mathematical studies 
 are supposed to be successfully terminated. In the 
 cultivation of every science the same principle to a 
 
ALL THE POWERS NOT IMPROVED. 
 
 175 
 
 very great extent prevails. The student who has com- 
 mitted to memory the principal facts in anatomy, che- 
 mistry, and the other departments of medical science, 
 is considered to be sufficiently qualified to practise. 
 Now, this plan of education leads to the cultivation of 
 one power of the mind at the expense of the others. 
 In all these cases the verbal memory is chiefly culti- 
 vated ; and he who believes that by cultivating that 
 power all the others are necessarily improved, falls 
 into a common but egregious error. Phrenology leads 
 to a more just conclusion. It shows that the powers 
 of the miud are as independent of each other as the 
 organs of sensation, and who would think of improv- 
 ing, for example, the organ of touch by merely exercis- 
 ing the organ of vision ? Every power of the mind 
 requires, therefore, to be cultivated for itself. 
 
 In educating a human being it is necessary to re- 
 member that he is born with Propensities and Senti- 
 ments, as well as powers more purely Intellectual, and 
 although it is the principal end of education to improve 
 the intellectual part of man to the highest point of 
 which it is capable, still the moral part of his nature 
 is deserving of much consideration. In mankind, gene- 
 rally, the organs of the Feelings are more active than 
 those of the Intellect. They are, consequently, more 
 apt than those of the understanding to run into excesses 
 of various kinds, and to entail misery on all around 
 them. It is clear, then, that the Feelings should be 
 early governed and directed. Every feeling, as well 
 as intellectual power, becomes stronger by exercise 
 and weaker by disuse, and this is in harmony with 
 every organ of the body. Muscles that are frequently 
 
176 
 
 HOW TO EDUCATE THE MENTAL 
 
 employed increase in size and strength, and those 
 which are never brought into operation dwindle and 
 lose their contractile power. 
 
 The Propensities should be kept in constant subser- 
 viency to the Intellect, while the Sentiments should 
 be cherished by every means which circumstances 
 afford for this purpose. As the Propensities are drags 
 upon our intellectual nature, they should be repressed 
 at an early age, and soothed and tamed into due sub- 
 mission to the will ; while, as the Sentiments impart a 
 high tone of feeling to the character, their power should 
 be directly and indirectly promoted, and, except in 
 certain cases their activity kept in constant operation. 
 But how is this last to be effected ? I answer, by 
 placing the individual frequently in circumstances cal- 
 culated to call such sentiments into operation. Verbal 
 description may, no doubt give rise to all the senti- 
 ments, but by this method the feeling is weakly excited, 
 compared with objects that directly affect the senses. 
 The reading of a tragedy excites less emotion than wit- 
 nessing its representation on the stage, and the closer 
 the representation mimics the reality the emotion will 
 be the more powerful. 
 
 A child may be told to cherish the feeling of venera- 
 tion, but if you w r ish him to experience the feeling 
 powerfully you must lead him frequently to the very 
 act of devotion, and let him sympathize with the feel- 
 ing as it displays itself in others. In this way only 
 should the sentiment of veneration be cultivated, and 
 the principle is applicable to the training of all the 
 other powers of the same kind. 
 
 But man is a being not only endowed with Feelings 
 
POWERS OF MAN. 
 
 177 
 
 but with Intellect, and the intellectual powers display 
 themselves at a very early period. The knowing 
 organs are first called into operation, as these bring in 
 the pabulum for the action of the reflecting powers. 
 Of the knowing powers, Language and Individuality 
 are among the first that should be cultivated, and the 
 others according to their relative size. While cultivat- 
 ing the knowing powers, the reflecting ones should, to 
 a certain extent, regularly be employed ; although in 
 almost all our plans of education the knowing powers 
 of children are cultivated, to the neglect almost alto- 
 gether of the reflecting. Children are made to wait 
 till they are fit for a logic or moral philosophy class, 
 before the reflecting powers are brought into action. 
 But the plan is highly objectionable. Every object 
 which presents itself to his daily observation, every 
 subject on which the knowing organs may be engaged, 
 is fitted to call into exercise both comparison and 
 causality ; and the child who has been trained to exer- 
 cise these organs from his early years, and on subjects 
 of common observation, will, ceteris paribus, use them 
 with more effect when he arrives at maturity, and when 
 he directs them to the investigation of truth in science 
 and philosophy. Man cannot become too intellectual ; 
 and as his intellectuality depends on the existence of 
 these powers, they should be early and regularly 
 brought into operation. Yet though all the reflecting 
 organs should be cultivated to the highest degree of 
 which they are capable, the observation is not applicable 
 to the knowing organs. All of these organs indeed 
 should be cultivated to a certain extent ; but when any 
 are pre eminently developed, these should be cultivated 
 
178 THE PROGENY OF MAN 
 
 to the partial exclusion of the others, and the individual 
 so circumstanced should engage in a profession in 
 which such powers are peculiarly brought into opera- 
 tion. In this way individuals will be enabled to fol- 
 low the bent of their inclination to advance the inter- 
 ests of particular arts or sciences, and conduce, conse- 
 quently, to their happiness and to the greatest improve- 
 ment of the human race. 
 
 Phrenology is not only calculated to discover the 
 talents of individuals, and to teach us to cultivate with 
 effect talents which exist, but under proper direction 
 it may be made the stupendous instrument of improving 
 the intellectual capacity of the whole human race. 
 
 The brain is a part of the corporeal frame, and sub- 
 ject to the same laws that regulate the development of 
 every other corporeal organ.* The corporeal part of 
 man is under the same system of laws which governed 
 the formation, the growth, and decay of the corporeal 
 parts of animals generally. To prevent animals from 
 degenerating, and to enable them to attain the highest 
 perfection of which their natures are capable, we re- 
 quire to improve not only the corporeal powers of 
 individuals, but by attending to certain well known 
 
 * The purely physical part of the education of man is of paramount 
 importance ; but has not been sufficiently insisted upon by many of 
 our best writers upon Education. The more, however, Phrenology is 
 studied the more will its importance be appreciated. As a part of the 
 body, the brain must rise and fall with the varying health of the system : 
 and the improvement of the corporeal system generally must necessa- 
 rily raise the healthy condition of the brain. We can only advert at 
 present to the subject ; but it is one full of interest. When the ancients 
 spoke of the " mens sana in corpore sano," they spoke with their accus- 
 tomed wisdom ; and it is obvious, that so long as the animal part of our 
 constitution is linked with the mental, the training of the one must 
 form as essential an ingredient as the education of the other. 
 
