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NOTICE BY THE PUBLISHER. 
 
 !: 
 
 SE WALL'S EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY, 
 
 IN TWO LECTURES— WITH PLATES. 
 
 This work, which is now offered to the public, 
 has been republished in Europe, and extensively 
 circulated and read in our own country. The first 
 lecture shows what the doctrines of phrenology 
 are ; the second, how far they are consistent with 
 anatomical structure and with reason. The whole 
 argument is condensed into a small compass, and 
 is exhibited in a form adapted to the general 
 reader, as well as to professional men. With what 
 degree of favor the first edition has been received, 
 will appear from the following extracts, taken 
 from critical reviews and journals, and several un- 
 published letters, which we have obtained permis- 
 sion to annex. Such opinions of the work, coming 
 from such sources, cannot fail to secure for the 
 present edition, the perusal of all who wish to be- 
 come acquainted with the merits of the discussion. 
 
 D. S. KING. 
 
 Boston, April, 1839. 
 
11 
 
 NOTICES OF THE WORK 
 
 From the Hon. John Quincy Adams. 
 
 Washington, 5 April, 1839. 
 Dr. Thomas Sew all, Washington. 
 
 Dear Sir : — I have read with great satisfaction your two Lectures upon the Sci- 
 ence of Phrenology, which I have never been able to prevail upon myself to think 
 of as a serious speculation. 1 have classed it with alchymy, with judicial astrology, 
 with augury, — and, as Cicero says, that he wonders how two Roman augurs 
 could ever look each other in the face without laughing, I have felt something of 
 the same surprise, that two learned phrenologists can meet without the like tempta- 
 tion. 
 
 But as it has been said of Bishop Berkley's anti-material system, that he has de- 
 monstrated beyond all possibility of refutation, what no man in his senses can be- 
 lieve, so without your assistance, I should never have been able to encounter the 
 system of thirty-three or thirty-five faculties of the immortal soul, all clustered on 
 the blind side of the head. I thank you for furnishing me with argument to meet 
 the doctors, who pack up the five senses in thirty-five parcels of the brain. I am 
 glad that your lectures have been so successful, and hope they will be yet more so 
 in recalling the sober sense of the mateHal philosophers of our age, to the dignity 
 of an imperishable mind. 
 
 I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your friend, 
 
 J. Q. ADAMS. 
 
 From the Hon. Daniel Webster. 
 
 Washington, March 8, 1839. 
 My Dear Sir : — I read your " Examination of Phrenology" when first pub- 
 lished. Of the accuracy of the physical and anatomical facts which you state, I 
 am no competent judge; but if your premises be well founded, the argument is 
 conclusive. It is stated clearly and forcibly. I am pleased that a new edition is to 
 be published. I have seen, as doubtless you have, several favorable notices of the 
 work in the English reviews and magazines, authorities of great weight. 
 With very true regard, yours, 
 
 DANIEL WEBSTER. 
 Dr.Sewall. 
 
Ill 
 
 From the Hon. John McLean, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
 
 Richland, 25 June, 1337. 
 
 My Dear Sir : — By the last mail I received your interesting Lectures on Phre- 
 nology, and have derived from their perusal much instruction and pleasure ; and I 
 am not a little gratified, that the opinion I had formed, you have sustained by argu- 
 ment the most conclusive, and by the clearest anatomical demonstration. 
 
 I do not profess fully to understand the science of Phrenology, — if it may be called 
 a science, — but having attended, some years ago, a course of lectures upon the 
 subject, and having since heard lectures, and read some of the current publications 
 of the day, I take great pleasure in saying, that 1 have neither heard nor read any 
 thing which so entirely corresponds with my own views, as your " Examination." 
 You have taken the most effectual method to expose the absurdity of the system, 
 and so completely have you succeeded, that I do not think the disciples of Gall and 
 Spurzheim will attempt seriously to answer you. Certain I am, that your argu- 
 ments cannot be refuted, nor the effect of your demonstrations avoided. 
 
 I am in a great measure unacquainted with ihe anatomy of the parts involved in 
 the question ; but I have always supposed (to use a law term) that there was a ten- 
 ancy in common in the brain, and that the theory of its being divided into thirty-four 
 or more compartments, which being more or less prominent externally, indicate the 
 qualities of the mind, was fanciful, if not ridiculous But we need not wonder at 
 the numerous supporters of phrenology. Quackery is too much the order of the day, 
 and there is nothing so absurd, either in philosophy, politics or medicine, as not to 
 have its advocates. 
 
 I hope that your excellent work may be extensively circulated and read. 
 
 With great respect, I am, very truly and sincerely, yours, 
 
 JOHN JVlcLEAN. 
 Dr. Thomas Sewall. 
 
 From the Hon. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Harrisburg, June lBth, 1837. 
 Dear Sir : — I am very much obliged to you for the " two Lectures " on Phre- 
 nology, received yesterday. They are, in my judgment, quite conclusive of the 
 question, and I am glad to be furnished with an anatomical demonstration of the 
 futility of an asserted system, which never appeared to me worthy of any confi- 
 dence, though (till .you were good enough to send me your book) the grounds of 
 my opinion were too general to be entirely satisfactory. It gives me pleasure, of 
 course, to have it so triumphantly sustained. 
 
 Yours, very truly, 
 
 JOHN SERGEANT. 
 Dr. Sewall. 
 
 From the Hon. Henry L. Pinckney. 
 
 Charleston, July \bth, 1837. 
 My Dear Sir : — I have had the pleasure to receive a copy of your Lectures on 
 Phrenology, and am now able to say that 1 have perused it with much pleasure and 
 
IV 
 
 instruction, and that I sincerely thank you for having convinced me, by your clear 
 and able exposition, of the fallacy and absurdity of the whole system. T only won- 
 der that your essays were not published long- before. The world is so full of hum- 
 bugs, that every new-fangled imposition should be exposed at once ; and as you 
 had given what I consider a death-blow to the nonsense of phrenology, you 
 should have put forth your refutation the moment you had prepared it. I hope that 
 your lectures will be extensively circulated, and noticed, as they should be, by the 
 press. 
 
 I am, dear sir, yours, very truly and respectfully, 
 
 H. L. PINCKNEY. 
 Dr. Thomas Sewall. 
 
 From the Rev. Stephen Chapin, D. D., President of the Columbian College, D. C. 
 
 College Hill, D. C, March 29th, 1839. 
 To Dr. Thomas Sewall. 
 
 Dear Sir : — I am pleased to learn that another edition of your " Examination of 
 Phrenology" is called for. 
 
 As I have regarded phrenology as a subtle form of materialism, and an auxiliary of 
 infidelity, whatever its advocates may think or say, I look upon your lectures as 
 having an important moral bearing; and therefore rejoice in the full conviction that 
 your investigation has exploded the whole system. 
 
 I agree with you entirely in the opinion, that our young men, old ones too in- 
 deed, can find objects of infinitely greater moment to mankind than the study of 
 this baseless hypothesis, for science it should not be called. 
 
 Yours, with sentiments of great respect, 
 
 S. CHAPIN. 
 
 From the Rev. Justin Edwards, D. D., President of the Theological Seminary at 
 Andover, Mass., and Prof. Stewart, of the same Institution. 
 
 Andover, March 14th, 1839. 
 
 The undersigned have read the treatise of Dr. Sewall on Phrenology with atten- 
 tion and with much pleasure. Without undertaking to give any judgment upon 
 those parts of it which are connected with details, depending upon anatomical skill, 
 to which they lay no claim, they deem the treatise to be a connected and fair state- 
 ment of the arguments on both sides of the question, and view it as deserving the 
 careful attention of all who wish to become acquainted with the subject. 
 
 JUSTIN EDWARDS, 
 MOSES STEWART. 
 
From the Rev. Rue I Keith, D. D., President of the Episcopal Theological Sem- 
 inary, D. C. 
 Theological Seminary, near Alexandria, March 19lh, 1839. 
 Dear Sir: — As I am one of those who believe the pretensions of phrenology not 
 only to be false, but very prejudicial to the interests of morality and religion, inas- 
 much as they degrade man from the rank of a free and accountable being, to that 
 of a mere physical and irresponsible machine, I have heard, with great pleasure, 
 of the intended republication of your admirable work on the subject. These pre- 
 tensions had often been shown to be groundless and absurd by arguments drawn 
 from the philosophy of the mind, but the public is indebted to yourself for the first 
 work, so far as I know, in which this has been done by an appeal to plain matter of 
 fact, to the form and structure of the cranium and the brain. Phrenology, there- 
 fore, must now be regarded as not only refuted by the logic of the metaphysician, 
 but as absolutely demolished by the dissections of the anatomist. And we may in- 
 dulge the hope, that its mischievous influence, notwithstanding the zeal of its advo- 
 cates and the gullibility of the public, has been effectually counteracted. It would 
 be strange indeed, should it continue longer to be viewed by any of the intelligent 
 and reflecting portion of mankind in any other light than as an exploded humbug. 
 Your work has already done much good. Hoping it may yet do much more, and 
 that you may thus receive the reward which you most deserve, 
 I remain your friend and servant, 
 
 RUEL KEITH. 
 To Dr. Thomas Sewall. 
 
 From the pen of the late President Fisk, D. D., of the Wesleyan University, ex- 
 tracted from his letter to the editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal. 
 
 " EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY." 
 
 Mr. Editor : — I have just finished the perusal of a work, entitled " An Exam- 
 ination of Phrenology, in two Lectures, by Thomas Sewall, M. D., Professor of 
 Anatomy and Physiology, Washington City." This work is fresh from the press, 
 and has not therefore been long enough before the public to be generallj' read. But 
 I venture to avail myself of the feelings produced by this early perusal of it, to do 
 what little I may to call to it the attention of the public. 
 
 Philosophy calls nothing hers, but truth; and for this she digs as for hid treas- 
 ures. And if she thinks she has found a precious metal, none has a greater interest 
 than she has to subject it to the crucible and the test. And he who will help her in 
 this matter is her friend, however close the analysis, and however rigorous the in- 
 vestigation. 
 
 This is the work in which Dr. Sewall has engaged, and for which every lover of 
 truth will thank him, whatever he may think of the results to which the doctor has 
 come, in his lectures. And the more so, because the subject is treated with all 
 that fairness and candor which its importance and the reputation of the advocates of 
 this system demand 3 at the same time, that it is handled with that manly science and 
 professional skill for which Dr. S. is already so favorably known to the American 
 public. These lectures are also suited to popular reading ; for they are divested as 
 
VI 
 
 much as may be of professional technicality, and are illustrated by plates, and by a 
 plain deduction of anatomical and physiological facts, which can be understood and 
 appreciated by all. 
 
 The question then is, will the public give this side of the question a careful and 
 attentive hearing-? I say this side, for the author's investigations have led him to 
 conclusions unfavorable to the science of phrenology. He has shown, as he thinks, 
 and such, on reading the work, is, I confess, my own opinion, that it is anatomically 
 and physiologically absurd to rank practical phrenology among the sciences. 
 
 This treatise commends itself to public patronage by numerous considerations. 
 First, the reputation of the author is a sufficient guarantee to the public, that it is no 
 ordinary, common-place production. 2. The claims which this modern system 
 makes upon public confidence, the great advantages with which it has been pressed 
 upon the community, and the proportionally small influence that has been exerted 
 to question its claims, demand, in the name of truth and consistency, that this manly, 
 scientific and lucid investigation of its pretensions should be read as extensively as 
 the works in its favor. The American public owe this to themselves and to truth. 
 The Institute of France has lately decided, after a careful investigation, that there 
 is not enough of definiteness and certainty in this system, to entitle it to the rank of 
 a science. And shall we suffer it to pass among us as a science, without investiga- 
 tion 1 Shall we, after hearing but one side, enrol it by acclamation, upon the rec- 
 ords of science, and the registry of philosophy ; and thus leave it even possible, for 
 future generations to laugh at our credulity, while they blot it from the tablet ? 
 
 Finally : whoever wishes to have a general view of this important part of the 
 human form divine, without troubling himself with any extended technical and pro- 
 fessional study, will find in this little work enough to compensate him for his money 
 and time, although he take no interest in the main question here discussed. 
 
 W. FISK. 
 
 Wesleyan University, Middletowk, April 17, 1837. 
 
 From the Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review. April, 1838. 
 The argument against this science is cumulative. Were the considerations al- 
 ready presented devoid of weight, its facts are all overthrown, and the whole sys- 
 tem is demolished, by the impossibility of ascertaining the degree in which the dif- 
 ferent parts of the brain are developed, by the examination of the skull. For a 
 complete discussion of this point, we refer to the able lectures of Dr. Sewall, who 
 has constructed, upon anatomical grounds, an unanswerable argument against 
 phrenology. He shows that the skulls of some individuals are eight times thicker 
 than those of others ; that in the same individual, the thickness of the skull varies in 
 different portions, and that in some parts its internal and external tables recede from 
 each other, forming cavities, called sinuses, of greater or less extent. 
 
 From the Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review for July, 1837. 
 The Lectures of Dr. Sewall must be regarded by all parties as a most timely 
 publication. The subject is, undoubtedly, one of high and commanding importance 
 
Vll 
 
 in every aspect. It involves physical, mental and moral science ; for if phrenology 
 be true, in vvhole or in part, all the learning- of the schools on these several topics is 
 exploded, and " the world is turned upside down ;" and on the other hand, if it be 
 false, it is calculated, by its specious plausibility and pedantic pretensions, to in- 
 dict irremediable wounds both upon philosophy and religion. It is, therefore, strict- 
 ly within the province of science and philanthropy to give to the whole subject a 
 rigid investigation. This its enemies need, to arm them in the conflict with its zeal- 
 ous advocates, from which it is impossible to escape ; and the honest friends of the 
 science ought not to shrink from such an ordeal, if conducted with candor and lib- 
 erality. 
 
 Professor Sewall, in these two lectures, has taken a course the most unexception- 
 able in all respects that can well be conceived. In the first lecture, he gives a suc- 
 cinct, but comprehensive history of phrenology, together with a brief exhibition of 
 its nature, its claims, and the arguments by which it is vindicated by its authors 
 and disciples. And in the second lecture he examines the science by the only true 
 criterion, ihe anatomical structure and organization of the cranium and brain. The 
 warmest admirer of phrenology will be constrained to admit that the author has not 
 misrepresented the science in his first lecture, and such will read it without finding 
 any want of candor or magnanimity in the exhibition of its principles or claims. In- 
 deed, it is obviously his design to give the true character of phrenology, so that the 
 reader may discover its multiplied and important bearings, and appreciate the pro- 
 priety of a patient and sober examination. And indeed the auihor attaches centre 
 to those who have caricatured and satirized the science and its votaries, and main- 
 tains that it is entitled to other treatment than that of ridicule. 
 
 But, in the second lecture, Professor Sewall has grappled with the " science" in 
 a style of manly and logical reasoning which shows him to be a master of the sub- 
 ject. As an able and practical anatomist, he has dissected both phrenology it- 
 self, and ihe human head, of which it speaks with such oracular dogmatism ; and as 
 a physiologist and metaphysician, he has contented himself with environing the sci- 
 ence with inextricable difficulties ; and although this is accomplished by a few brief 
 hints, yet the sect will find them to be absolutely unanswerable. Indeed, the plates 
 which accompany the volume, even if unaccompanied by the argument, would be 
 sufficient to overthrow the whole fabric of phrenology; for it is impossible to ex- 
 amine these drawings, and the summary explanations which accompany them, with- 
 out perceiving the phijsical impossibility of determining, from any inspection or ad- 
 measurement of the skull, either the "volume of the brain," whether absolute or rel- 
 ative, or the size, much less the configuration of the organs into which " the science" 
 has arbitrarily divided the structure of the brain. 
 