SUSCEPTIBLE OF IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 179 
 
 laws, we can improve or deteriorate the whole breed. 
 How are our race-horses so superior ? How can we 
 form kinds of dogs which will differ so much from each 
 other in instincts and corporeal powers? Can the 
 character of these animals be changed by education 
 alone ? Other conditions are required, and by attend- 
 ing to these conditions, the requisite changes can be 
 effected. Man is no exception to the general law ; 
 but he seems to think that he is, for while he devotes 
 so much time to the improvement of the various races 
 of domesticated animals, he never seems to suspect 
 that by acting on similar principles his own progeny 
 could be improved. Every peculiarity of corporeal 
 conformation is transmitted from generation to genera- 
 tion. Family heads are to be found, as well as family 
 talents and dispositions ; and if we improve the char- 
 acter of the former, then we will assuredly affect in the 
 same ratio the character of the latter. 
 
 The majority of mankind, it is to be regretted, do 
 not take this view of the subject. In forming matri- 
 monial alliances, many men are influenced by motives of 
 which, as intellectual beings, they ought to be ashamed. 
 A man who marries purely for money, who is capti- 
 vated by a fine foot, an elegantly formed ankle, a slen- 
 der waist, or a languishing eye, is rarely himself intel- 
 lectual, and intellectuality will seldom be the predom- 
 inating characteristic of his children. 
 
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HEAD. 
 
 The first thing to be attended to, in the practical ex- 
 amination of the head, is the absolute size of the 
 head ; for a large head, ceteris paribus, always shows 
 more power than a small head. The head should next 
 be viewed as divided into four regions, an anterior, a 
 posterior, a superior, and an inferior. The relative 
 size of the anterior and posterior may be seen by ex- 
 tending a line from ear to ear over the crown of the 
 head ; and the superior and inferior regions may also 
 be compared by a line which encircles the head on a 
 level with the middle of the forehead, or, more correctly, 
 by a circular line drawn at the level of Causality, 
 Caution, and Inhabitiveness. The effects produced by 
 the predominancy of any of these regions have already 
 been adverted to. It requires, however, to be stated, 
 that that part of the brain that lies anterior to the 
 ear is not all concerned in intellectual function — 
 a part of it is formed by the middle lobe of the brain, 
 and consequently a part of it is the seat of feeling. 
 The size of the anterior lobe must be calculated from 
 the breadth and elevation of the forehead. On the 
 heads of Hare, and the Rev. Mr. Martin, the line 
 A B, or the oblique line, insulates the intellectual part 
 of the brain ; and the horizontal line is drawn between 
 the seat of the sentiments and propensities. After a 
 knowledge has thus been obtained of the great outlines 
 
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HEAD. 
 
 181 
 
 of the head, the relative size of the organs in each 
 region must next be observed ; and repeated experi- 
 ments and observations will soon enable the majority 
 of Phrenologists to arrive at just conclusions upon this 
 part of the subject. The eye and hand are better mea- 
 surers both of form and size than callipers or any other 
 instrument, and should be made to supersede every 
 such instrument. In forming an estimate of the com- 
 parative size of the organs, Phrenologists observe, first, 
 the elevations and depressions when such exist upon 
 the head, and secondly, the extent of space between 
 the site of the organ and the opening of the ear. The 
 ear is referred to because it is nearly opposite to the 
 medulla oblongata, or part from which the fibres of 
 the brain commence and radiate to the convolutions 
 
 which are situated immediately under the cranium ; 
 
 the longer the fibres, generally speaking, the larger 
 the organ. 
 
 The student of Phrenology should not only acquire 
 a knowledge of the individual organs and their functions, 
 but he should frequently view them in combination, 
 and calculate the effects of the combination of organs 
 in the formation of character. This is one of the 
 deepest subjects connected with Phrenology. We 
 can only wait to notice the manner in which the subject 
 should be investigated. In estimating the character 
 of an individual, the student should first observe the 
 relative proportions of the Propensities, Sentiments, 
 Knowing and Reflecting intellect. If any of these 
 grand divisions greatly predominate, no difficulty wiil 
 be experienced in arriving at a decided general con- 
 clusion. If the Propensities exclusively predominate, 
 
182 
 
 PRACTICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HEAD. 
 
 brutality of conduct will be the result ; if the Senti- 
 ments alone bear the sway, the amiable qualities will 
 abound ; if the Knowing organs are in similar circum- 
 stances, talents of observation will be the consequence ; 
 and should the Reflecting organs be exclusively deve- 
 loped, the person so constituted will be deemed a vision- 
 ary. After he has thus examined the great outlines 
 of the head, the student should next observe which of 
 the o. Q ans are largest in one or more of the above 
 subdivisions, for a direction will be given to such 
 organ or organs from the more predominating regions 
 of the brain. For example, if the basilary region be 
 very large, although one of the sentiments be well 
 developed, that sentiment will receive a hue and tinc- 
 ture from the predominance of the propensities, and 
 even all the knowing and reflecting powers will bend in 
 these circumstances under the dominion of the propen- 
 sities, or run in the direction of these lower powers. 
 When the coronal region is high, and one of the pro- 
 pensities, such as destructiveness, large, the lower 
 organ will be robbed of its fierceness, and modified by 
 the softening and benign influences of the superior 
 powers. The intellect, under these circumstances, is 
 drawn as by a celestial influence to direct its energies 
 so as to gratify these sublime feelings of our nature. 
 When the intellect again is large, and the propensities 
 and sentiments small, energy and fine feeling are with- 
 drawn, and a mental constitution formed, but ill adapted 
 for this " breathing world." The intellect requires the 
 impelling power of the propensities and sentiments 
 even to do justice to itself, and the propensities and 
 sentiments equally require the guidance of enlightened 
 
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HEAD. 183 
 
 intellect. The best combination is that in which all 
 the regions of the head are equally and well developed, 
 or if any region should predominate, it is that of the 
 Sentiments, as these impart moral and religious dispo- 
 sitions, which conduce more to the well-being of man 
 than Intellect itself. 
 