 By the publication of these lectures, Professor Sewall has greatly added to his 
 well-earned professional reputation, and performed an essential service to the cause 
 of science and religion. He deserves and will receive the thanks of the public for 
 thus interposing the shield of science to protect the young and rising generation 
 from the ingenious and mischievous influence of a species of philosophy which 
 might else deceive by its learned empiricism, and beguile from the truth by the 
 gaudy plumes it has borrowed from true philosophy, to conceal its errors and fol- 
 lies under the name of discoveries and facts. Phrenologists can no longer clamor 
 for candid and liberal opposition, for these lectures have furnished facts and argu- 
 ments which will give employment to the whole clique for a century. 
 
Vlll 
 
 From the American Medical Intelligencer. Edited by Professor Dunglison, of Philadelphia. 
 
 May, 1837. 
 Sewall's Lectures on Phrenology. — Two valuable lectures on a topic 
 which, although much has been said on both sides, has by no means lost its interest 
 with the profession or the public, whilst it is often used as a means of gulling the 
 latter. No one who reads Dr. Sewall's book will, we think, be disposed to place 
 much faith in the dicta of the itinerant craniologist. It is conceived in the true 
 spirit, and conveyed in the language of science. 
 
 From the London Literary Gazette, of August 12, 1837. 
 
 The title page informs us, that this volume (Dr. Sewall's Examination of Phre- 
 nology) was published by request, and we do not wonder at it, for it contains one 
 of the ablest anatomical expositions of the gratuitous assumptions of phrenology 
 which have appeared either in America or England. 
 
 Dr. Sewall takes up the question like a man intimately acquainted with the 
 structure and physiology of the human frame, and he demonstrates, with the great- 
 est clearness and precision, the leading absurdities of the hypothesis, maintained by 
 the disciples of this German school. He does not meddle with their metaphysical 
 or moral and religious doctrines, but contents himself with demolishing their theory, 
 as founded on the size, shape, and consistency of the brain, and the form of the 
 bony casing in which it is lodged. In his first lecture, he gives a good retrospective 
 summary of its history, and we have only to apologize for having made selections 
 from it instead of touching upon all the grounds he has laid down. * * * We 
 consider the reasoning of Dr. Sewall to be unanswerable. * * * The lectures 
 contain much sound advice, which we rejoice to circulate through our columns. 
 They do credit to the Columbian College, within whose walls they were propounded." 
 
 From the London MontMy Review, of September, 1837. 
 
 Ridicule has done much to throw the theory (of phrenology) into disrepute, and 
 argument not less. Of the latter sort of these hostile weapons, the present lectures 
 furnish an effective specimen, for with a calmness and candor which cannot be sur- 
 passed, and a mastery of knowledge as well as of ratiocination, that is resistless, 
 Dr. Sewall disposes of the subject, and shows that phrenology has withdrawn the 
 attention of many sanguine and ingenious minds from far nobler and more profitable 
 pursuits. * * * In his second lecture, our author pursues his subject by en- 
 deavoring to show how far the science is reconcilable with the anatomical structure 
 and organization of the brain, the cranium and other parts concerned ; and here it 
 is that his effort is particularly successful and cogent. * * * 
 
 We have now, besides giving a sketch of the early history of phrenology, which 
 to few of our readers can be more than the means of refreshing their memories, pre- 
 sented some passages from Dr. Sewall's examination of its claims, in which exam- 
 ination some new views have been suggested and pursued in a manner which we 
 think will give a severe blow to the theory. 
 
IX 
 
 From the Medico- Chh-urgical Review and Journal, of April, 1837. Edited by James Johnson, 
 Physician Extraordinary to the late King, and Henry James Johnson, Esq. 
 
 Dr. Sewall is evidently a well-informed man, and as evidently a well-intentioned 
 man. He examines phrenology with no malice prepense, with no spirit of dogma- 
 tism, with no wish to bully. If he disputes the conclusions with the phrenologists, 
 he does so after arguing the question with them, and the grounds of his dissent, as 
 well as the process of reasoning which leads to it, are openly exposed. 
 
 From the North American Revieir, of October, 1837. 
 The descriptions (of phrenology), though necessarily brief, are clear and intel- 
 ligible, and, so far as we can perceive, fair and impartial. No indication appears 
 in this (the first) lecture, that the author has any other object in view than to teach 
 phrenology to his class, as it would be taught by a confident believer in its doc- 
 trines. * * * Some other considerations follow, and the lecture concludes with 
 an eloquent appeal to the young men to whom it was addressed, to seek out and fol- 
 low such objects of pursuit as shall lead to useful practical results, rather than to be 
 captivated by fascinating speculations. * * * To those, however, who feel a 
 stronger interest in the question, and especially to those who would see how the 
 matter-of-fact teachings of anatomy bear upon it, we would commend Dr. Sewall's 
 lectures. He has discussed the subject with ability, and even those who are not con- 
 vinced by his arguments (and it is not to be supposed that those who are already 
 adherents of the doctine will be) will acknowledge that he has treated the subject 
 with fairness, and its advocates with courtesy. 
 
 From the American Journal of Medical Sciences, of August, 1837. 
 This (Dr. Sewall's) is the most dispassionate examination of the phrenological 
 doctrines, and the strongest array of argument against its validity, that we have met 
 with. The first lecture comprises a sketch of the origin and progress of phrenology, 
 with an exposition of its leading doctrines, and of the principles upon which it is 
 founded. In the second lecture, the question is examined of how far the science is 
 reconcilable with the anatomical structure and organization of the brain, the crani- 
 um, and other parts concerned. The subject is treated in a very plain and lucid 
 manner, so as to be perfectly intelligible to general readers, and is, moreover, illus- 
 trated by some well-executed and interesting plates. The learning and high stand- 
 ing of the author entitle his views to a respectful and attentive consideration. * * * 
 
 Dr. Sewall's " Examination of Phrenology, in Two Lectures," 
 which was recently passed through the press in this country, and which has so much 
 annoyed some of the Phrenologists, has, it appears, been republished in London. 
 The following is from one of the reviews of that metropolis : 
 
 " Art. XIV. An Examination of Phrenology. By Thomas Sewall, 
 M. D. London : Hodson. 1838. — Although we may have said that the phrenological 
 
 2 
 
system has the better of the Owenite in respect of talent, respectability on the part 
 of its advocates, and its feasibility, we are far from giving- in to its dogmas — absurd- 
 ities, if you will. Without, however, entering upon a vexed question, we have now 
 to say, that Mr. Sewall's Examination, of which, some months ago, we took partic- 
 ular notice, is a clincher. There is the reasoner, the practical expounder, and the 
 calm, dignified, and self-possessed refuter, exemplified in every page." 
 
 " Monthly Review, London, JVov. 1838, page 461." 
 
PL.T. 
 
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 16 Ideality 
 
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 20 Form 
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 22 Weighi 
 
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 24 Locality 
 
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 ■ 
 
AN 
 
 EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY 
 
 IN TWO LECTURES, 
 
 DELIVERED TO THE STUDENTS OF THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, 
 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FEBRUARY, 1837. 
 
 BY THOMAS SEWALL, M. D. 
 
 PROFESSOR OF ANATOMT AND PHYSIOLOGY. 
 
 SECOND EDITION REVISED AND ENLARGED. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 PUBLISHED BY D. S. KING, 
 
 32, WASHINGTON STREET. 
 
 1839. 
 
£^1 
 
 
 
 £*> 
 
 Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by D. S. King, in the 
 Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
 DUTTON ANI> WENTWQRTH S PRINT. 
 
LECTURE I. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The object of the lectures which I am invited to 
 deliver, will be an examination of Phrenology ; a 
 science which, though of recent date, has spread 
 with great rapidity, and is at this time exciting a 
 general and strong interest in the scientific circles 
 of Europe and this country. 
 
 The account which we have received of the ori- 
 gin and progress of this subject, is singular and 
 interesting. 
 
 About half a century ago, Dr. Gall, an ingenious 
 and eccentric physician of Germany, was led, as he 
 says, by observation, to the fact, that the various 
 mental manifestations of different individuals, were 
 accompanied by a peculiar conformation of the 
 cranium. His attention was at first drawn to this 
 subject, by observing, while quite a youth, that 
 each of his brothers and sisters, his school-fellows 
 and companions in play, possessed some peculiarity 
 
of talent or disposition, some aptitude or propen- 
 sity, which distinguished them from others. One 
 was modest, another haughty ; this one frank, that 
 deceitful ; this peaceable, that disputatious and 
 quarrelsome. In their childish sports, he found 
 some amused themselves by cutting figures in 
 wood, or drawing them on paper, in painting, or 
 the cultivation of a garden ; while others aban- 
 doned themselves to the noisy games, or traversed 
 the woods in pursuit of flowers, birds' nests and but- 
 terflies. One was the carpenter of the house, and 
 was always seen with tools in his hand ; and the 
 greatest pleasure of another, on the contrary, was 
 to assist at the mass, and to ring the church bells. 
 
 They were equally diversified in their capacities 
 for study. Some were distinguished for the beauty 
 of their penmanship, some for their success in 
 arithmetic, others for the talent of acquiring a 
 knowledge of natural history, or of languages. 
 The composition of one was remarkable for ele- 
 gance, while the style of another was stiff and dry ; 
 a third connected his reasoning in the closest man- 
 ner, and clothed his arguments in the most forcible 
 language. 
 
 In the course of his observations, he found that 
 some of his school-fellows were distinguished for 
 accuracy and power of memory, and that those 
 thus gifted had prominent eyes. 
 
 He soon came to the conclusion, that if memory 
 for words was connected with an external sign, the 
 
same might be the case with other intellectual 
 powers ; and from this moment, he says, every 
 individual, distinguished for any peculiarity, be- 
 came the object of his attention and study. Great, 
 musicians, great poets, great painters, great math- 
 ematicians, were carefully examined by him, and 
 their characters investigated. 
 
 And while he noticed this coincidence between 
 the external form of the head and the character of 
 the mind, he tells us that he referred the whole 
 influence, whatever it was, to the brain, and not to 
 the bony casement which surrounds it. 
 
 Thus furnished with so many proofs of the coin- 
 cidence between the development of different 
 parts of the brain, and the display of the moral and 
 intellectual character of man, he was compelled to 
 renounce the obscure and incomprehensible doc- 
 trines of the schools, and to apply himself to the 
 study of the primitive faculties. To this end he 
 visited hospitals and insane asylums, prisons, and 
 the seats of justice ; was introduced to the courts 
 of princes, to schools and colleges, and wherever 
 he heard of an individual, distinguished in any way 
 for remarkable endowments, or for deficiency, 
 he observed and studied the developments of his 
 head. 
 
 In 1796, Gall, for the first time, gave a course 
 of lectures upon phrenology at Vienna, the place 
 of his residence. These he continued annually, for 
 five years ; when the Austrian srovernment issued 
 
an order in January, 1802, that they should cease ; 
 his doctrines being considered as leading to mate- 
 rialism, and dangerous to the cause of morality and 
 religion. The subject, however, continued to be 
 studied with greater zeal than before ; the prohi- 
 bition having strongly stimulated public curiosity ; 
 and Gall, finding his success in propagating his 
 new theory, and in raising up friends to its support, 
 greater than was anticipated, in 1804 associated 
 with him his favorite pupil, Spurzheim. From this 
 time they were constantly together, and their la- 
 bors were in common. 
 
 In March, 1805, Gall and Spurzheim left Vi- 
 enna in company, and travelled through Germany, 
 Prussia, and Switzerland, to France ; visiting most 
 of the considerable towns and villages, and every 
 where teaching their doctrines, and studying the 
 organization of man. They tarried but a short 
 time in any one place ; too short a time, says Gall, 
 to form practical pupils. " The principles were 
 explained, the developments shown, and we were 
 oif." Dr. Gall even gave the advice not to repeat 
 the experiments, since it was difficult to do so with 
 success. 
 
 It was at Berlin, and the fortress of Spandau, 
 where they first put their doctrine to the test of 
 experiment, by its application to congregated mul- 
 titudes. Here, in the presence of the chiefs of the 
 establishment and others, they were conducted to 
 the prison at Berlin, where upwards of two hun- 
 
dred culprits, of whom they had never heard till 
 that moment, to whose crimes and dispositions they 
 were total strangers, were submitted to their in- 
 spection. Dr. Gall, it is said, not only discovered, 
 with surprising readiness, their natural propensi- 
 ties, but also indicated the offence for which each 
 was imprisoned. A few days after they made a 
 visit to Spandau, where four hundred and seventy 
 heads were submitted to inspection, and with a 
 similar result. 
 
 In November, 1807, Gall, assisted by his zeal- 
 ous associate, delivered his first course of lectures 
 in Paris ; illustrated by a numerous collection of 
 skulls, heads, and casts, and by a multiplicity of 
 physiological and pathological facts. Great was 
 the ardor excited among the Parisians by their 
 presence ; teaching, as they did, a new doctrine, 
 and by which it was supposed they could tell men's 
 fortunes, and predict their future career, by an in- 
 spection of their heads. 
 
 In 1808, Gall and Spurzheim presented a joint 
 memoir on the Anatomy and Physiology of the 
 Brain to the French Institute, which at that time 
 was in its full glory, and one of the first scientific 
 societies in Europe. The chief of the anatomical 
 department, and the first member of this learned 
 body to whom Drs. Gall and Spurzheim addressed 
 themselves, was M. Cuvier. He received the 
 German Doctors with politeness, attended their 
 3 
 
8 
 
 lectures, and witnessed their dissections of the 
 brain. 
 
 A committee was appointed by the institute to 
 report upon the memoir, consisting of Tenon, Por- 
 tal, Sabbatier, Pinel and Cuvier ; all men of known 
 candor and ability. M. Cuvier drew up an elabo- 
 rate report, containing within a short compass, the 
 whole substance of the memoir ; but while it was 
 approved by the institute, it was not such as to sat- 
 isfy Gall and Spurzheim, or to inspire confidence 
 in their views of the anatomy and physiology of the 
 brain. Some merit was awarded them for the im- 
 provements they had made in the manner of dis- 
 secting the brain, and for a few other innovations 
 but many of the discoveries, which they claimed as 
 original, w T ere traced to anatomists who had pre- 
 ceded them, and their main positions were regarded 
 as extremely hypothetical. Such was the recep- 
 tion which phrenology met with from the French 
 Institute. 
 
 In 1809, Gall and Spurzheim commenced pub- 
 lishing their great work, entitled The Anatomy and 
 Physiology of the nervous system in general, and of the 
 brain in particular, with observations upon the possi- 
 bility of ascertaining several intellectual and moral 
 dispositions of man, and animals, by the configuration 
 of their heads. — Four volumes, folio, with an atlas 
 of one hundred plates, the completion of which oc- 
 cupied ten years. 
 