 In estimating the character of any individual, we 
 should note also the relative size of each of the organs, 
 and calculate the influence which they reciprocally have 
 upon each other. This is by far the most difficult part 
 of the subject, and for the performance of which no 
 rules can be condescended upon. It must be left to 
 the sagacity of the student, and can only be accom- 
 plished by high intellectual endowments. 
 
 Phrenology, it has been said, cannot be true, be- 
 cause it leads to materialism, and thus undermines the 
 principles of morality and religion. It is to be regret- 
 ted that the opponents of phrenology should have 
 recourse to such a subterfuge in shape of argument — 
 a subterfuge that savours so much of ignorance and 
 bigotry. Phrenology leads to no such conclusion. 
 The venerable founders of the system disclaim such 
 an inference, and many able and enlightened ministers 
 of religion rank amongst its champions, and who would 
 be the last to advocate any doctrine that would lead to 
 such a conclusion. We all admit the eye is the organ 
 of vision, and that without the eye the mind cannot 
 see. But do we allow that the belief of such a doc- 
 trine leads to materialism ? Certainly not. We all 
 admit that the mind may exist after the eye is destroy- 
 ed, although it cannot see without such an organ ; so 
 we admit that the essence of the mind may exist after 
 
184 
 
 MATERIALISM. 
 
 the brain is destroyed, although that organ is necessary 
 in the present state of things for the mental manifesta- 
 tion. It is not Phrenology, bat the contrary doctrine 
 that leads to a dangerous conclusion. The anti-phren- 
 ologist cannot account for mental aberration of any 
 kind without assuming a principle that leads to a most 
 appalling conclusion. In insanity, for example, he 
 says the mind is deranged. But can the mind become 
 so affected ? Can that pure etherial being, that emana- 
 tion of Deity itself, that incomprehensible existence 
 whose aspirations rise above all sublunary things, and 
 whose desires are as boundless as eternity — can that 
 being become deranged ? If we answer this question 
 in the affirmative, we state in so many words that the 
 mind can become diseased, and if liable to disease it 
 clearly follows that it may die. But Phrenology leads 
 to no such conclusion. Phrenology draws a broad line 
 of demarcation between the organ of the mind and 
 the mind itself, and it is obvious that what may be 
 predicated of the one does not necessarily apply to the 
 other. There is nothing in Phrenology at variance 
 with the consoling doctrine of the mind's immortality ; 
 for though the organ of the mind perish, the mind it- 
 self may not only survive, but even, (to use the words 
 of Addison,) 
 
 u Flourish in immortal youth, 
 Unhurt amid the war of elements. 
 Ihe wreck of matter, and the crash of worlds" 
 
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
 
 In these plates, the heads of four well known charac- 
 ters are represented ; two in which the Intellectual and 
 Moral departments of the brain predominated, and two 
 in which the very opposite conformation existed, and 
 what is the conclusion that would necessarily be de- 
 duced from these forms ? Would not a Phrenologist 
 at once indicate intellectuality and all the moral and 
 religious qualities from the former, and every low and 
 degrading vice and atrocity from the latter. 
 
 The head of Hare shows a decided preponderance 
 of the propensities over the moral sentiments and intel- 
 lectual powers, and his acts were such as to fill every 
 well constituted mind with horror and disgust. In the 
 engraving, Hare's head is in profile, and consequently 
 an imperfect idea can only be formed from it of the 
 size of the moral sentiments, for the breadth of the 
 upper region cannot be seen ; but in the cast of his 
 head this part is narrow as might have been ex- 
 pected. 
 
 In the head of Pope Alexander VI. we have still a 
 worse conformation. The whole head is thrown back- 
 wards in the direction of the basilary region, which is 
 prodigiously large, with a lamentable deficiency of the 
 forehead and upper regions. At the very first glance, 
 
186 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
 
 a Phrenologist would conclude that the character was 
 grossly bestial, without a redeeming amiable quality. 
 And what was actually his character? Let history 
 tell.* 
 
 In the Rev. Mr. Martin, there is not only a con- 
 siderable development of brain before the ear, but it rises 
 high in the coronal region ; thus indicating, phrenologi- 
 cally, great endowment of moral and religious feeling, 
 and respectable intellectual powers. His character cor- 
 responded accurately with his developments.f 
 
 In the head of Melancthon we have the beau ideal 
 
 * " Pope Alexander VI. This disgrace to the papal chair, whose 
 family name was Borgia, was born at Valencia, in Spain, in 143 J, and 
 succeeded Pope Innocent VIII. in 1492. His life was a series of crimes. 
 By his concubine Vanozzi, he had five children, worthy of such a 
 father, and of these Caesar, the most infamous, was his favourite. In 
 all his political connexions he was treacherous, beyond the usual mea- 
 sure of treachery in politicians. The pontifical claims to supremacy 
 lost nothing in his hands. It was he who divided between the Spaniards 
 and Portuguese the recently discovered realms of America, by drawing 
 a line from pole to pole, a hundred leagues to the westward of the 
 Azores, and assigning to the former people all the realms to the west of 
 it, and to the latter all those to the east. This hateful pontiff died in 
 the year 1503 ; and is said to have fallen, by mistake, a victim to poison, 
 which he and his son Ceesar had prepared for others."— Davenport's 
 Dictionary of Biography. 
 
 f u Mr. Martin is stated, by his medical friend, to have been upwards of 
 thirty years a minister in a Baptist congregation, and that he was first 
 brought up to the trade of watch-making, but which he soon abandoned 
 for pursuits more congenial to his tastes and inclinations. By great 
 application he became a scholar and a man of considerable learning. 
 Besides, his medical friend spoke of him in terms of the highest respect ; 
 as a minister, esteemed by all his congregation ; as a man, of most 
 exemplary conduct, and of the strictest integrity, who showed great 
 care and economy in the management of his own affairs."— Phrcnologi- 
 cat Journal. 
 