 In 1813, they separated, and from this time 
 
9 
 
 each pursued his phrenological investigations by 
 himself. Dr. Gall made Paris his home, and ac- 
 quired great notoriety in his favorite science, con- 
 siderable distinction as a writer and philosopher, 
 and also realized a handsome fortune. He died in 
 1828, of a paralytic shock, in the seventy-second 
 year of his age. He was followed to the place of 
 interment by an immense concourse of friends and 
 admirers, five of whom pronounced discourses at 
 his grave. His death gave rise to a succession of 
 eulogiums and attacks in the French newspapers. 
 
 Spurzheim, while he considered France his res- 
 idence, travelled extensively through Germany, 
 Switzerland, Prussia, England, Scotland, and Ire- 
 land, making observations, teaching phrenology, 
 and collecting facts. 
 
 He returned to Paris to reside in 1817, where he 
 regularly gave two courses of lectures upon phre- 
 nology annually ; but complained that during his 
 absence, the subject had in a great measure been 
 laid aside and forgotten. In 1824, he married a lady 
 of fine talents and accomplishments, who entered 
 deeply into the spirit of his enterprise. This event 
 seems to have given a fresh impulse to his investi- 
 gations, and to have inspired him with increased 
 zeal in extending the influence of phrenology. 
 
 Spurzheim, in 1832, visited the United States. 
 His objects were to study the genius and character 
 of our nation, and to establish and propagate the 
 doctrines of phrenology. He landed in New York 
 
10 
 
 on the fourth day of August, and proceeded almost 
 immediately to Boston. Here he was received 
 with all the respect and kindness for which the in- 
 habitants of that ancient metropolis are so distin- 
 guished in their treatment of strangers. He was 
 conducted to the various public and private institu- 
 tions, was introduced to the literary and scientific 
 personages of distinction, and every thing was done 
 to render his stay agreeable, and to promote the 
 objects of his visit. He was invited to deliver lec- 
 tures, to examine heads, and to explain his doc- 
 trines. But he had scarcely entered upon his 
 career, when he was struck down by a fever, of 
 which he died on the tenth of November, in the 
 fifty-sixth year of his age. His remains were in- 
 terred at Mount Auburn, with every mark of re- 
 spect, where a neat and beautiful monument has 
 been erected to his memory, by the generous and 
 high-minded citizens of Boston. 
 
 Long before the arrival of Spurzheim in this 
 country, his works, as well as those of Gall, had 
 been extensively circulated and read ; and it is 
 doubtful whether any country has given the sub- 
 ject of phrenology a more respectful consideration 
 than the United States. Works have been written 
 upon the subject, societies have been formed, lec- 
 tures delivered, and zealous and able advocates 
 have been raised up to spread and defend its doc- 
 trines. At this time there is scarcely a town, or 
 village, in which its general principles are not more 
 or less understood. 
 
11 
 
 The works of Gall and Spurzheim are numerous, 
 and evince great industry and perseverance, deep 
 research and reflection, and, aside from phrenol- 
 ogy, contain a great deal of general information. 
 Most of their books have been republished in the 
 United States. 
 
 Such is a brief sketch of the history of phrenol- 
 ogy, as furnished by Dr. Gall and his friends. 
 Whether he was the originator of the science, or 
 derived his first intimations upon the subject from 
 some previous writers, is a question which I shall 
 not discuss. Certain it is, that ideas, in many 
 respects similar to those of Gall, were entertained 
 and promulgated long before his time. 
 
 Aristotle, the Grecian philosopher, who wrote 
 more than three centuries before the Christian era, 
 considered the brain as a multiplex organ, and as- 
 signed to each part its appropriate functions. 
 
 In the forepart of the cerebral structure, he 
 places common sense ; the middle portion he as- 
 signs to imagination, judgment and reflection ; the 
 back part he makes the great store-house, or seat 
 of the memory. 
 
 This was the account of the divisions of the 
 brain given by Aristotle ; and however crude it 
 may appear in its details, it was followed by many 
 writers in the middle ages, with very little varia- 
 tion. But, while he regarded the brain as multi- 
 plex, he considered a small head as the standard 
 of perfection, and contends that it is indicative of 
 
12 
 
 a superior intellect. In this respect he is at vari- 
 ance with Dr. Gall and other phrenologists of the 
 present day. 
 
 From various passages found in the works of 
 Galen, it is evident that he was acquainted with the 
 views of Aristotle upon this subject, and that he 
 admitted the same doctrines, with some modifica- 
 tions. 
 
 As late as 1296, Bernard Gordon, an eminent 
 French physician and teacher at Montpelier, 
 closely follows Aristotle in his divisions of the 
 brain, and appropriated to each part particular 
 faculties. 
 
 In the thirteenth century, Albert the Great, 
 Archbishop of Ratisbon, one of those who had la- 
 bored long for the discovery of the philosopher's 
 stone, actually formed a head, mapped out into re- 
 gions in conformity with the divisions of the brain 
 by Aristotle and others. 
 
 In 1491, Peter Montagnana published an en- 
 graving of the head, in which he represents the 
 seat of the sensus communis, a cellula imaginativa, a 
 cellula estimativa sen cogitativa, a cellula mcmorativa, 
 and a cellula rationalis. 
 
 Michael Servetus, whose death took place at Ge- 
 neva, in 1553, places the different mental faculties 
 in different parts of the brain. He supposed that 
 the two anterior cerebral cavities were for the im- 
 ages of external objects ; the third ventricle the 
 seat of thought ; the aqueduct of Sylvius the seat 
 
13 
 
 of the soul ; and the fourth ventricle the seat of 
 the memory. 
 
 In 1562, Ludovico Dolci, a learned Venetian, 
 published a work upon preserving and strengthen- 
 ing the memory ; and, in illustration of his princi- 
 ples, he mapped out a head into regions, more 
 elaborately than any one which had previously been 
 formed. 
 
 In a work of Jo. Baptista Porta, an eminent Ne- 
 apolitan philosopher and physician, published at 
 Leyden, 1586, entitled De Humana Physiognomia, 
 there are contained so many of the principles and 
 illustrations of the phrenology of the present day, 
 that it may well be questioned whether hints have 
 not been drawn from this source by later writers. 
 He proposes to discover the intellectual and moral 
 character of man, by his physical organization, 
 color, etc., and while he embraces the whole body, 
 he lays particular stress upon the configuration of 
 the head. He finds analogies between the human 
 species and several races of the brutes ; but discov- 
 ers the general characteristics of man in the lion, 
 and of woman in the leopard ; and concludes by ar- 
 ranging under appropriate heads, the various signs 
 by which the intellectual and moral character and 
 disposition of every individual may be determined. 
 
 A folio edition of this work is found in the li- 
 brary of Harvard College, and contains a large 
 number of plates of the heads of persons, placed 
 by the side of those of certain animals, illustrative 
 
14 
 
 of bis doctrines ; a few copies of these I am ena- 
 bled to exhibit to the class, through the kindness 
 of Professor Greenleaf. 
 
 As late as the middle of the seventeenth century, 
 the celebrated Dr. Thomas Willis, a graduate and 
 for some time a physician at Oxford, and afterwards 
 physician to King Charles II, published a work, in 
 which he asserts that the corpora striata are the seat 
 of perception ; the medullary part of the brain that 
 of memory and imagination ; the corpus callosum 
 that of reflection ; and the cerebellum he con- 
 siders as furnishing the principle of voluntary mo- 
 tion. 
 
 But by far the nearest approach to modern phre- 
 nology was made by that extraordinary man, Baron 
 Swedenborg, the author of the system of doctrines 
 of the New Jerusalem church. He not only con- 
 sidered the brain as composed of a plurality of or- 
 gans, but maintained the principle, that the exer- 
 cise of the different faculties of the mind changes 
 the configuration of the head, by promoting the de- 
 velopment of their respective organs. The follow- 
 ing extract will give an idea of his views upon this 
 subject, and will establish also the authenticity of 
 the source from which they are taken. 
 
 Capt. F. Walden published at Copenhagen, in 
 1806, a biography of the celebrated Swedenborg, 
 along with some extracts from his writings. It is 
 very remarkable, as is shown by this work, that 
 the distinguished Swede, about fifty years previous 
 
15 
 
 to Dr. Gall's theory, should have entertained a 
 very similar opinion. The following are the words 
 of Swedenborg : " Every man that is born has a 
 disposition to all sorts of evil, which must be 
 checked by education, and, as far as possible, 
 rooted out. This is first to be attempted by cor- 
 rection and punishment ; then by good society and 
 example, which lead to imitation ; and at last good 
 is secured upon a true and reasonable religious 
 root. When these conditions are all observed, it 
 is indicated by the beautiful skull of the individual. 
 On the contrary, should the education be neg- 
 lected, or no sudden misfortune, nor opposition, 
 hinder the first outbreakings of evil, or disorder, 
 the evil afterwards becomes habit, and produces 
 peculiar wishes, both in design and practice, vjhich 
 cause the formation of a badly shaped skull. The 
 cause of the difference of skulls, in such cases, is 
 this : The peculiar distinctions of man, will and 
 understanding, have their seats in the brain, which 
 is excited by the fleeting desires of the will, and 
 the ideas of the intellect. Near the various spots 
 where these irritations produce their effects, this 
 or that part of the brain is called into a greater or 
 less degree of activity, and forms along with itself 
 corresponding parts of the skull." 
 
 But I will not detain you with further details 
 
 upon the history of the science. Those of you who 
 
 may wish to pursue the investigation, will find the 
 
 subject amply discussed by that erudite and able 
 
 4 
 
16 
 
 author, Professor Dunglison, in his admirable work 
 on Human Physiology, in his account of the mental 
 faculties. 
 
 I will only remark, that the fact of the early 
 writers having known something of phrenology, af- 
 fords but slender proof, that Dr. Gall borrowed his 
 notions from them ; since it is not uncommon for 
 men of genius to make the same discoveries, strike 
 out the same trains of thought, and pursue the 
 same course of investigation without concert, or 
 the slightest knowledge of each other's pursuits. 
 
 Whatever may be the truth with regard to the 
 origin of phrenology, it is through the writings of 
 Dr. Gall, supported by the untiring labors and in- 
 vincible zeal of his pupils and disciples, that the 
 science has been widely spread through the civi- 
 lized world. And it is by these labors, and by this 
 ceaseless spirit of exertion, that the subject has 
 been brought to our shores, and has afforded the 
 occasion to investigate it, and ascertain whether it 
 furnishes us with that infallible guide in the study 
 of human character, which has been pretended. 
 
 It seems proper that we should investigate it, 
 because it has enlisted so many men of talents in 
 its support, and become a subject of so much in- 
 terest as to excite discussion in almost every circle, 
 and on every occasion ; and because, too, it is 
 represented to be a science, the knowledge of 
 which is all-important to the well-being of society. 
 A science, which its authors and disciples gravely 
 
17 
 
 tell us, looks down with compassion on the shallow 
 distinctions and puerile speculations of Bacon, 
 Locke, Berkeley, Hartley, Reid and Stewart. These 
 men tell us, that up to their own time, the philos- 
 ophy of man was a perfect waste, and that the dis- 
 coveries of Newton himself were comparatively in- 
 significant ; while that of phrenology is the great- 
 est and most important that was ever communi- 
 cated to man. 
 
 The discoveries, says Mr. Combe, of the revolu- 
 tion of the globe, and the circulation of the blood, 
 were splendid displays of genius in their authors, 
 and interesting and beneficial to mankind ; but 
 their results, compared with the consequences 
 which must inevitably follow from Dr. Gall's dis- 
 covery of the functions of the brain, sink into rela- 
 tive insignificance. 
 
 It may be well, therefore, that we should look 
 into a science which holds up these lofty preten- 
 sions, and ascertain how far it is entitled to con- 
 fidence. 
 
 My object on the present occasion, will be 
 briefly to present to your view some of the leading 
 principles of phrenology, and then to ascertain 
 how far these are sustained by the anatomical 
 structure of the parts more immediately concerned. 
 
 1. Phrenology, like most systems of mental phi- 
 losophy, makes the brain the material organ of the 
 mind. 
 
 2. It assumes the position, that just in proportion 
 
18 
 
 to the volume of this organ, other things being 
 equal, will be the power of the mental manifesta- 
 tions. 
 
 3. That the exercise of the mind promotes the 
 development of the brain. 
 
 4. That the character of the mind is to be de- 
 termined by the configuration of the brain. 
 
 5. That the brain is a multiplex organ, and com- 
 posed of a definite number of compartments, or 
 sub-organs, each of which is the appropriate seat 
 of a propensity, sentiment, or intellectual faculty. 
 
 6. That the mind consists of a definite number 
 of original powers, which are divided into propen- 
 sities, sentiments, and intellectual faculties. 
 
 7. That to the existence of each original pro- 
 pensity, sentiment, or intellectual faculty, a spe- 
 cific cerebral organ is necessary, and that every 
 specific mental operation can be performed, only by 
 means of an appropriate organ. 
 
 8. That the brain is composed of at least thirty- 
 five phrenological organs, or pairs of organs, all 
 commencing at the medulla oblongata, or top of 
 the spinal marrow, and radiating to the surface of 
 the brain. That they commence at a point, and 
 like so many inverted cones, become more and 
 more voluminous, until that portion which is 
 bounded by the walls of the cranium, presents a 
 surface corresponding in form, size, and situation, 
 with the figured skulls, delineated in plate I., fig. 
 
 ., ii., and in. 
 
19 
 
 9. That just in proportion to the development, 
 or size of each of these organs, or cones, will be 
 the strength of the particular faculty of which it is 
 the residence. The size of the organs to be esti- 
 mated by their length and breadth, and the extent 
 of their peripheral surface, and consequently that 
 each prominence of the skull indicates the degree 
 of development of that organ of the brain which is 
 situated immediately under it, and of course, the 
 power of the intellectual faculty, sentiment, or 
 passion, of which it is the residence. 
 
 10. That the exercise of any particular faculty 
 of the mind, promotes the development of the ap- 
 propriate organ of such faculty. 
 
 It is upon the principles here laid down, that the 
 whole system of phrenology is based. 
 
 " By a knowledge of Phrenology and Craniol- 
 ogy," says a distinguished writer upon this subject, 
 " the experienced phrenologist is enabled to judge 
 of the natural amount, and the general character 
 of the intellects of individuals, by an inspection of 
 their heads. " 
 
 In accordance with these principles, the cranium 
 has been mapped out into thirty-five distinct terri- 
 tories, corresponding, as is supposed, in position, 
 form and size, with the bases of the different or- 
 gans of the brain. 
 
 When any one, or more, of these compart- 
 ments is so prominent as to rise above the neigh- 
 boring parts of the skull, the organ which is im- 
 
20 
 
 mediately under it, is said to be full, and the fac- 
 ulty of which it is the seat, proportionably strong 
 and vigorous. 
 
 These thirty-five organs have been grouped, so 
 as to constitute three distinct families, as repre- 
 sented in Plate I., fig. i., n., and in.; one division 
 for the propensities or passions, one for the moral 
 sentiments, and a third for the intellectual faculties. 
 The first group has been appropriated to the back 
 and inferior region of the brain ; the second, to the 
 superior portion ; and the third, to the anterior 
 portion of this structure. 
 
 Having thus presented to you a few of the lead- 
 ing principles of phrenology, I shall, without de- 
 taining you longer, point out the position of the in- 
 dividual organs, and briefly sketch the leading 
 characteristics of each of their respective functions, 
 as described by phrenologists. 
 
 I. PROPENSITIES. 
 
 1. AMATIVENESS. 
 
 This organ is situated in the cerebellum, or the 
 lower part of the occiput. When full, it gives a 
 backward protrusion of the occipitis, and a thick- 
 ness to the upper part of the neck. Its function 
 is sexual love. Numerous instances are given by 
 phrenologists, of the development of the organ, cor- 
 responding with the intensity of the function. 
 
21 
 
 PHILOPROGENITIVENESS. 
 
 Situated at the occiput, immediately above Am- 
 ativeness, and corresponds with the occipital pro- 
 tuberance. Its function is the love of offspring. 
 It is more fully developed in women than in men, 
 and its development corresponds with the strength 
 of the propensity. Of twenty-nine females who 
 had been guilty of infanticide, it is said that 
 the development was defective in twenty-seven. 
 When fully developed, it supports the mother in 
 htr toils, and even renders delightful the cares and 
 troubles of rearing a helpless offspring. It is large 
 in the Hindoo, the Negro and Charib skulls. 
 
 3. CONCENTRATIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above Philoprogenitiveness, 
 and below Self-esteem. Its function is to maintain 
 two or more powers in simultaneous or combined 
 activity, so that they may be directed towards one 
 object. Where it is fully developed, persons pos- 
 sess a command over their feelings and intellec- 
 tual powers, so as to be able to devote them, in 
 their whole vigor, to the pursuit which forms the 
 object of their study for the time ; and hence they 
 produce the greatest possible results. It is small 
 in the American Indian, and large in the Negro 
 and European. 
 
22 
 
 4. ADHESIVENESS. 
 
 Situated on each side of Concentrativeness. The 
 faculty produces the instinctive tendency to at- 
 tach ourselves to surrounding objects, animate 
 and inanimate, and to embrace and cling to the 
 object of our affection. It disposes to friendship, 
 and society in general. It often shows itself in 
 attachment to horses, dogs, and other animals. 
 When largely developed, it produces excessive 
 grief at the loss of friends ; and in leaving one's 
 country, the disease called Nostalgia, so common 
 to the Swiss. When feeble, it may render a man 
 an Anchorite or a hermit. 
 
 5. COMBATIVENESS. 
 
 Situated on each side of the head, at the inferior 
 mastoid angle of the parietal bone. The organ, 
 when full, produces active courage, and if very 
 full, a propensity to attack. A considerable en- 
 dowment is indispensable to a great and magnan- 
 imous character. It gives that boldness to the mind 
 which enables it to look undaunted on opposition, 
 to meet, and if possible, to overcome it. When 
 largely developed, it inspires with the love of con- 
 tention, leads to a quarrelsome disposition, and 
 imparts pleasure in disputation and fighting. When 
 deficient, the individual cannot resist attacks, nor 
 make his way, where he must invade the preju- 
 dices, or encounter the hostility of others. The 
 
23 
 
 organ is generally large in persons who have mur- 
 dered, from the impulse of the moment. It is 
 large in Robert Bruce, David Haggart, Mary Ma- 
 chines. It is large also in the Charibs, and small 
 in most of the Hindoos. 
 
 6. DESTRUCTIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and extends a little 
 backward and forward, from the external opening 
 of the ear, and corresponds to the squamus plate 
 of the temporal bone. The faculty produces the 
 impulse to destroy in general. Combativeness gives 
 the desire to meet and overcome obstacles, and 
 having vanquished them, the mind under this in- 
 spiration pursues them no farther. Destructive- 
 ness prompts to extermination. Anger and rage 
 are the manifestations of this passion, and cruelty 
 is the result of its excessive energy, uncontrolled 
 by benevolence and justice. In cool, deliberate 
 murderers, and in those who delight in cruelty, 
 the organ is conspicuous. It is large in hunters, 
 and keen sportsmen, without exception. It is 
 large in the bust of Dean, Pallet, Thurtell, Hea- 
 man ; and in the skulls of Bruce, Gordon, Hussey, 
 Nisbet, Bellingham, Buchanan, Rotherham, Al- 
 bert ; in the skull of Tardy, the pirate ; and it is 
 said to be very large in the head of a living Scotch 
 divine of great celebrity, now residing in Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 5 
 
24 
 
 7. CONSTRUCTIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately over, and adjoining De- 
 structiveness. When very fully developed it pro- 
 duces unusual breadth of the head, from temple to 
 temple. The faculty inspires with the tendency 
 to construct in general, but the particular direction 
 in which it is exerted, depends on the other 
 predominant faculties of the individual. If com- 
 bined with large Combativeness and Destructive- 
 ness, it may be employed in fabricating implements 
 of war. If joined with large Veneration, it may 
 tend towards erecting places of religious worship. 
 If joined with large Form, Imitation, and Secre- 
 tiveness, it may inspire with a love of portrait 
 painting. The organ is indispensable to all who 
 follow operative mechanical professions. It is large 
 in Raphael, Brunei, Herschel, and Perkins. It is 
 small in the New Hollanders. It is large in all 
 animals distinguished for their ingenuity in build- 
 ing, as the beaver, field-mouse, and the like. 
 
 8. ACQUISITIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately behind Constructiveness. 
 Its function is the love of acquisition generally, 
 without reference to the use to which the objects, 
 when attained, may be applied. It takes its di- 
 rection from the other faculties, and hence may 
 lead to the collecting of coins, minerals, and other 
 
25 
 
 objects of curiosity, or of science, as well as 
 money. If men had always provided only what 
 they could individually enjoy, they would never, it 
 is said, have emerged from a savage condition ; 
 the function of this organ, therefore, is considered 
 as indispensable to the continuance of civilization. 
 It is the foundation of wealth, of covetousness, and 
 of luxury, in civilized life. When largely devel- 
 oped, and not regulated by the higher faculties, it 
 often leads to dishonesty, and even theft. A chap- 
 lain in the Prussian army, in whom it was large, 
 and who in other respects was a worthy and pious 
 man, was remarkable for stealing pocket-handker- 
 chiefs, pen-knives, books, and ladies' stockings, 
 and indeed every thing portable, in the nature of 
 property. It is large in Heaman, and small in 
 Robert Bruce. 
 
 9. SECRETIVENESS. 
 
 Situated immediately above Destructiveness. Its 
 function is the love of secrecy, and the ability to 
 conceal. It may be applied in a great variety of 
 ways, according to the dictate of the other facul- 
 ties. When properly developed, it exercises a 
 salutary restraint on the other faculties, and is in- 
 dispensable to the formation of a prudent, cautious 
 character. When largely developed, and not prop- 
 erly balanced by the higher faculties, it leads to 
 management, lying, duplicity and deceit. It has 
 been found prominent in a large number of habitual 
 
26 
 
 thieves. When properly controlled, it augments 
 the efficiency of character. In Courts and Cabi- 
 nets, it is a powerful engine. It is the diplomatist's 
 sword and buckler. The fox, and several animals 
 of the cat-kind, are remarkable for it. In some of 
 the human race, it is almost their only power. In 
 writing, it leads to irony. It is full in great actors. 
 It gives a side-long glance, and a watchful look to 
 the eye, and where large, inspires the individual 
 with the desire to discover the designs of others, 
 while he conceals his own. It is large in Ra- 
 phael and Bruce, in the American Indians, and 
 in the Hindoos. 
 
 II. SENTIMENTS. 
 
 10. SELF-ESTEEM. 
 
 Situated at the vertex under the sagittal suture. 
 Its function is Self-Esteem, or self-love in general. 
 It imparts to the mind that degree of confidence in 
 its own powers, which is essential to their success- 
 ful application. When combined with the superior 
 sentiments, and intellectual faculties, it contributes 
 to true dignity and greatness of mind. A defi- 
 ciency of it produces a want of personal confidence, 
 and a proper estimate of what is due one's self. 
 When too strong, it produces arrogance, conceit, 
 pride, egotism and envy. The English have this 
 organ fuller than the French. The turkey-cock, 
 the peacock, and the horse have it strongly marked. 
 
27 
 
 When the organ is morbidly excited, as in some 
 cases of monomania, the individual is prone to im- 
 agine himself a king, an emperor, a transcendent 
 genius ; and even the Supreme Being himself. It 
 is large in Haggart, in Dempsey, and in the Hin- 
 doos, but small in the American Indians. 
 
 11. LOVE OF APPROBATION. 
 
 Situated on each side of Self-Esteem. Its func- 
 tion is love of approbation, or applause. If di- 
 rected to objects of importance, it becomes a lofty 
 and noble ambition, and leads to corresponding ef- 
 forts and achievements ; but when its objects are 
 low and trivial, it degenerates into vanity, and 
 leads to frivolity. It is more prominent in women, 
 than in men. It is always large in bashful persons. 
 It is very large in the dog, and the horse. Large 
 in Bruce, and in the American Indian. 
 
 12. CAUTIOUSNESS. 
 
 Situated in front of No. 11. Its function is the sen- 
 timent of circumspection, or impulse to take care. 
 Regulated and sustained by the other faculties, this 
 sentiment becomes prudence ; but if not thus mod- 
 ified, it degenerates into irresolution, instability, 
 doubt, demur. It is particularly large in children. 
 The organ is large in Bruce, Raphael, and in the 
 Hindoo. Small in Bellingham, and the Negro. 
 
28 
 
 13. BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 Situated at the central and upper part of the frontal 
 bone, in the direction of the sagittal suture. Its 
 function is the sentiment of kindness, connected 
 with the desire of the happiness of others, and dis- 
 poses to compassion, and to active benevolence. 
 It communicates mildness and cheerfulness to the 
 temper, and prompts to charity, in its various rela- 
 tions. Dogs, horses, and monkeys, which have the 
 organ full, are mild and pacific. It is depressed in 
 all the ferocious tribes of animals, and also in na- 
 tions remarkable for cruelty ; as the Charibs. 
 
 The five following organs are proper to man, and 
 constitute the line of demarcation between him and 
 the inferior animals. 
 
 14. VENERATION. 
 
 Situated immediately behind, and adjoining Benev- 
 olence. Its function produces the sentiment of re- 
 spect, and reverence of superior beings, either hu- 
 man or divine. It enters largely into the constitu- 
 tion of a devoted Antiquary. It is also the chief 
 element in filial piety. When the organ is large, 
 and Self-Esteem small, humility is the result. Its 
 existence shows that religion has a foundation in 
 nature. The full development of the organ tends 
 to produce baldness ; and it is asserted, that of any 
 given number of men, of equal age, in a place of 
 
29 
 
 public worship, those who are bald are the most 
 devout. They kneel lower, and respond louder 
 than others. 
 
 15. HOPE. 
 
 Situated on each side of Veneration. Its function 
 produces the tendency to believe in the possibility 
 of what the other faculties desire. It inspires with 
 gay, fascinating and delightful emotions, painting 
 futurity fair and smiling. It gilds and adorns ev- 
 ery prospect with shades of enchanting excellence, 
 while cautiousness hangs clouds and mists over 
 distant objects. In religion, this faculty favors the 
 exercise of faith, and disposes to a belief of a life to 
 come. In short, it is the castle-builder's home, 
 his heaven, his consolation in disappointment, his 
 panacea for every evil. It is the cynosure to which 
 his soul perpetually points. 
 
 16. IDEALITY. 
 
 Situated above 7 and 8. Its function is to give ex- 
 quisiteness of feeling. It is the fountain of enthu- 
 siasm, not only of the poet, but of the philosopher, 
 the orator, the painter, the sculptor, the philan- 
 thropist, and of the high-minded warrior. It is the 
 organ of poetry, and confers a relish for this kind 
 of composition on those who do not write. It gives 
 refinement and taste. It communicates to elo- 
 
30 
 
 quence its splendor and soul, and to conversation 
 its highest charms and brilliancy. It gives a fond- 
 ness for vivid description, and often a tendency to 
 exaggeration. The organ is large in Raphael, Vol- 
 taire, Wordsworth, Burke, and Haydon ; and is 
 small in Hume, Bellingham, and in the New Hol- 
 landers. 
 
 17. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. 
 
 Situated behind No. 15. Its function is to give the 
 sentiment of right and wrong, of unspotted justice, 
 and pure morality. It commands the other facul- 
 ties to the performance of their duty. Its strength 
 is not always in proportion to that of the other fac- 
 ulties. In men of feeble intellect, it is sometimes 
 very powerful ; such men do their duty for con- 
 science sake, and are delighted with the observ- 
 ance of right, and disgusted with the doing of 
 wrong. When the organ is small, the individual 
 is prone to do an unprincipled action, if tempted 
 by interest or inclination. He experiences a diffi- 
 culty in perceiving the quality of justice, and in 
 feeling its obligations. The organ is large in 
 Hette, and small in Bruce, Bellingham, and Gib- 
 son, and in most of the savage tribes. 
 
 18. FIRMNESS. 
 
 Situated at the upper and posterior part of the head, 
 between Nos. 10 and 14. Its function is to give 
 
31 
 
 firmness, constancy and perseverance. When 
 powerfully developed, and not properly regulated 
 by the other faculties, it produces obstinacy, stub- 
 bornness, and infatuation. When weak, tne indi- 
 vidual is prone to yield to the impulse of his feel- 
 ings. If benevolence assumes the sway, he is all 
 kindness ; if combativeness and destructiveness 
 are forcibly excited, he falls headlong into passion, 
 outrage, and violence. He finds great difficulty in 
 pursuing any established line of action, and is prone 
 to change. The organ is large in Bruce, and in the 
 American Indian, and small in Gibson. 
 
 III. INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. 
 
 19. INDIVIDUALITY. 
 
 Situated in the middle of the lower part of the 
 forehead. Its function is to give the faculty of 
 practical observation, and the capacity to acquire 
 knowledge in detached parcels, but not to put it 
 well together. The possessor is full of matter for 
 conversation and anecdote, but is a mere detailer 
 of facts, which he seldom attempts to classify. He 
 is a man of extensive information, rather than a 
 profound philosopher. When the organ is full, and 
 is aided by Comparison, it leads to personification, 
 and to metaphorical writing, such as distinguished 
 Bunyan. The organ w T as large in .Roscoe and Swift, 
 and moderate in Voltaire and Haydon. 
 6 
 
32 
 
 20. FORM. 
 
 Situated immediately under the root of the nose. 
 Its full development gives breadth between the 
 eyes. Its function is to give the faculty of distin- 
 guishing form and figure. It was large in King 
 George III., and is also large in the Chinese. 
 
 21. SPACE. 
 
 Situated above, and on each side of the root of the 
 nose. Its function is the faculty to judge of size 
 and space without reference to form. It imparts 
 the power of perceiving and judging of perspective. 
 It was large in Williams and Douglas, and small 
 in Ferguson. 
 
 22. WEIGHT, OR RESISTANCE. 
 
 Situated contiguous to that of Form. It is largely 
 developed in those who excel in archery and quoits, 
 and in those who judge accurately of momentum 
 and resistance in mechanics. It was large in Mac- 
 lachlan. 
 