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
 
 187 
 
 of phrenological development. The forehead is splen- 
 did — " The front of Jove himself." The coronal region 
 towers to a magnificent height above the ear, and the 
 posterior and basilary regions, so far as they can be 
 observed, are comparatively small. This conformation 
 would indicate, phrenologically, profound and compre- 
 hensive intellect, pure and elevated moral sentiments, 
 with mildness of disposition : and observe how his 
 character corresponded.* 
 
 * M Philip Melancthon, a celebrated Protestant reformer, was born, 
 in 1497, at Bretten, in the Palatinate. His real name was Schwartzerde, 
 or Black Earth, of which Melancthon is a translation. He studied at 
 Witteraberg and Tubingen ; and, in 1518, was appointed Greek profes- 
 sor at Wittemberg, where he became the friend of Luther, and a con- 
 vert to his doctrines. To the diffusion of the new doctrines he power- 
 fully contributed ; but he displayed a moderate and conciliatory spirit, 
 which was displeasing to the more imperious Luther. The Confession 
 of Augsburg was the work of this reformer. Even his theological 
 enemies respected the virtues, the talents, the learning, and the mild 
 temper of Melancthon. He died at Wittemberg in 1560. His works 
 form four folio volumes." — Davcnpoi-Vs Dictionary of Biography. 
 
 Spurzheim* thus describes the head of Melancthon : — " It is the brain 
 of an extraordinary man. The organs of the moral and religious feel- 
 ings predominate greatly, and will disapprove of all violence, irre- 
 verence, and injustice. The forehead betokens a vast and compre- 
 hensive understanding, and the ensemble a mind the noblest, the most 
 amiable, and the most intellectual, that can be conceived." " Never 
 was any man more civil and obliging, and more free from jealousy, 
 dissimulation, and envy, than Melancthon ; he was humble, modest, 
 disinterested in the extreme ; in a word, he possessed wonderful talents 
 and most noble dispositions. His greatest enemies have been forced to 
 acknowledge that the annals of antiquity exhibit very few worthies 
 who may be compared with him, whether extent of knowledge in 
 things human and divine, or quickness of comprehension and fertility 
 of genius, be regarded. The cause of true Christianity derived more 
 signal advantages, and more effectual support from Melancthon, than 
 it received from any of the other doctors of the age. His mildness and 
 
 * Phrenology in connexion with Physiognomy. 
 
18S 
 
 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
 
 charity perhaps carried him too far at times, and led him occasionally to 
 make concessions that might be styled imprudent. He was the sincere 
 worshipper of truth, but he was diffident of himself, and sometimes 
 timorous without any sufficient reason. On the other hand, his forti- 
 tude in defending the right Tas great. His opinions were so univer- 
 sally respected, that scarcely any one among the Lutheran doctors 
 ventured to oppose them. He was inferior to Luther in courage and 
 intrepidity, but his equal in piety, and much his superior in learning, 
 judgment, meekness, and humanity." 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 No. I. 
 On the Modifications of the Affective and Intellectual 
 Functions, {abridged from Dr. Spurzheims work 
 on the Phdosophical Principles of Phrenology .) 
 
 In philosophy it is commonly admitted, that the world 
 is different to every species of animals, and even to 
 every individual of the same species. This is easily 
 understood, when we consider that all the beings of 
 nature are in relation one to another, and that those 
 endowed with consciousness recognise this — in other 
 terms, perceive various impressions made on them by 
 other beings. Now, it is evident that each must per- 
 ceive impressions in proportion to the number and en- 
 ergy of its sentient faculties. Hence it results that 
 the world differs to different species of animals ; that 
 it is essentially the same, but modified to individuals 
 of the same kinds : and that man, who unites all the 
 faculties distributed among the other living tribes, 
 and possesses some peculiarly and alone, has, so to 
 speak, the most extended world, though this be still 
 modified to individuals, as it is among animals of the 
 same species. 
 
 I shall now investigate the modifications of the fa- 
 culties more in detail. First, then, the manifestations 
 of every faculty are greatly modified in different kinds 
 of beings. This appears from the functions of those 
 faculties, both of vegetative and animal life, which are 
 
190 APPENDIX. 
 
 common to man and animals. The liver secretes bile, 
 the kidneys secrete urine, the salivary glands saliva, 
 &c; yet these secretions vary in different kinds of 
 animals, and are even modified in individuals of the 
 same species. The power of motion is modified in dif- 
 ferent kinds of animals ; and the consistence, texture, 
 and state of its organs ; the muscles also vary. The 
 external senses offer modifications according to species 
 and individuals. Now, are the faculties attached to 
 the brain also modified in different animals ? 
 
 If we examine their applications, there can remain 
 no doubt of it. The function of the cerebellum must 
 be modified in every species, because the individuals of 
 each prefer others of their own kind. Sometimes also 
 it is quite inordinate. Modifications of Philoprogeni- 
 tiveness are not less certain. Animals love the young 
 of their own more than those of other kinds. Inha- 
 bitiveness must be modified in animals which live in 
 the water, on dry land, in the air, and at greater or 
 less elevations. Adhesiveness presents many modifica- 
 tions in solitary and in social animals. Destructive- 
 ness and Constructiveness are much modified ; all 
 animals do not kill in one way, and the nests of all 
 birds are not built in the same manner. The song of 
 birds, and the instinct to migrate, are modified univer- 
 sally. Similar observations might readily be made in 
 regard to the whole of the Propensities, Sentiments, 
 and Intellectual Faculties. Thus it is certain, that all 
 are modified both in species and in individuals. Nay, 
 it seems to me that there are idiosyncrasies of all the 
 mental functions, as well as of digestion and the exter- 
 nal senses. Certain stomachs do not digest some par- 
 
APPENDIX. 191 
 
 ticular substances ; some individuals cannot bear cer- 
 tain odours, savours, colours, and sounds; and some 
 cannot endure certain modes of feeling or think- 
 ing, certain successions of tones, of ideas, and so on. 
 The same thing is approved or disapproved of by dif- 
 ferent people, according to the manner in which it is 
 proposed. 
 
 Another cause of the modified manifestations of the 
 faculties, is their mutual influence. I only consider the 
 human kind at present. It is indubitable, that if two 
 or more persons do the same thing, it will be done in a 
 modified way by every one. Inasmuch as the facul- 
 ties are essentially the same, the same actions are ob- 
 served in all mankind : nay, in as far as nations have 
 similar predominating faculties, there prevails a certain 
 analogy in their actions and manners, because these 
 are effects of the special faculties and their combina- 
 tions ; it is only their modifications and different com- 
 binations that produce varieties in action. Every 
 faculty may act combined with one, or two, or more. 
 The number of binary, ternary, and more multiplied 
 combinations is, therefore, immense, especially if it be 
 remembered that each may be modified in itself, and 
 may be more or less energetic. As this subject, how- 
 ever, is of the highest importance in anthropology, and 
 indispensable to the elucidation of my ideas, I shall 
 treat it somewhat in detail, and choose examples easily 
 understood, and interesting to every one. 
 
 Physical love alone, combined with Adhesiveness, 
 Philoprogenitiveness, Benevolence, and Veneration, 
 or with the propensities to fight and to destroy, acts 
 very differently. Two affectionate mothers, of whom 
 
192 APPENDIX. 
 
 the one has Philoprogenitiveness, combined with much 
 Self-esteem, much Firmness, a gTeat propensity to fight, 
 and little Benevolence ; and the second, Philoprogeni- 
 tiveness, combined with Adhesiveness, Benevolence, 
 Veneration, and very little Self-Esteem and propen- 
 sity to fight, will love their children in very different 
 manners. Determinate or individual justice varies 
 extremely. Justice gives laws universally, but these 
 are modified according to the particular and combined 
 faculties of legislators. What a difference in the char- 
 acters of Lycurgus and Solon ; but what a difference 
 in their precepts also ! 
 
 Man universally believes in one or several gods; 
 but what a difference between the gods of different 
 nations, and even of different men ! The gods seem to 
 me everywhere represented with faculties conformable to 
 those of the nations by whom they are adored or of the 
 religious legislators who have commanded in their name. 
 
 Music is different in every nation. We easily dis- 
 tinguish that of the Italians, Germans, French, Scots, 
 &c. Even the music of each composer offers some- 
 thing particular, and connoisseurs distinguish that of 
 Gluck, Mozart, Haydn, and others. It is the same 
 with painting. All painters are colourists, but there 
 is a difference in their modes of colouring ; and every 
 one as regularly prefers certain colours as subjects. 
 Hence the difference in the pictures of Titian, Rem- 
 brandt, Paul Veronese, Albano, and others. The 
 canvass of Titian shows reflection and combination ; 
 that of Paul Veronese his fondness for architecture ; 
 Albano again betrays his amorous inclination ; and so 
 of the rest. 
 
APPENDIX. 193 
 
 The languages of different nations present fine exam- 
 ples of modifications produced by the mutual influence 
 of the faculties. I even admit, that the spirit of its 
 language proclaims the predominating faculties of a na- 
 tion. It is evident, that a nation with many feelings 
 or ideas must have many signs, and that the number of 
 any one kind of these indicates the energy of the fa- 
 culty they represent. Thus, the Greek and French 
 languages have a greater number of tenses than the 
 German and English. The French, on the contrary, 
 is poor in expressions of reflection and of sentiment ; 
 moreover, it has few that are figurative ; while the 
 German is rich in all of these, and has also many more 
 signs of disjunction. Frenchmen have the organs of 
 Individuality and Eventuality very much developed, 
 and are therefore fond of facts ; but their faculties of 
 Comparison and Causality are commonly smaller. 
 The Germans, on the other hand, are fond of analo- 
 gies, perhaps too much so, for they compare and wish 
 to explain every thing. 
 
 The construction of languages proves also the modi- 
 fied manners of thinking of different nations. The 
 French like facts, and direct their attention to them, 
 without first considering causes. It is natural, indeed, 
 to begin with the subject, then to join the action of 
 the subject, and after this to express other circum- 
 stances. This the French do regularly. If cause and 
 effect be considered, they always begin with the effect, 
 and relate the cause afterwards. The Germans pro- 
 ceed in a very different manner, and their tongue in 
 this respect requires much more attention than the 
 French. It also ordinarily begins with the subject ; 
 
194 APPENDIX. 
 
 then follow expressions of the relation between subject 
 and object, both of which are mentioned ; and lastly, 
 the action of the subject upon the object is considered. 
 From these observations upon language, we may 
 conceive that the spirit of no one language can become 
 general. I am of opinion that the spirit of the French 
 will never please Germans ; and that Frenchmen, on 
 the other hand, will always dislike that of the German, 
 because the manner of thinking, and the enchainment 
 of ideas, are quite dissimilar in the two nations. 
 
 I am further convinced that different philosophical 
 systems have resulted from various combinations of fa- 
 culties in their authors. He who has much of the 
 faculty of Eventuality will never neglect facts. He 
 who possesses less of it, and a great deal of the facul- 
 ties of Comparison and Causality, will begin to philo- 
 sophize with causes, and construct the world, instead 
 of observing its existence. He, on the contrary, in 
 whom the faculty of Causality is less active, will reject 
 this mode of consideration, and may think it unphilo- 
 sophical to admit a Primitive Cause. The philosopher 
 in whom the superior sentiments are very energetic, 
 directs his mind principally to moral principles, and 
 then we have various systems of virtue and morality, 
 according to the predominance of one or other of these. 
 It would be easy to quote examples in the case of 
 every faculty, to prove the mutual influence of the 
 whole ; but I shall only dwell on this principle, in re- 
 ference to abuses of the faculties, for the sake of show- 
 ing how peculiarities may be explained which seem in- 
 conceivable to those who know nothing of Phrenology. 
 Suppose, for instance, we are told that of two inve- 
 
APPENDIX. 195 
 
 terate thieves presented to us, one has never scrupled 
 to rob churches, whilst the other has, the robber of the 
 church may be distinguished from the other : he who 
 has the smallest organ of Veneration is the thief of the 
 holy articles. Suppose we see two women in confine- 
 ment, and are told that one has stolen, and that the 
 other has concealed the stolen things ; the former will 
 have the organ of Acquisitiveness larger, and that of 
 the propensity to conceal less ; while the second will 
 have the organ of Secretiveness much developed. If 
 we would detect the chief of a robber band, we exam- 
 ine the organs of Self-Esteem and Determinateness. 
 We may distinguish a habitual vagabond thief from a 
 coiner of false money, by his having, besides the organ 
 of Acquisitiveness, the organ of Locality larger, and 
 smaller organs of Cautiousness and of Constructiveness. 
 We may also distinguish dangerous and incorrigible 
 criminals from the less desperate and more easily 
 amended. They who have the organs of the Senti- 
 ments proper to man, and of Intellect very small, but 
 those of the Propensities to fight, to destroy, to con- 
 ceal, and to acquire, very much developed, will be cor- 
 rected with far more difficulty than such as have the 
 organ of Acquisitiveness very much developed, but at 
 the same time the organs of the human faculties and of 
 Intellect large, who, in short, are susceptible of moral 
 will. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 No. II. 
 