 23. COLOR. 
 
 Situated near the centre of each eye-brow, so that 
 the full development of it gives to the brow a beau- 
 tiful arch, or an angular direction upwards and lat- 
 
33 
 
 erally. Its function is to distinguish, enjoy and 
 mix colors. It is found in the portraits of Rubens, 
 Rembrandt, Lorraine, etc. It is full in the Chinese. 
 
 24. LOCALITY. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 21. 
 Its function is a faculty to perceive, and judge of 
 space and distance, and to remember and enjoy lo- 
 calities. It produces a fondness for travelling, 
 and constitutes a chief element, in the talent for 
 topography, geography, astronomy, and landscape 
 painting. It assists the traveller in finding his 
 way to places he has visited, and gives to him an 
 accurate and vivid recollection of them. This 
 organ is very prominent in the casts of Columbus, 
 Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo, and in Volney, and Sir 
 Walter Scott. It is largely developed in the dog, 
 and in other of the lower animals. 
 
 25. ORDER. 
 
 Situated adjoining 23. Its function is the per- 
 ception and love of order, without regard to clas- 
 sical arrangement. Those who have the organ 
 large, cannot bear to see any thing out of its place. 
 They are neat and precise in the arrangement of 
 their wardrobe, library, household furniture, etc. 
 It is full in Humboldt. 
 
34 
 
 26. DURATION. 
 
 Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 23. 
 Its function is a lively and accurate perception of 
 abstract duration, and the lapse of time between 
 one event and another. 
 
 27. NUMBER. 
 
 Situated immediately over the external angle of 
 the eye. Its function is the power of calculation. 
 It is full iu the bust of Newton, and is large in the 
 portraits of La Place and Humboldt. 
 
 28. TUNE. 
 
 Situated immediately above No. 27. Its function 
 is the love and enjoyment of music. The organ, 
 when strongly developed, gives breadth to the 
 face ; hence high powers of music are rarely con- 
 nected with a narrow face. The masks of Handel, 
 Haydn, Gluck, and Mozart, are distinguished by 
 the full development of this organ. The heads of 
 certain singing birds are also strongly marked. 
 
 29. LANGUAGR 
 
 Situated immediately under (lie eyes, rendering 
 those organs prominent when fully developed. 
 Great linguists have generally prominent, and 
 
35 
 
 never sunken eyes. Its function gives a facility of 
 acquiring and using language. Persons who have 
 a great endowment of it, abound in words. Large 
 in Humboldt and Voltaire. 
 
 30. COMPARISON. 
 
 Situated immediately above 19. Its function is the 
 power and love of Comparison, and it gives the fa- 
 cility of perceiving resemblances, similitudes and 
 analogies. The individual who has it large, rea- 
 sons by comparing one thing with another. It 
 prompts to the invention and use of figurative lan- 
 guage. It gives great power of illustration. It is 
 the origin of proverbs. Lnrge in Pitt, Edwards, 
 Burke, Curran, Hume, and in the Hindoos ; small 
 in the Charibs. 
 
 31. CAUSALITY. 
 
 Situated on each side of 30. Its function is a 
 talent for logical reasoning and inductive philoso- 
 phy. It prompts to the investigation of causes and 
 effects, and enables the individual to judge of the 
 direct evidence of facts. A juryman, with large 
 Individuality, and small Causality, will not be dis- 
 posed to convict upon circumstantial evidence. 
 While he, in whom Causality is large, will often 
 feel that kind of proof to be irresistible. It in- 
 duces to inquire why and wherefore. It gives the 
 
36 
 
 power of analysis. It appears largely developed 
 in the portraits and busts of Bacon, Locke, Frank- 
 lin and Voltaire ; moderate in Pitt. It is larger 
 in the English and Germans than in the French. 
 
 32. wit. 
 
 Situated on a line with No. 31. When large, it 
 gives breadth to the upper part of the forehead. 
 Its function is a quick perception of such analogies, 
 as by their novelty, excite surprise and agreeable 
 emotions. In the masks of Sterne, Shakspeare, 
 Voltaire, etc., this organ is peculiarly striking. 
 
 33. IMITATION. 
 
 Situated on a line with number 13. The function 
 of this organ is the love of imitation, and an apti- 
 tude to practise it ; and hence persons who have 
 it large, are qualified to become mimics, actors and 
 painters. Large in Clara Fisher, and in Jervis. 
 
 34. EVENTUALITY. 
 
 This organ is situated immediately above and con- 
 tiguous to individuality. When full, it gives a 
 prominence to the middle and lower part of the 
 forehead. Its function is remembering, and call- 
 ing up past actions and events. It is prominent in 
 children, and gives them an appetite for knowledge 
 
37 
 
 in the form of stories, and renders them fond of nar- 
 ration. It gives a talent for observing, and recol- 
 lecting the events of which history is composed, 
 and of telling the story of what we know. Event- 
 uality and Individuality are often large in the same 
 head, and confer on the individual two important 
 qualities for general business ; a readiness of ob- 
 servation and a talent for detail. They are gen- 
 erally prominent in practising physicians, being 
 brought out by the habit of accurate observation. 
 Their full development is essential for the composi- 
 tion of such works as Robinson Crusoe and Gulli- 
 ver's Travels. 
 
 35. SUPERNATURALITY, OR WONDER. 
 
 Situated between Nos. 16 and 33. The function 
 of this organ is to create a belief in the presence 
 and agency of supernatural beings, and it produces 
 a tendency to believe in inspirations. It begets a 
 fondness for news, and particularly if extravagant. 
 It produces the expression of surprise and astonish- 
 ment in ordinary discourse, and a turning-up of the 
 exterior angle of the eye-lashes. Such persons as 
 have this organ large, do not distinguish between 
 possibility and impossibility ; and this arises from 
 the predominance of Supernaturality over Causality 
 and Conscientiousness. 
 
 In addition to the foregoing organs, it is as- 
 
38 
 
 serted that there are several others, and their 
 powers have been described by some of the later 
 writers on Phrenology ; but their position has not 
 been accurately ascertained. The following are of 
 this class : 
 
 VITATIVENESS, OR LOVE OF LIFE. 
 
 As there is implanted in the human constitution 
 a strong and universal desire of life, it is presumed 
 that it has its seat in a separate and distinct organ 
 of the brain. Though the desire is natural to 
 man, and is universal, it glows with very different 
 degrees of intensity in different persons. Some 
 individuals desire life so intensely, that they regard 
 death as the greatest of all calamities, and " are 
 all their lifetime subject to bondage through fear 
 of death ;" and the desire of living is so great as 
 to prove a most powerful stimulus, and continues to 
 sustain them, long after the physical energies of 
 the system seem nearly exhausted. Other persons 
 on the contrary, experience no such passion for 
 life, and are ready to surrender it with scarcely a 
 feeling of regret. Neither does it appear that 
 this difference depends upon the degree of morality 
 and religion which they possess. The organ, it is 
 supposed, must be far more fully developed in the 
 inhabitants of the United States and Great Britain, 
 than in those of France and Spain ; as we hear of 
 many suicides in the latter countries, where we 
 have one in the former. 
 
Q 
 
 9 
 
 ALIMENTIVENESS, OR APPETITE FOR FOOD. 
 
 This also is considered as a primitive power, and 
 as having its appropriate organ in the brain. It is 
 one of the earliest and most certainly developed of 
 all the instincts of living beings ; for no sooner is 
 the infant born, than it thrusts its fingers into its 
 mouth, or cries for the mother's breast ; and 
 scarcely is the chick out of the egg, than it pecks 
 the grain that lies before it. The action of this 
 organ enables the individual to distinguish what is 
 useful for its nutrition, and when large, prompts to 
 the sensual enjoyment of the palate. However 
 questionable the existence of an appropriate cere- 
 bral organ to preside over the appetite, certain it 
 is, that a great difference exists among persons, as 
 to their propensities to indulge in the banquet. 
 Some persons seem to live mainly to eat and drink, 
 and the gratifications of the appetite constitute 
 with them the highest degree of earthly enjoyment, 
 while others have but little desire for indulgences 
 of this kind. Not many years since a gentleman 
 who resided in a neighboring city possessed at all 
 times so keen a relish for his food, that he was 
 never known to be satisfied, even with the most 
 sumptuous entertainment. A quarter of veal, or a 
 pair of turkies, formed for him only a moderate re- 
 past ; and yet so lean was his giant frame, that he 
 used to wear false calves to his legs to conceal his 
 deformity. And a gentleman who had his thigh 
 7 
 
40 
 
 amputated some years ago, in Philadelphia, it is 
 said, sustained during the whole time of the ope- 
 ration, an animated conversation upon the relative 
 merits of the different dishes of good eating. 
 
 Although the exact locality of the organs of Vi- 
 tativeness and Alimentiveness have not been de- 
 termined, it is conjectured that they will be found 
 in close connection with Destructiveness and Ac- 
 quisitiveness. And this seems plausible ; for it is 
 natural to suppose that the organs whose func- 
 tions give the desire of living, the enjoyment 
 of living, and the disposition to pursue, acquire and 
 slay, should be grouped together in the same re- 
 gion of the brain ; but their position is not yet de- 
 fined, nor are we told which of the thirty-five 
 compartments, already delineated and established, 
 are to give way in order to make room for the more 
 recently discovered organs ; the whole brain being 
 already appropriated. 
 
 Having thus briefly described the different or- 
 gans, their situation and powers, as laid down by 
 the phrenologists, I shall call your attention to their 
 combinations. 
 
 Three rules have been laid down for estimating 
 the influence of the difference in size, occurring in 
 the organs of the same brain. 
 
 First. Every faculty desires gratification, with 
 a degree of energy, proportionate to the size of 
 its organ ; and those faculties will be habitually 
 
41 
 
 indulged, the organs of which are largest in the 
 individual. 
 
 For example : if all the animal organs are large, 
 and all the organs of the moral sentiments and in- 
 tellect are small, the individual will be naturally 
 prone to animal indulgence in the highest degree. 
 
 If, on the other hand, the organs of the moral 
 sentiments and intellect greatly predominate, the 
 individual will be naturally disposed to moral and 
 intellectual pursuits. 
 
 Second. Should it happen that several large an- 
 imal organs are combined with a full development 
 of several moral and intellectual organs, the rule 
 then is, that the lower propensities will take their 
 direction from the higher powers. 
 
 Third. Where all the organs appear in nearly 
 equal proportion to each other, so that the differ- 
 ent powers are accurately balanced, the individual 
 will exhibit opposite phases of character, according 
 as the animal or moral and intellectual powers pre- 
 dominate at the time ; and he will pass his life in 
 alternately sinning and repenting. If the individ- 
 ual, thus constituted, be brought under external in- 
 fluences, they will operate powerfully upon him, 
 and his conduct will be greatly modified by them. 
 
 Fourth. The same may be said of the counter- 
 acting and neutralizing influence of the individual 
 organs on each other, as of that which appertains 
 to the different groups. 
 
 For example : if the organs of Combativeness 
 
42 
 
 and Destructiveness are very full, and those of 
 Veneration and Conscientiousness are also very 
 full, the latter will so counteract and neutralize the 
 former, that the individual may live all his days in 
 quiet, and not once manifest the smallest disposi- 
 tion to combat or murder. Or, if the organ of Ac- 
 quisitiveness is large, and that of Benevolence is 
 also very full, the two propensities being thus coun- 
 terpoised, there may be no especial desire of accu- 
 mulating wealth manifested, and as little of the 
 spirit of liberal giving. And all the organs may be 
 so accurately balanced, that the good shall exactly 
 counteract the evil desires. 
 
 It is, however, a doctrine of phrenology, that 
 the temperament of the individual exerts a strong 
 influence upon the action of the different organs, 
 and groups of organs ; and consequently must be 
 taken into the account, in judging of their activity 
 and power, whatever combinations they may ex- 
 hibit. 
 
 Before I close this lecture, I must call your at- 
 tention, for a moment, to another of the doctrines 
 of phrenology, which should be understood, in order 
 fully to appreciate the philosophy of the practical 
 application of the science. I refer to what is called 
 the natural language of the organs. 
 
 This doctrine is, that the action of the phreno- 
 logical organs tends to control the attitudes and 
 movements of the body, as well as to modify the 
 expressions. That the actions of the body will be in 
 
43 
 
 the longitudinal direction of the organs. For exam- 
 ple : if the action of Amativeness be strongly ex- 
 cited, and especially if the organ be large, the head 
 will be thrown backward, because the base of the 
 organ is situated in the lower, and back part of the 
 brain ; and which is the reason, also, that lovers 
 are prone, as it is said, to bring the back part of 
 their heads in contact, when they approach each 
 other. 
 
 Combativeness, when strongly excited, gives a 
 sudden backward and lateral motion to the head. 
 
 The proud man carries his head erect, because 
 the organ of Self-esteem has its termination upon 
 the superior part of the brain ; while he who is de- 
 ficient in the development of this organ, inclines 
 his head forward, in an humble attitude. 
 
 The devout man bows his head forward, in order 
 to present the organ of Veneration in the direction 
 of the Deity in the heavens. 
 
 The logician, when he reasons strongly, is prone 
 to press his forehead with his index finger, because 
 of the action going on in the organ of Causality, 
 which is situated in the forehead. 
 
 Preachers and advocates, when speaking with 
 ambition, move the head in the line of Concentra- 
 tiveness or Individuality, or directly backward and 
 forward. 
 
 Secretiveness, when the organ is full, gives a 
 side-long glance and a watchful look to the eye. 
 
 The organ of Self-esteem, when large in children, 
 
44 
 
 causes them to mount on chairs and benches, to 
 make themselves equal in height to grown persons ; 
 and adults of small stature do the same, and keep 
 their bodies erect, and have a proud gait. 
 
 Those birds which have this organ large, delight 
 in soaring on the wing in lofty flight, and build 
 their nests in the most elevated situations. 
 
 The chamois and goat, which take pleasure in 
 climbing craggy and lofty cliffs, and to graze upon 
 the mountain top, have the organ large. 
 
LECTURE II 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Having, in my first lecture, exhibited to you the 
 leading doctrines of phrenology, as found in the 
 standard books upon the science, and as taught by 
 the most eminent lecturers, my object on this occa- 
 sion will be, to show how far the science is recon- 
 cilable with the anatomical structure and organiza- 
 tion of the brain, the cranium, and other parts 
 concerned. 
 
 I adopt this course from two considerations : 
 
 1st. From a belief that the anatomy of the 
 parts concerned, is the proper and indeed the only 
 certain standard by which to ascertain its truth. 
 
 2d. That the metaphysical arguments on the 
 subject, while they have been urged with great 
 power, have too often been evaded, and the public 
 mind has not been enlightened, as to the real 
 merits of phrenology, by the usual methods of 
 
46 
 
 investigation. Even the lash of ridicule, under 
 which it has generally been left to wither, has 
 done but little in arresting its progress, or exposing 
 its errors. 
 
 The ground which phrenologists assume the 
 right to occupy is so extensive, and the outlets for 
 retreat are so numerous, that it is difficult to pre- 
 sent an objection to the science, which cannot, 
 upon the common principles of reasoning, be plau- 
 sibly evaded. A few examples will illustrate the 
 idea which I wish to convey. 
 