 Excerpt of the Report made to the Royal Academy 
 of Sciences of the Institute, on M. Flour ens' iv or k, 
 entitled Determination of the Properties of the Nerv- 
 ous System, or Physical Researches on Irritability 
 and Sensibility. 
 
 " Wounds of the cerebrum and cerebellum produce no 
 more pain than convulsions; and in common language, 
 it would from that be concluded that the cerebrum and 
 cerebellum are insensible. But M. Flourens says that 
 these tracts are the sensible tracts of the nervous sys- 
 tem, which simply signifies that it is to them that the 
 impressions received by the organs endowed with sen- 
 sations must arrive, in order that the animal may experi- 
 ence the sensations. M. Flourens seems to us to have 
 well proved this proposition, as regards the senses of 
 sight and hearing : when the cerebral lobe of one side 
 is removed, the animal sees no longer on the opposite 
 side, although the iris of this eye preserves its mobility; 
 when the two lobes are removed, it becomes blind, and 
 cannot hear. But we cannot say that he has equally 
 well proved it as regards the other senses. In the 
 first place he has not, nor could he make any experi- 
 ments respecting the smell and the taste ; then, as re- 
 gards the sense of touch itself, his experiments do not 
 appear to us conclusive. In fact, the animal so mutil- 
 ated is quite drowsy ; it has no will of its own, it makes 
 
ATPENDIX. 197 
 
 no spontaneous motion, but when struck or irritated 
 it rouses itself as from a sleep. In whatever position 
 it is placed it preserves its equilibrium. If laid on its 
 back it rises, it walks if pushed. When it is a frog it 
 jumps if it is touched ; when a bird it flies if thrown up 
 into the air ; it struggles if annoyed ; if water is poured 
 upon its beak it swallows it. Certainly it will be dif- 
 ficult to believe that these actions take place without 
 being provoked by any sensation. It is very true that 
 they are not rational. The animal escapes without 
 any object in view ; it no longer has any memory, and 
 frequently stumbles against the same obstacles. And 
 this moreover proves, and these are the expressions of 
 M. Flourens, that such an animal is in a dormant state: 
 it acts like a man asleep. But we are far from believ- 
 ing that a man asleep, who moves during his sleep, who 
 in this state knows how to place himself in a more con- 
 venient position, is absolutely deprived of sensation ; 
 and because the perception of this has not been dis- 
 tinct, and that he has lost all recollection of it, is no 
 proof that he had not possessed them. Instead of say- 
 ing, as the author does, that the cerebral lobes are the 
 sole organs of sensation, we shall restrict ourselves to 
 the facts observed, and merely say that these lobes are 
 the sole receptacle where the sensations of sight and 
 hearing can be consummated and become perceptible 
 to the animal : that if we wished to add more to this 
 appropriation we should say that the cerebral lobes are 
 the point where all the sensations take a distinct form 
 and leave durable impressions and recollections ; that 
 they are, in fact, the seat of memory, a property by 
 means of which the animal is furnished with the mate- 
 
198 APPENDIX. 
 
 rials for its judgments. This conclusion, expressed in 
 this way, would be sufficiently probable, although in 
 the structure of these lobes and their connexion with 
 the rest of the system, and in the constant proportion 
 of the volume of these lobes with the degree of intelli- 
 gence of the animals, comparative anatomy offers ano- 
 ther confirmation. 
 
 " After the effects of ablation of the brain, properly 
 so called, M. Flourens examines those of the extirpation 
 of the quadrigeminal tubercles. The removal of one 
 of the two, after a convulsive action which immedi- 
 ately ceases, produces blindness of the opposite eye, and 
 an involuntary whirling round ; that of the two tuber- 
 cles renders the cecity complete and the whirling more 
 violent and more prolonged . Yet the animal retains all its 
 faculties, and the iris is still contractile. The entire 
 extirpation, or a section of the optic nerve alone, par- 
 alyzes the iris : from which circumstance M. Flourens 
 concludes that extirpation of the tubercle produces the 
 same results as a section of the nerve, that this tuber- 
 cle is as regards vision only a conductor ; and that the 
 cerebral lobe alone is the limit of the sensation, and 
 the place where it is consummated by becoming con- 
 verted into perception. After all it must be observed 
 that in too deeply extirpating these tubercles we inter- 
 fere with the medulla oblongata, and then violent con- 
 vulsions, which last long, make their appearance. 
 What appears to us to be most curious and unheard 
 of in M. Flourens' experiments, concerns the functions 
 of the cerebellum. During the ablation of the first 
 slices, only a little weakness and a want of harmony 
 in the movements that occur. At the removal of the 
 
APPENDIX. 199 
 
 middle slices, an almost general agitation is the result. 
 The animal continuing to hear and to see, only executes 
 abrupt and disorderly movements. Its faculties of fly- 
 ing, walking, standing up, &c, are lost by degrees. 
 When the cerebellum is removed, the faculty of per- 
 forming regulated movements has entirely disappeared. 
 Placed on its back the creature could not get up ; yet 
 it saw the blow that threatened it, it heard noises, it 
 endeavoured to avoid danger, and made many efforts 
 to do so without accomplishing its object. In a few 
 words, it retained the faculties of perception and of 
 volition, but it had lost the power of making its mus- 
 cles obey its will. It was with difficulty that a bird 
 stood up, resting upon its wings and tail. Deprived 
 of its brain, it was in a dormant state ; deprived of its 
 cerebellum, it was in a state of apparent drunkenness. 
 u ■ It is a surprising thing, says M. Flourens, 'to 
 see a pigeon as he loses his cerebellum, gradually 
 losing the power of flying, then that of walking, and 
 at last that of standing up, which is also gradually lost. 
 The animal begins by not being able to stand straight 
 upon its legs ; then its feet are not sufficient to keep 
 it up. At last, any fixed position is impossible ; it 
 makes incredible efforts to attain some such position, 
 without effecting it; and yet, when fatigued and ex- 
 hausted, it appears as if it wished to be quiet ; its sen- 
 ses were so acute that the slightest gesture reproduced 
 contortions, without the least convulsive action, as long 
 as the quadrigeminal tubercles and medulla oblongata 
 remained untouched.' We do not know of any phy- 
 siologist who has made known any of these singular 
 phenomena. 
 
200 APPENDIX. 
 
 " Experiments on the cerebellum of quadrupeds, and 
 especially on that of adults, are very difficult to be per- 
 formed, on account of the large masses of bone which 
 it is necessary to remove, and the large vessels which 
 must be opened. Besides, most experimenters have 
 operated after systems imagined beforehand, and were 
 apt to overlook whatever they did not wish to see ; 
 certainly no one had yet supposed that the cerebel- 
 lum was in any manner the balancer, the regulator of 
 the locomotive movements of the animal. This dis- 
 covery, if experiments repeated with all due precau- 
 tions establish its generality, cannot but confer the 
 greatest honour on the young observer whose work we 
 have analyzed. From what has been said, the Academy, 
 as well as ourselves, is in a position to judge, that in- 
 dependently of superfluous mutations of language, and 
 of known facts, which the author was obliged to bring 
 forward to give connexion to his work, this memoir 
 offers, on many old facts, more concise details than 
 any we possessed before, and contains others as new 
 as they are precious to science. 
 
 " The integrity of the cerebral lobes is necessary for 
 the exercise of vision and hearing ; when they are re- 
 moved, the will is no longer manifested by spontaneous 
 acts. Yet if the animal is suddenly excited it executes 
 regular locomotive movements, as if it constantly en- 
 deavoured to fly from the pain, and manifests uneasiness ; 
 but these movements do not affect the object in view, 
 very probably because its memory, which has disap- 
 peared with the lobes, which were its seat, no longer 
 furnishes a base or elements to its judgments. 
 
 '* These movements, for the same reason, have no 
 
APPENDIX. 201 
 
 sequel, because the impression which has caused them 
 leaves neither remembrance nor durable will. The 
 integrity of the cerebellum is necessary to the regular- 
 ity of the locomotive movements : let the cerebrum be 
 entire, the animal will see, hear, and have volition of 
 different kinds, very apparent and energetic ; but if 
 the cerebellum is removed, it will never have the power 
 of preserving the equilibrium necessary for its locomo- 
 tion. Yet the parts retain for a long time their irrita- 
 bility, without being in want of the cerebrum or cere- 
 bellum ; irritation of a nerve is still followed by con- 
 traction of the muscles to which it is distributed ; ir- 
 ritation of the spinal marrow produces action in the 
 parts placed beneath the irritated point. It is alto- 
 gether at the top of the medulla oblongata, at the spot 
 where the quadrigeminal bodies are attached to it, that 
 this faculty ceases of receiving and propagating, on 
 one part irritation, and on the other pain. It is at 
 least at this point that sensations must arrive to be per- 
 ceived. It is also from hence that the mandates 'of 
 the will must depart. Thus the continuation of the 
 nervous organism, from this point to all parts of the 
 system, is necessary to the execution of spontaneous 
 movements and the perception of impressions, whether 
 internal or external. 
 
 "All these conclusions are not identical with those 
 of the author, and especially they are not expressed in 
 the same terms. But they are those which have ap- 
 peared to us to result the most rigorously from the 
 facts which he has so well established ; they, without 
 doubt, will suffice to enable you tojudge of the importance 
 of the facts adduced to engage you to express your ap- 
 
202 APPENDIX. 
 
 probation to the author, and to invite him to continue 
 to communicate to you accounts of whatever further 
 progress he makes in a labour so very interesting. 
 
 (Signed) « Portal, The Count Berthollet, 
 Pinel, Dumeril, 
 "The Baron Cuvier, Reporter. 
 
 "The Academy approves of the report, the conclu- 
 sions of which it adopts, and orders it to be printed. 
 "Certified in accordance with the original, 
 
 i( The Perpetual Secretary, Baron G. Cuvier." 
 
 Experiment of M. Flourens in proof of his opinion 
 "that the cerebral lobes are the exclusive seat of the 
 sensations, perceptions, and volitions''' 
 
 M. Flourens removed, at the same time, the two 
 cerebral lobes of a healthy chicken. 
 
 The animal, thus deprived of its cerebrum, survived 
 ten months in a state of perfect health, and would in 
 all probability have lived longer, if M. Flourens had 
 not been obliged to leave Paris. 
 
 During the whole of this time, M. Flourens closely 
 watched all the actions, habits, &e. of the animal, and 
 the following is the result of his observations : 
 
 He had scarcely removed the brain, before the sight 
 of both eyes was suddenly lost; the hearing was also 
 gone, and the animal did not give the slightest sign of 
 volition, but kept himself perfectly upright upon his 
 legs, and walked when he was irritated, or when he was 
 pushed ; when thrown into the air, he flew, and swal- 
 lowed water when it was poured into his beak. 
 
APPENDIX. 203 
 
 He never moved unless he was irritated ; when 
 placed upon his feet, he remained upon them; when seated 
 on his belly, in the manner that chickens do when they 
 sleep, he remained in that position; he appeared 
 plunged in a sort of drowsiness, which neither sound 
 nor light in the slightest degree disturbed ; nothing but 
 direct irritation, such as pinching, or pricking, or strik- 
 ing, had any effect in rousing him. 
 
 When the animal did move about, it seemed to do 
 so without any motive or object, though there were no 
 convulsions, nor any want of harmony in its movements ; 
 if it met with any obstruction, it did not know how to 
 avoid it. 
 
 The chicken was quite healthy, and five months af- 
 ter the operation, the wound had quite healed, and a 
 new layer of bony matter was forming. 
 
 Still it had no sense of smell or taste ; neither had 
 it any sensation of hunger or thirst ; for after allowing 
 it to fast for three whole days, and then placing food 
 immediately under its nostrils, and afterwards putting 
 it into its beak, and also putting its beak into water, it 
 did not show the slightest disposition either to eat or 
 drink, and would have died for want of nourishment, 
 if it had not been fed by force. 
 