 If an individual has a large head, and his mental 
 manifestations are unusually powerful, the case is 
 brought forward as a proof of the truth of phrenol- 
 ogy ; but if the manifestations are feeble, it is said 
 that the great size of the head is the result of dis- 
 ease, or that the brain is not well organized, or 
 that other circumstances have exerted an influence 
 in diminishing its power. If a small head be con- 
 nected with a powerful intellect, it only proves 
 that the brain, though small, is well organized, and 
 acts with uncommon energy. 
 
 If an individual has a particular propensity 
 strongly marked in his character, and there is no 
 corresponding development of the brain, it is said 
 that the organ has not been thrown out by indul- 
 ging its desires ; but if there is a large develop- 
 ment of an organ, and no corresponding propen- 
 sity, then it is contended that the germ of the 
 propensity is there, but that it has been repressed 
 
47 
 
 by education, or other circumstances ; or it is found 
 that some counteracting organ is fully developed 
 which neutralizes the first. For example : if the 
 organ of Covetousness is large, and the person has 
 no uncommon love of gain, and the organ of Be- 
 nevolence is also large, it is urged that the action 
 of the one neutralizes that of the other. 
 
 I have already mentioned that the temperament 
 also is supposed to perform an important part in 
 modifying the action of the different organs, and for 
 which all due allowance is to be made. 
 
 When all these fail in furnishing a satisfactory 
 explanation, another method still more amusing is 
 sometimes resorted to, in relieving phrenology 
 from embarrassment. It may be illustrated by the 
 following facts : 
 
 There is a celebrated divine now living in Scot- 
 land, equally distinguished for his amiable disposi- 
 tion, his gigantic powers of mind, and the great 
 moral influence which he exerts upon the Christian 
 world. This individual, it is said, has the organ of 
 Destructiveness very largely developed, and not 
 having any counteracting organ very large, it is 
 contended by those who are acquainted with the 
 fact, that he manifests his inherent disposition to 
 murder, by his mighty efforts to destroy vice and 
 break down systems of error. In this way he grat- 
 ifies his propensity to shed blood. 
 
 By a recent examination of the skull of the cel- 
 ebrated infidel Voltaire, it is found that he had the 
 8 
 
48 
 
 organ of Veneration developed to a very extraor- 
 dinary degree. For him it is urged, that his ven- 
 eration for the Deity was so great, his sensibility 
 upon the subject of devotion so exquisite, that he 
 became shocked and disgusted with the irreverence 
 of even the most devout Christians, and that out of 
 pure respect and veneration for the Deity, he at- 
 tempted to exterminate the Christian religion from 
 the earth. 
 
 Other explanations, as much at variance with 
 truth and common sense, are resorted to in carry- 
 ing out the system. 
 
 Allowing, therefore, to phrenologists the lati- 
 tude they claim, it would seem impossible to pre- 
 sent a case so contradictory to their principles as 
 not to admit of prompt and plausible explanation. 
 
 It is such considerations as these that have in- 
 duced me to attempt an examination of the princi- 
 ples of phrenology, on other than metaphysical 
 grounds, or its practical application to individual 
 cases. 
 
 In pursuing the investigation I shall inquire ; 
 
 I. How far phrenology is sustained by the 
 structure and organization of the brain. 
 
 II. How far facts justify the opinion that there 
 is an established relation between the volume of 
 the brain and the powers of the mind. 
 
 III. How far it is possible to ascertain the vol- 
 ume of the brain in the living subject, by measure- 
 ment or observation. 
 
49 
 
 IV. How far it is possible to ascertain the rel- 
 ative degree of development of the different parts 
 of the brain, by the examination of the living 
 head. 
 
 V. Notice a few facts which have been used in 
 support of phrenology, and conclude with some 
 general remarks. 
 
 I. How far is phrenology sustained by the 
 structure and organization of the brain ? 
 
 The brain is that soft, plastic substance, which 
 is contained in the cavity of the cranium. Its 
 weight is computed to average, in the adult, about 
 three and a half pounds, greatly varying, however, 
 in different heads, and in those of nearly the same 
 size. It is developed at an earlier period than 
 most other organs, being larger in proportion to the 
 size of the body, the younger the individual. Ac- 
 cording to the researches of Tiedeman, it acquires 
 its full size at the age of eight ; and Wenzel and 
 Soemmering state, that at a still earlier period it ac- 
 quires the size and weight which it will retain 
 through life. It is invested by three membranes, 
 the duramater, the tunica arachnoidea, and piama- 
 ter. The former of these is thick, dense, and 
 opake, the two latter extremely thin and transpa- 
 rent. It is divided by a horizontal membrane, the 
 tentorium, into the cerebrum and cerebellum, the 
 latter being connected with the former by an aper- 
 ture in the tentorium, near its centre. The cere- 
 brum is divided into two hemispheres, the right and 
 
50 
 
 left, by a deep longitudinal fissure, in which the 
 falx of the duramater is situated. 
 
 Upon removing the duramater, there are exhib- 
 ited to the eye, numerous convolutions, rendered 
 distinct by grooves which separate them to a greater 
 or less depth ; but these convolutions do not, in 
 any respect, correspond in form, size, or position, 
 with the bases of the phrenological organs as 
 mapped out upon the figured skull. Phrenologists 
 do not pretend that there is any relation between 
 the one and the other. 
 
 The brain, when divided by incision, presents 
 two substances, different in color and texture : the 
 cortical or pulpy portion which forms the external 
 part, and is of an ash color ; and the medullary or 
 fibrous portion which forms the central part, and is 
 of a beautiful white, and is fibrous in its structure. 
 It is the external portion of the brain with its con- 
 volutions, which is considered by phrenologists as 
 the seat of the mental functions. 
 
 The brain is more vascular than almost any other 
 part of the body. By some anatomists it has been 
 computed that one-fifth, and by others that one- 
 tenth, of all the blood of the body is dispensed to 
 this organ ; while the brain in weight is seldom 
 equal to one-fortieth of the whole body. It is sup- 
 plied principally by the carotid and vertebral arte- 
 ries. 
 
 Neither the cortical nor fibrous part of the brain 
 reveals, upon dissection, any of those compartments 
 
51 
 
 or organs, upon the existence of which the main fab- 
 ric of phrenology is based. No such divisions have 
 been discovered by the eye or the microscope. 
 The most common observation is sufficient to show 
 that there is not the slightest indication of such a 
 structure. Indeed no phrenologist, after all the in- 
 vestigations which have been made upon the sub- 
 ject, from the first dawn of the science to the 
 present time, not even Gall and Spurzheim them- 
 selves, venture to assert that such divisions of the 
 brain have been discovered ; and yet they insist that 
 such organs do exist. 
 
 The fact of the existence of the horizontal mem- 
 brane, called the tentorium, separating the supe- 
 rior from the inferior part of the brain, as well as 
 the arrangement of the lateral ventricles, the corpus 
 callosum, the fornix, and other parts, clearly show 
 the absurdity of the idea of organs as described by 
 phrenologists. The notion then of the division of 
 the brain into phrenological organs is entirely hy- 
 pothetical, is not sustained by dissection, and is 
 utterly inconsistent with its whole formation. 
 
 These facts are perfectly well known, and are 
 universally admitted by all anatomists. See plates 
 III. j VI., with the explanations. 
 
 II. How far do facts justify the opinion that 
 there is an established relation between the volume 
 of the brain and the powers of the mind ? 
 
 This inquiry involves one of the fundamental 
 principles of phrenology ; and while pursuing the 
 
52 
 
 subject, it is proper to remark, that the phrenolo- 
 gist would escape from the consequences of the 
 doctrine, that the volume of the brain is the meas- 
 ure of the mind, by placing the issue upon the rel- 
 ative development of the different regions of the 
 brain, and not upon the volume of the brain as a 
 whole. If the man of strong intellectual powers, 
 for example, has an ample forehead, the man dis- 
 tinguished for his moral and religious qualities, has 
 the superior region of the cranium large and tower- 
 ing, and the man of strong animal propensities, has 
 the back and lower part of the head large and pro- 
 truding, the developments are said to accord with 
 the principles of phrenology, although the head be 
 ever so small. This position often proves a secure 
 retreat for the manipulator, especially as the lines 
 of demarcation which are made to separate the dif- 
 ferent families of organs from each other, are in- 
 definite and variable in their position, and conse- 
 quently may be drawn where best suits the case 
 under examination. If the forehead happens to be 
 stinted in its dimensions, and the individual still 
 has a powerful intellect, it is only necessary to 
 throw back the line which separates the intellec- 
 tual organs from those of the moral faculties, so as 
 to allow the former to encroach upon the region of 
 the latter, and the whole difficulty is removed. 
 Upon the same principle, the organs of the moral 
 faculties may invade the region assigned to the in- 
 tellectual organs, or the animal propensities may 
 
53 
 
 usurp the dominion of the moral faculties, as the 
 circumstances of the case may require. So by 
 drawing the boundary lines of the different regions 
 of the cranium farther forward or backward, the 
 principle is adapted to the case and the case to the 
 principle. By this course, the phrenologist changes 
 his position, and attempts to evade the legitimate 
 consequences of his doctrine ; and cases where in- 
 dividuals were remarkable for the diminutive size 
 of the head, but were distinguished for power of 
 mind, have been brought forward, not only as 
 consistent with phrenology, but as evidence of its 
 truth. But all this neither changes the ground of 
 the argument, nor relieves us from the necessity of 
 regarding the whole brain as the measure of the 
 whole mind. 
 
 " If," says Mr. Combe, " we take two heads, in 
 sound health, of similar age, in each of which sev- 
 eral organs are similar in their proportions, but the 
 one of which is large and the other small, and if 
 the preponderance of power of manifestation is not 
 in favor of the first, then phrenology must be aban- 
 doned as destitute of foundation/' 
 
 In this declaration, it is evident that Mr. 
 Combe intended to embrace the whole brain, as 
 the index of the whole mind ; for the position is as 
 clearly stated as if he had said, take two heads in 
 sound health, of the same age and shape, but the one 
 of which is large and the other small, and if the men- 
 tal power is not greater in the large head, than in 
 
54 
 
 the small one, then phrenology must be abandoned 
 as destitute of foundation. 
 
 The doctrine then that the volume of the brain 
 is the gauge which determines the mental power, 
 is not only admitted by phrenology, but is the great 
 fundamental principle upon which it is based. It 
 is the main pillar upon which the whole fabric rests. 
 Strike this out and the structure falls to the 
 ground ; annihilate it and " phrenology must be 
 abandoned as destitute of foundation." Conse- 
 quently he who evades the principle or substitutes 
 any thing in its place, is chargeable with striking 
 a blow at the foundation of the science. No matter 
 whether he does this by allowing one brain a better 
 organization than another, a greater proportion of 
 neurine, a larger extent of peripheral surface, a 
 higher degree of sensibility, or a more energetic 
 action ; in whatever way he accomplishes the ob- 
 ject he saps the main foundation ; for if a small 
 brain can be made to perform its mental functions 
 with as much power as a brain of larger size differ- 
 ently constituted and endowed, volume is no longer 
 the index of power, and " phrenology must be 
 abandoned as destitute of foundation. " 
 
 If the volume of the brain then is to be taken as 
 the measure of the mental power, it is important to 
 know whether its absolute or relative size is in- 
 tended to be understood. If the former, then men 
 of small stature must generally rank as inferior in 
 intellectual power, to men of large size ; and 
 
55 
 
 phrenology has also to contend with the fact, that 
 the whale, the elephant, and several other animals 
 of the lower order, have a larger brain than man, 
 while their intellect is inferior. 
 
 If the relative size of the brain be intended, then 
 it is necessary to know with what it is to be com- 
 pared ; whether with the dimensions of the face, 
 the size and length of the neck, with the size of 
 the spinal marrow, the cerebral nerves, or with the 
 volume of the whole body. Upon this point, phre- 
 nologists have not been explicit. 
 
 The difficulty of instituting an accurate compar- 
 ison of the brain with the first four of them, seems 
 likely to prevent either from becoming the stand- 
 ard ; and the great variations to which the body is 
 liable from different causes, losing, as it sometimes 
 does, nearly half its volume, while the brain re- 
 mains the same, renders this not a more certain 
 criterion. Some facts, however, seem to have af- 
 forded the inference, that the volume of the brain 
 as compared with the size of the body, is to be 
 taken as the measure of the mental power ; and 
 just as we descend in the scale of intellectual ex- 
 istence, from man through the various tribes of an- 
 imals, it is said, the brain will be found to be di- 
 minished in size, according to this standard. But 
 the investigations of Haller, Wrisberg, Soemmering, 
 Blumenbach, Cuvier, and other anatomists, show 
 this conclusion to be erroneous, and prove by ac- 
 tual experiment, that it has no foundation in nature. 
 9 
 
56 
 
 A summary of the result of Cuvier's investiga- 
 tions upon this subject, is presented in the follow- 
 ing table. 
 
 He considers the brain in man, in proportion to 
 his body as one to thirty ; and though it might 
 with more propriety have been calculated as one 
 to forty or fifty, the relative proportion between 
 man and the lower animals is no less certainly as- 
 certained. 
 
 Man, . . . .1:30 
 
 MONKEYS. 
 
 Gibbon, 
 
 • . * 
 
 1:48 
 
 Saimiri, 
 
 . 
 
 1:22 
 
 Sai, 
 
 ... 
 
 1:25 
 
 Ouistiti, 
 
 ... 
 
 1:28 
 
 Coaita, 
 
 . 
 
 1:41 
 
 Young Malbrook, 
 
 1:24 
 
 Callitriche, . 
 
 . 
 
 1:41 
 
 Mone, . 
 
 . 
 
 1:44 
 
 Mongabey, . 
 
 QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 1:48 
 
 Mole, 
 
 » • • 
 
 1:36 
 
 Dogs, different 
 
 species, from 1:47 to 
 
 1:305 
 
 Cat, 
 
 from 1:82 to 
 
 1:156 
 
 Beaver, 
 
 • • • 
 
 1:290 
 
 Kat, 
 
 • • • 
 
 1:76 
 
57 
 
 Mouse, 
 
 . 
 
 1:43 
 
 Field mouse, 
 
 . . • 
 
 1:31 
 
 Elephant, 
 
 . 
 
 1:500 
 
 Sheep, . 
 
 from 1:192 to 
 
 1:351 
 
 Ox, . 
 
 ... 
 
 1:860 
 
 Horse, . 
 
 . 
 
 1:400 
 
 CETACEOUS ANIMALS. 
 
 
 Dolphin, 
 
 from 1:25 to 1:102 
 
 Porpoise, 
 
 BIRDS. 
 
 1:903 
 
 Eagle, 
 
 • > • 
 
 1:260 
 
 Goose, . 
 
 ... 
 
 1:360 
 
 Cock, 
 
 ... 
 
 1:25 
 
 Sparrow, 
 
 . 
 
 1:25 
 
 Canary birds, 
 
 REPTILES. 
 
 1:14 
 
 Land turtle, 
 
 . 
 
 1:2240 
 
 Frog, . 
 
 FISHES. 
 
 1:170 
 
 Shark, 
 
 ... 
 
 1:2496 
 
 Carp, 
 
 . 
 
 1:560 
 
 This table shows that four species of the mon- 
 key, the dolphin, and three kinds of birds, the 
 canary bird, sparrow, and cock, exceed man in the 
 
58 
 
 proportion of the brain to the body ; and that va- 
 rious other animals are nearly on a level with him. 
 
 Nor does the argument in favor of a regular gra- 
 dation of intellect, according to the size of the 
 brain, hold good, in a comparison of the lower an- 
 imals with each other ; their intellectual capacities 
 not being in proportion of the brain to the body. 
 This fact is shown by the table of Cuvier. 
 
 The doctrine, therefore, that man owes his intel- 
 lectual superiority to an excess of brain, derives no 
 support from his comparison with the lower ani- 
 mals ; nor does it appear, from observation, that 
 this is the source of the diversity of intellectual ca- 
 pacity, which distinguishes individuals of the hu- 
 man species from each other. 
 
 Professor Warren, of Boston, who has probably 
 enjoyed as great opportunities for dissecting the 
 brain of literary and intellectual men of high grade, 
 and of comparing these with the brain of men in 
 the lower walks of life, as any anatomist of our 
 country, if not of the age, says, as the result of his 
 experience on this subject, that in some instances, 
 it appeared that a large brain had been connected 
 with superior mental powers, and that the reverse 
 of this was true in about an equal number. One 
 individual who was most distinguished for the vari- 
 ety and extent of his native talent, says Dr. War- 
 ren, had, it was ascertained after death, an uncom- 
 monly small brain. 
 
 I might accumulate testimony of this description 
 
59 
 
 to an almost unlimited extent, but I will not detain 
 you ; and will only observe that, after a careful 
 investigation of the subject, I feel authorized to 
 say, that the experience of eminent anatomists of 
 all times and countries, who have paid attention 
 to the subject, will be found in strict accordance 
 with that of Doctor Warren. 
 
 The whole of the argument therefore, in favor of 
 the volume of the brain being the measure of the 
 mental power, rests for its support upon mere analo- 
 gy, and upon analogy the most vague and uncertain. 
 A large muscle, say the phrenologists, other con- 
 ditions being equal, will possess more power than 
 a small one, and a large liver will secrete more 
 bile than a small one ; therefore a large brain must 
 possess more power than one of smaller size. To 
 render this analogy at all applicable, there should 
 be a similarity of structure and of function. And 
 when has it been made to appear that the brain is 
 muscular in its texture, and performs its mental 
 functions by the process of contraction and relaxa- 
 tion, or that it is a secreting organ, and elaborates 
 thought as the liver does bile from the blood ? Or 
 that it is a galvanic battery, and thought the fluid 
 eliminated by its action ? 
 
 The various organs of the body in carrying on 
 their physical functions, it should be remembered, 
 act upon matter, and the product of their action is 
 material also. The brain in performing the func- 
 tions of the mind, does not act upon matter, and 
 
60 
 
 the product is immaterial and spiritual. What an- 
 alogy is there therefore, between the functions of 
 the brain, the instrument of the immaterial and im- 
 mortal mind, and an organ which secretes bile or 
 gastric juice ? We may institute a comparison be- 
 tween one physical function and another, but to 
 compare physical with intellectual function, is un- 
 philosjphical and absurd. First let us ascertain 
 how the brain performs the functions of the mind, 
 and then it will be time to draw comparisons be- 
 tween the action of this and the other organs of the 
 body. For aught that physiology has discovered, 
 the functions of the mind are performed upon a 
 principle which renders a small brain as perfect 
 an instrument for its use, as one of large size. 
 
 But, for the sake of argument, let us for the 
 time concede this point, and suppose, with phre- 
 nologists, that there is an established relation be- 
 tween the volume of the brain and the powers of 
 the mind, and then inquire : 
 
 III. How far it is possible to ascertain the vol- 
 ume of the brain in the living subject, by measure- 
 ment or observation. 
 
 This inquiry, like the preceding, involves one 
 of the fundamental principles of phrenology. 
 
 " By a knowledge of both," (phrenology and cra- 
 niology) says a distinguished writer upon this sci- 
 ence, " the experienced phrenologist is enabled to 
 judge of the natural amount and general character 
 of the intellects of individuals, from an inspection 
 of their heads." 
 
61 
 
 And, first, by what means are we to ascertain the 
 volume of the brain ? 
 
 Phrenologists have provided two instruments for 
 this purpose, viz : the craniometer and callipus. 
 
 The former of these is the instrument principally 
 in use, and by it we are told that we can not only 
 measure the volume of the brain, but determine also 
 the size of the individual organs. 
 
 It consists of a brass semicircle, connected at the 
 extremities, with two horizontal bars, terminating 
 in a small knob to be placed in the external open- 
 ing of each ear. By this means, while the semi- 
 circle remains fixed at its extremities, its circum- 
 ference moves freely backward and forward. At- 
 tached to this, is a sliding graduated scale, which 
 is easily brought in contact with any part of the 
 surface of the head. By this instrument, it is pre- 
 sumed that the exact size of the head can be ascer- 
 tained ; and as all the phrenological organs are 
 supposed to commence at the medulla oblongata, 
 or top of the spinal marrow, which, being nearly on 
 a line with the two horizontal bars that pass into 
 the external ear, the length of each organ, it is 
 said, can be accurately ascertained. 
 
 Now, allowing all this to be philosophical, it is 
 evident that in order to render this instrument 
 availing, the integuments of the head and the walls 
 of the cranium must be of a uniform thickness in 
 all persons ; or that we must possess some means 
 of determining the degree of deviation from this 
 principle. 
 
62 
 
 In childhood, both the integuments of the head 
 and the walls of the cranium are thin and delicate ; 
 in the adult they are thicker, but in old age they 
 are again diminished in thickness. There is also 
 some difference in the two sexes ; the male, as a 
 general rule, having the thicker skull. There are, 
 however, frequent exceptions to this principle. 
 
 But besides the change which occurs at the dif- 
 ferent periods of life, and the difference which usu- 
 ally marks the two sexes, there is often a great 
 diversity in the thickness of the integuments and 
 the skull, in different persons of the same age, sex, 
 and condition, and of which we have no means of 
 judging in the living subject. This fact I have 
 verified by numerous dissections. 
 
 I here exhibit a number of drawings, made from 
 skulls in my possession, which illustrate some of 
 the points that I wish to establish. - 
 
 Plates II., VI., represent sections of different 
 skulls, made by passing a saw through them hori- 
 zontally, about one inch above the superciliary 
 ridge in the frontal, and the same distance above 
 the crucial ridge in the occipital region. These 
 delineations were made from nature, by an eminent 
 artist ; are fac similes, and represent the skull pre- 
 cisely, in form and thickness. 
 
 Plate II., fig. i., represents, by a horizontal sec- 
 tion, the skull of a sturdy, athletic waterman, who 
 was drowned in the Potomac. It is scarcely the 
 eighth of an inch in thickness, though it is firm, 
 
63 
 
 compact, and in every respect healthy in its 
 structure. 
 
 Fig. 2, in the same plate, represents, by a hori- 
 zontal section, the skull of a young and once beau- 
 tiful female, who came to this city from a neighbor- 
 ing state, fell into bad company, abandoned the 
 paths of virtue, and died in abject poverty. It is 
 nearly twice the thickness of the former, and is 
 well organized and healthy in its appearance. 
 
 Here we have two skulls from healthy individu- 
 als in the vigor of life, the one a male, and the 
 other a female ; and, to render the contrast more 
 striking, the skull of the female is twice the thick- 
 ness of that of the male. Where is the phrenolo- 
 gist, however experienced, who by the delicacy of 
 his touch, the keenness of his eye, and aided by 
 his craniometer, could have pronounced, that the 
 sturdy waterman had a skull scarcely the eighth, 
 while that of the female was at least one fourth of 
 an inch in thickness, and been able to make due al- 
 lowance, and to ascertain the relative volume of 
 the brain in each ? 
 
 Plate III. represents, by a vertical section, a 
 skull kindly furnished me by Doctor Smith, Profes- 
 sor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. The 
 subject was an adult male. It is thick and very 
 compact, and well organized. It also presents a 
 lateral view of the surface of the brain with its con- 
 volutions. 
 
 Plate IV. represents, by a vertical section, an 
 10 
 
64 
 
 adult male skull from the cabinet of Professor 
 Smith. It averages nearly one inch in thickness, 
 and appears in every respect healthy and natural. 
 It also exhibits the arrangement of the phreno- 
 logical organs, as commencing at the top of the 
 spinal marrow and radiating towards the surface of 
 the brain. 
 
 Plate V. represents, by a vertical section, the 
 cast of a skull which is from the cabinet of Spurz- 
 heim. It was kindly procured and sent me by Pro- 
 fessor Warren of Boston. 
 
 The crania delineated in plates III., IV., V., 
 which exhibit the vertical section, were prepared 
 for the engraver, by passing the saw through them 
 perpendicularly, on one side of the median line. 
 
 The history of the intellectual character of the 
 individuals whose crania are here delineated, I shall 
 not detail, as the only object of introducing them 
 is, to show the natural and insurmountable obsta- 
 cles which exist in ascertaining the amount of brain 
 by the measurement or inspection of the living 
 head. Such a history would be entirely irrelevant, 
 as it could in no way aid the phrenologist in his ex- 
 amination. 
 
 The difference in their thickness furnishes im- 
 pressive evidence of the impossibility of ascertain- 
 ing the volume of the brain by the rules of phre- 
 nology. 
 
 Besides the crania delineated in these plates, I 
 have in my possession a large number, exhibiting 
 
65 
 
 every intermediate degree of thickness, from that 
 of the sturdy waterman to the cast of Spurzheim. 
 
 But in order to render this part of the investiga- 
 tion more satisfactory and conclusive, I have institu- 
 ted a series of experiments, in order to ascertain 
 the exact amount of brain in the skull, compared 
 with its external dimensions. These experiments 
 were made under the immediate inspection and by 
 the assistance of Dr. Thomas P. Jones of this city, 
 and Professor William Ruggles of the Columbian 
 College ; gentlemen whose high scientific charac- 
 ter ensures the utmost accuracy in the results. I 
 am much indebted to these gentlemen for the aid 
 they have afforded me. In the first series of ex- 
 periments, we ascertained the volume of each brain, 
 the skull included ; in the second series, the vol- 
 ume of the brain alone, or the capacity of the cer- 
 ebral cavity. 
 
 Then, in order to render the difference in capa- 
 city more obvious, the volume of each skull, the 
 brain included, was reduced to the dimensions of 
 seventy fluid ounces. 
 
 This table shows the result of these experiments, 
 as extended to five of the skulls delineated in the 
 plates. 
 
 Vol. skull, br. included. 
 
 Vol. brain. 
 
 Plate II. fig. 1, 70 oz. 
 
 56.22 oz. 
 
 " fig. 2, " 
 
 51.72 
 
 III. 
 
 46.21 
 
 IV. 
 
 34.79 
 
 V. 
 
 25.33 
 
66 
 
 In five skulls therefore, of the same external di- 
 mensions, we have a difference in the amount of 
 brain between 
 
 I and II. 
 
 of 
 
 4.50 oz. 
 
 I " III. 
 
 a 
 
 10.01 
 
 I " IV. 
 
 a 
 
 21.43 
 
 I " V. 
 
 a 
 
 31.89 
 
 In this computation we have a difference in the 
 volume of brain, contained in two skulls of the 
 same external dimensions, of 31.89 ; something 
 more than one half. These experiments have been 
 extended to a great variety of crania, not here de- 
 lineated, which confirm the above estimate, and 
 show that the external dimensions of the skull fur- 
 nish no indication of the amount of brain. 
 
 I hold it then to be clearly established, that no 
 phrenologist, however experienced, can, by an in- 
 spection of the living head, ascertain whether an 
 individual has a skull of one inch, or one eighth of 
 an inch in thickness ; nor whether he has 56.22 
 ounces of brain in volume, or only 25.33 ounces. 
 
 With the result of these experiments before you, 
 gentlemen, I leave you to estimate the value of 
 phrenology as a practical science, in determining 
 the powers of the human intellect. 
 
 But we will pass on to inquire : 
 
 IV. How far it is practicable to ascertain the 
 degree of development of the different parts of the 
 
67 
 
 brain, by measurement or examination of the living 
 head. 
 
 And here permit me again to call to your recol- 
 lection the fundamental doctrine already stated, 
 " that by a knowledge of phrenology and craniol- 
 ogy, the experienced phrenologist is enabled to 
 judge of the natural amount and general character 
 of the intellects of individuals from an inspection 
 of their heads. " The amount of intellect being 
 estimated by the size of the head, while its char- 
 acter is determined by the form. 
 
 In the investigation of this part of the subject, 
 we shall find that anatomy interposes numerous 
 obstacles to the practical phrenologist, the more 
 important of which I shall briefly notice. 
 
 1. Of the frontal sinuses. These are cavities 
 situated in the anterior and lower portion of the 
 frontal bone. To show the manner in which they 
 are formed, it is proper to state, that the bones of 
 the skull are composed of two tables, external and 
 internal ; and that these are united by an inter- 
 vening lattice work of bony matter, called diploe. 
 In some parts of the skull, this diploic structure is 
 absent ; the two tables recede from each other, 
 and cavities of greater or less extent are thereby 
 created. It is in this manner that the frontal 
 sinuses are formed. 
 
 Plate VI. represents, by a horizontal section, 
 the skull of an individual whom I well knew. He 
 was an athletic, laboring man, who became intern- 
 
68 
 
 perate, and died at the age of thirty. During his 
 life, I frequently remarked, that he had what 
 would be called by phrenologists, a fine head for 
 the perceptive faculties. His eye was deeply 
 ensconsed under a full projecting brow, and the 
 organs of Form, Size, Weight, Color, Order, Num- 
 ber, Eventuality, Individuality and Comparison 
 were uncommonly well developed. His Locality 
 was enormous. We should, upon the principles of 
 phrenology, have pronounced him a Rubens in 
 painting, a Humboldt in arrangement, and in Form, 
 Size, and Weight, a Wren, a Douglas or a Simp- 
 son. The development of his Comparison, Even- 
 tuality and Individuality, would have placed him 
 by the side of Dean Swift and the Earl of Chat- 
 ham ; and his Locality represented him as quite 
 equal to Columbus, Newton, Volney and Sir Wal- 
 ter Scott. 
 
 But what do we find upon an examination after 
 death ? We discover the frontal sinuses to extend 
 over the organs of Eventuality, Individuality, 
 Form, Size, Weight, Color, Locality, Order, Time 
 and Comparison 3 the two tables of bone, separa- 
 ted in some points at the distance of an inch, and 
 the intervening cavities so capacious as to measure 
 one and a half fluid ounces. 
 
 This plate shows the form, size, and situation of 
 the frontal sinuses, by a horizontal section of the 
 skull. 
 
 So far, then, from the great apparent develop- 
 
69 
 
 merit of these organs being occasioned by a for- 
 ward protrusion of the anterior lobes of the brain, 
 the projection was caused by the receding of the 
 outer from the inner table of the skull, in the for- 
 mation of the frontal sinuses, and the brain is dis- 
 covered to be actually very deficient in its anterior 
 portion. 
 
 I need scarcely observe, that no one presumes 
 to distinguish between that projection which is 
 caused by the full development of the anterior 
 lobes of the brain, and that occasioned by the ex- 
 istence of the frontal sinuses. 
 