 It seemed entirely to have lost its memory, for if it 
 struck itself against any body, it would not avoid it, 
 but repeat the blow immediately. 
 
 Finally, it will be seen, that in a bird from which 
 the cerebral lobes were removed, but in which the or- 
 gans of sight, hearing, taste, and touch were perfect, 
 the impressions received by them were not perceived 
 
204 APPENDIX. 
 
 by the individual himself; in short, that the bird was 
 blind, deaf, and without taste or touch. 
 
 In opposition to the above experiment, the effect 
 produced by the removal of the optic tubercles may be 
 usefully brought forward. 
 
 The operation of removing the optic tubercles was 
 invariably attended with convulsions. If the optic tu- 
 bercle on one side only was removed, the opposite eye 
 immediately became blind. In one bird in which M. 
 Flourens removed both tubercles, blindness immedi- 
 ately followed; and one bird thus mutilated, though 
 perfectly blind, three or four days after the operation, 
 went about in search of food, sought the place of rest 
 in the evening, received the caresses of the male and 
 responded to them, avoided the objects that it had 
 once struck, advancing with precaution ; it pecked the 
 ground as it walked about, swallowing the grain and 
 rejecting the pebbles ; it soon learned and remembered 
 the places where it ordinarily received its food ; the 
 cautious animal conducted itself, in fact, under all the 
 circumstances, with an intelligence more decided and 
 continual, inasmuch as, having lost the sense of sight, 
 it was obliged to supply that loss by means of its other 
 senses, directed by intellectual faculties. 
 
 M. Flourens, in order to prove the office of the 
 cerebellum, removed it in a pigeon by successive slices. 
 The removal of the first pieces merely appeared to 
 weaken the bird, and to produce some irregularity and 
 want of harmony in the action of the muscles of the 
 limbs. On reaching the middle of the cerebellum, it 
 manifested a universal agitation, but heard and saw 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 :hing perfectly. » whole was removed, 
 
 it no longer had the power of walking or flying ; and 
 placed up ..s unable t :; but 
 
 far from remaining quiet ai in a pigeon from 
 
 which the hemispheres wore removed, it constantly- 
 made vain and ill-reg- sc : if it was 
 threatened, or a pretence made to strike it, it endea- 
 voured to avoid the blow. olitionand i 
 tion remained, as did also the power of exciti: _ 
 
 action of the muscles ; bu; -oduc- 
 
 mbined movements no 
 ned. 
 Bouillaud, in a pamphlet entitled iC Recherchcs 
 niques et experimentales tendant a refuter i' Opinion de 
 M. Gall sur les Fonctions du C . a prouver 
 
 que cet Organe preside aux Actes de 1' Equilibration, 
 de la S ie la Pi : a 
 
 opinions which, to a certain extent, are 
 with those of If. Fiourens on the same subject, inas- 
 much as he considers that the regulating power : 
 cerebellum is confined to the muscles of locomotion, 
 and that it has no power over voluntary m 
 
 *• Mutilations of the cerebellum Bouillaud, 
 
 e not accompanied by paralysis or convex 
 properly so called, but merely by disorder of the loco- 
 motive functions ; the : equilibrium and pro- 
 ; :i were destroyed. The animals mutilated were 
 pable of reflection, of hearing, of m; 
 in all directions, and most frequently these 
 movements were execu:ed with extraordinary quick- 
 e ; from which H I If. 
 Bouillaud, "that we must admit the existence in the 
 
2(H) APPENDIX. 
 
 cerebellum of a force which presides over the associa- 
 tion of the movements composing the different acts of 
 locomotion and of station — a force essentially distinct 
 from that which governs the simple movements both of 
 the trunk and limbs, although there exists the most 
 intimate connection between the two. 
 
 " In this view of the subject, it is impossible not to 
 adopt the opinion of M. Flourens, namely, that in the 
 cerebellum resides the power of co-ordinating the ac- 
 tions of walking, running:, flying, standing, &c. But 
 M. Flourens appears to have fallen into an error, when 
 he says that the cerebellum is the co-ordinator of all 
 the movements called voluntary. 
 
 " Up to this time, experiments only warrant our say- 
 ing, that the cerebellum is the central nervous organ, 
 which gives to vertebrated animals the faculty of pre- 
 serving their equilibrium and of exercising the various 
 acts of locomotion. Besides, I think I have proved 
 in another memoir, that the cerebellum co-ordinates 
 certain movements, those of speech in particular, more 
 marvellous than those of which we are here treating. 
 
 " The disorders of the functions of station and pro- 
 gression are not the same, whether the cerebellum is 
 simply irritated or partly disorganized, or entirely de- 
 stroyed. If the cerebellum is only irritated, its func- 
 tions are not destroyed, but are thrown into confusion, 
 if I may so express it, for a certain time. It is in this 
 state that we observe jumping, falling heels over head, 
 whirling, and all the puzzling movements which are 
 executed with such impetuosity that the eye cannot 
 follow them, which renders a description of these move- 
 ments very difficult. It is also in this state that we 
 
APPENDIX. 207 
 
 observe that violent agitation so much like epilepsy. 
 These phenomena do not appear to have been observ- 
 ed by M. Flourens in all their shades, undoubtedly 
 because he always conducted his experiments by the 
 ablation of parts. They have been found especially 
 remarkable in birds; they are also to be observed in 
 the mammalia. These phenomena evidently indicate 
 a lesion of the functions of station and locomotion ; 
 they are irresistible. But this disorder, this species 
 of alienation of the locomotive movements, soon dis- 
 appears when the irritation is not continued ; so that 
 the animal gradually regains its proper attitude and 
 normal gait. 
 
 te It is not so when the cerebellum is totally disor- 
 ganized or entirely removed ; the animal is then for 
 ever deprived of the faculty of equilibration, of walk- 
 ing, and of flying, if a bird ; all the efforts it makes are 
 useless; they merely demonstrate, that though unable 
 to perform any combined motions out of which station 
 or locomotion results, it nevertheless retains the faculty 
 of executing partial movements, and of moving its 
 limbs in all directions." 
 
 Such are some of the opinions of the most cele- 
 brated continental experimentalists on the brain. — 
 Many of their best-founded opinions are in harmony 
 with phrenology; and those which are in direct opposi- 
 tion to the phrenological system are contradictory, and 
 consequently cannot be depended upon. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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