 Here, then, are ten of the organs, of which 
 no correct judgment can be formed, as to the de- 
 gree of their development in the living head. 
 From the large frontal sinuses, delineated in this 
 plate, I have skulls in which they are seen of 
 almost every intermediate size, to those which 
 measure only a few grains. 
 
 2. The temporal muscle. This is one of the 
 principal muscles of mastication, and from its situ- 
 ation necessarily conceals a number of the phreno- 
 logical organs. It arises from the temporal ridge, 
 which is in the form of an arch, as it passes over 
 the frontal, parietal and occipital bones, and covers 
 a large part of the lateral portion of the cranium. 
 Its fibres, as they descend from its origin, con- 
 verge, the muscle becoming thicker till it passes 
 under the zigomatic process of the temporal bone, 
 to be inserted into the coronoid process of the 
 
70 
 
 lower jaw. This muscle is very various in volume, 
 in different persons, being in some twice the thick- 
 ness that we find it in others. It covers wholly, 
 or in part, the organs of Destructiveness, Con- 
 structiveness, Acquisitiveness, Secretiveness, Cau- 
 tiousness, Ideality, Number, and Tune. Of the 
 degree of development of these organs, therefore, 
 it is evident we can form no correct estimate, by an 
 examination of the living head. 
 
 By means of the frontal sinuses and temporal 
 muscle alone, therefore, we find eighteen out of 
 the thirty-five organs beyond the reach of observa- 
 tion. 
 
 3. Let us next ascertain whether the skull is in 
 every part of the same thickness, and whether the 
 two tables, of which it is composed, are every 
 where parallel to each other. 
 
 To say nothing of the numerous ridges and 
 grooves which are exhibited upon the internal sur- 
 face of the cranium, and which vary much in size, 
 and somewhat also in position, the two tables are 
 not every where parallel ; consequently, the skull 
 is not of uniform thickness in every part, and this 
 want of uniformity varies in different heads. I can 
 show numerous examples in which there is a 
 marked protuberance externally, but no corres- 
 ponding concavity within. In one skull, we have 
 the organ of Philoprogenitiveness very full, but it is 
 occasioned only by an increased thickness of the 
 bone at this part. In others, the organ of Causality 
 
71 
 
 is very prominent, but so far from finding a corres- 
 ponding concavity within, the inner table presents a 
 plain surface ; and there are frequently considera- 
 ble depressions within, where the corresponding 
 surface without, does not exhibit the slightest pro- 
 jection. It is also true, that there are scarcely any 
 two skulls which exhibit the same relative thick- 
 ness in different parts. This is obvious from an 
 examination of the accompanying plates. 
 
 No phrenologist, therefore, who discovers a pro- 
 tuberance on the skull, can determine whether it 
 is caused by a fulness of the brain, at that part, or 
 an increased thickness of the bone. 
 
 4. The great number and diminutive size of the 
 organs, as represented in the figured head, pre- 
 sent a serious obstacle to the phrenologist, in 
 ascertaining their fulness as well as their actual 
 position. 
 
 In the forehead, there are no less than fourteen 
 pairs of organs, huddled together in the compass 
 of a few square inches ; a space scarcely equal in 
 extent to that appropriated to a single pair of or- 
 gans belonging to the department of the propensi- 
 ties, or that of the moral sentiments, and all con- 
 cealed by the frontal bone. 
 
 You have asked, gentlemen, if the specimens of 
 crania delineated in the plates, were not extreme 
 cases, of irregular structure, and to be regarded as 
 exceptions to the general rule. I have already 
 stated, that I possess skulls of every intermediate 
 11 
 
72 
 
 degree of thickness, from that of the waterman, to 
 the cast of Spurzheim ; and those, also, which ex- 
 hibit the frontal sinuses from the size represented 
 in plate VI., to those which are scarcely percept- 
 ible ; and, by visiting the different anatomical cab- 
 inets of our country, the same variations will be 
 seen in abundance. But, admit these specimens 
 to be of irregular structure, and to form exceptions 
 to any general rule, which the phrenologist may 
 establish for his guide, and the admission is fatal to 
 the pretensions of the practical phrenologist. The 
 existence of a single exception to the general rule, 
 as to the thickness of the skull, and the size of the 
 frontal sinuses, presents an insuperable objection 
 to the science ; unless the phrenologist can point 
 out some means of ascertaining, in the living sub- 
 ject, when such exception exists. 
 
 How is the phrenologist to know, when measur- 
 ing the head, whether the skull is thick or thin, 
 whether the frontal sinuses are large or small, and 
 whether the protuberances which he finds on the 
 head represent corresponding developments of the 
 brain, or are occasioned by an increased thickness 
 of the skull, at the places where they exist ? 
 
 5. In estimating the mental power of the dif- 
 ferent phrenological organs from their development, 
 much stress is laid upon the extent of their peri- 
 pheral surface. The convolutions which mark the 
 cortical portion of the brain, say the phrenologists, 
 appear intended to increase the superficial extent 
 
73 
 
 of this organ with the least possible augmentation 
 of its absolute size. 
 
 Now as the extent of the peripheral surface of 
 the organs, depends not less upon the number and 
 size of the convolutions, and the depth of the fis- 
 sures which separate them, than on the amount of 
 cerebral matter which they contain, how are we to 
 judge of their power from the cranial protube- 
 rances, since we can ascertain nothing of the num- 
 ber and size of the convolutions, and the depth of 
 the fissures in the living subject. Besides some of 
 the convolutions are so situated as to form a part 
 of different organs, and some of the organs neces- 
 sarily embrace a portion of several convolutions, 
 all differing in size, and in the depth of their 
 fissures. If then we are to judge of the power of 
 the mental manifestations of an organ from the ex- 
 tent of its peripheral surface, as well as from the 
 quantity of cerebral matter which it contains, it 
 would require the most exact mathematical meas- 
 urement of the convolutions and fissures as well as 
 the analysis of the chemist, to come at the truth. 
 Since we can ascertain nothing of these anatomical 
 arrangements of the brain in the living head, we 
 consequently can form no estimate of the power 
 of an organ, from any prominence or depression of 
 the cranium. 
 
 Again, some of the phrenologists have insisted 
 not so much upon the volume of the organs as the 
 index of their mental power, as upon the propor- 
 
74 
 
 tion of neurine or nervous matter which they con- 
 tain, admitting the fact that different brains of the 
 same size, contain different proportions of this ele- 
 ment. And how are we to ascertain in the living 
 subject, the proportion of neurine, which enters 
 into the composition of the brain, or that of its in- 
 dividual organs ? Here the phrenologist would open 
 new avenues by which to escape, when he finds 
 that the power or character of the mind does not 
 correspond with the size and shape of the head. 
 But by attempting thus to extricate himself, he 
 only becomes more deeply involved in absurdity 
 and contradiction, for admitting the principles here 
 laid down to be correct, what a perfect imposition 
 to pretend to ascertain the qualities of the mind 
 by an examination of the superfices of the cra- 
 nium, where the structure and organization of the 
 brain cannot also be inspected. 
 
 Will the phrenologist inform us by what process 
 he has been enabled to find out the amount of neu- 
 rine which entered into the composition of the 
 brain of Cicero, Dr. Johnson and Sir James Mack- 
 intosh, and show us how we can measure the pe- 
 ripheral surface of the brain of Daniel Webster 
 and Lord Brougham. Until this be done we can 
 repose no great confidence in his feats, at reading 
 the heads of the ancient philosophers, heroes and 
 statesmen, nor in his skill in revealing the charac- 
 ter of living men by an inspection of the exterior 
 of the head. 
 
75 
 
 V. I will now ask your attention to a few other 
 facts which bear upon this subject, together with 
 some general remarks. 
 
 1. It has already been observed, that phrenol- 
 ogy makes the powers of the mind, other things 
 being equal, commensurate with the volume of the 
 brain. This is one of the fundamental principles 
 upon which it is based. 
 
 I do not deny that there is a difference in the 
 natural capacities of men, some individuals being 
 endowed with stronger, quicker, and clearer minds 
 than others ; but I am far from admitting that this 
 difference depends on the amount of brain, or that 
 the development of the mind in the progress of 
 life is to be determined by the increased size of 
 the head. If we look around upon the intellec- 
 tual world, we shall find as many men distin- 
 guished for intellectual power, with a head of a 
 small or medium size, and as many with a large 
 head possessing a feeble intellect, as the reverse 
 of these ; and had phrenology, in its commence- 
 ment, received a different direction, and had a 
 small head, in conformity with the preference of 
 Aristotle, been made the standard of perfection, it 
 would doubtless have enlisted as many zealous and 
 confident advocates as are now found in its ranks. 
 It is not the volume of the brain which determines 
 the power of the human intellect. Neither facts 
 nor analogy sustain the proposition. Men of the 
 greatest physical power have not often the largest 
 
76 
 
 muscles. This is remarkably true of great run- 
 ners, wrestlers, and boxers ; and the same obser- 
 vations apply with equal force to brute animals. 
 There appears to be far more depending on the 
 organization and action of parts, in conferring 
 power, than on the mere volume. 
 
 It has been admitted by a distinguished writer 
 upon phrenology, that the intellect of idiots, where 
 the volume of the brain has been greatly deficient, 
 has been surprisingly improved during the contin- 
 uance of an inflammatory cephalic fever ; and that 
 cerebral irritation, arising from mechanical inju- 
 ries, has often added greatly to the vigor of the 
 intellect of ordinary men. 
 
 A son of the late Dr. Priestly, says this writer, 
 whose intellect was naturally feeble, fell from the 
 window of a two story house, and fractured his 
 skull. From this time his intellect became greatly 
 improved. 
 
 An extraordinary case was recently communica- 
 ted to the Medical Society of Ghent ; that of a 
 young man of naturally very limited intelligence, 
 who lost to the amount of two tea-cups of brain 
 by a pistol shot, besides considerable quantities 
 which were discharged at several subsequent dress- 
 ings. He lived for two years after this occurrence, 
 with his intellect vastly improved. 
 
 Accidents of the same nature, followed by sim- 
 ilar consequences, are recorded of many others. 
 
 Every one, who has observed cases of intermit- 
 
77 
 
 tent fever, must have been struck with the in- 
 creased vigor and activity of the mind during the 
 hot stage of the disease. Men of very ordinary 
 capacity, while under its influence, often rise to a 
 degree of strength and boldness of conception, and 
 brilliancy of expression, truly astonishing. When 
 the brain is excited, whether from moral or phys- 
 ical causes, the mind often acts with vastly in- 
 creased power, and the individual exhibits all the 
 phenomena of a temporary brain fever. 
 
 Who has listened to the debates of Congress 
 during times of high political excitement, or at- 
 tended the pleadings in the Supreme Court, and 
 has not been impressed with the truth of this ob- 
 servation ? I could detail numerous instances 
 illustrative of this remark, but will state only a 
 single case. 
 
 The late William Pinkney, of Maryland, whose 
 extraordinary power in debate is universally 
 known, when unexcited, exhibited nothing in the 
 appearance which manifested great activity or en- 
 ergy of mind ; but when roused by debate, his face 
 became suffused with blood, his eye sparkling and 
 animated, his carotids pulsated violently, his jugular 
 veins became swollen, and every thing indicated that 
 the blood was carried to the head with an impetus 
 proportioned to the excitement of the occasion and 
 his intellectual effort ; and it was only during this 
 cerebral orgasm, that his thoughts were poured 
 forth with that fluency and power for which he was 
 
78 
 
 so remarkably distinguished. The same phenom- 
 ena occurred, to some extent, in his private studies, 
 whenever he fixed his mind intently on any one 
 subject for the purpose of deep investigation. 
 
 It was after one of these cerebral paroxysms of 
 protracted and powerful excitement in the Supreme 
 Court, that the integrity of his brain gave way, and 
 fatal disease ensued. 
 
 In his last illness he informed me, that after pe- 
 riods of high intellectual effort, he found the blood 
 rushing to the head, long after the occasion 
 which had excited it, had gone by, and that he 
 often found it difficult to compose his mind suffi- 
 ciently for sleep. 
 
 I could point you, were it proper to do so, to 
 many living examples of the same description. 
 
 In these cases, there is no augmentation in the 
 size of the head ; there is no change in its form. 
 
 It is evident, then, that there is something that 
 gives power to the mind, which has no connexion 
 with the volume of the brain. Whether this is to 
 be found in the peculiar organization of the cere- 
 bral structure, the increased energy and action of 
 its vessels, the quantity of arterial blood propelled 
 to the organ by the heart, or to some other cause, 
 is beyond the present state of anatomical and phys- 
 iological knowledge to determine. 
 
 While I admit that there is a difference in the 
 natural capacities of men, I am equally clear 
 that this difference is utterly insignificant, com- 
 
79 
 
 pared with what is impressed upon the mind by 
 circumstances. 
 
 The influence of climate, occupation, literature, 
 science and the arts, commerce and war, civil and 
 religious institutions, the state of society and the 
 modes of life, all exert a powerful influence upon 
 the human intellect ; but, above all, it is the dis- 
 cipline of the mind which developes its powers. 
 The intellectual, like the physical functions, ac- 
 quire strength by use ; and he who would attain 
 eminence, must subject himself to the habit of 
 long continued and close application to study ; to 
 deep and systematic reflection, severe investiga- 
 tion, and accurate analysis. These give a vigor to 
 the mind that nature never imparts. 
 
 But were it true, that there is an established re- 
 lation between the power of the mind and the vol- 
 ume of the brain, the fact would avail the practical 
 phrenologist nothing, as he has no means of ascer- 
 taining the amount of brain in the living subject. 
 
 2. You have seen that the complex character 
 of the brain, as an intellectual organ, forms one of 
 the leading doctrines of phrenology, and professes 
 to rest mainly on observation for its support. In- 
 deed, the discovery of the fact that there is a coin- 
 cidence between the protuberances on the skull and 
 the intellectual and moral character of man, first 
 led Dr. Gall, as he informs us, to the study of the 
 subject. 
 
 It is no part of my purpose to disprove this coin- 
 12 
 
80 
 
 cidence. Whether there is a correspondence be- 
 tween the external form of the head and the char- 
 acter of the mind, I leave for future observations to 
 determine. If I have established the fact, that a 
 protuberance on the skull is no proof of a corres- 
 ponding development of the brain, my end is ac- 
 complished ; and this, I think, has been clearly 
 shown. 
 
 The strong argument which phrenology brings 
 forward to induce us to believe, in opposition to our 
 senses, that the brain is composed of separate or- 
 gans, is that of analogy. Each organ of the body, 
 say its advocates, performs but a single function. 
 The stomach digests the food, the heart circulates 
 the blood, the liver secretes the bile, the lungs 
 perform the function of respiration, and the eye, 
 that of vision. These functions are all dissimilar 
 in their nature, and each one can be performed 
 only by its own appropriate organ. One function 
 cannot be performed by the organ of another. 
 Therefore as the functions of the mind are many, 
 and various in their nature, each one must have its 
 own appropriate organ, and the brain therefore 
 must be divided into as many different compart- 
 ments as there are mental functions to be per- 
 formed. 
 
 Now let us see how this analogical argument 
 bears upon the subject, when carried out. While 
 we admit that the various functions of the body are 
 different in their nature, we should remember that 
 
81 
 
 the organs which perform those functions are also 
 widely different in their form and structure. The 
 stomach bears no resemblance to the liver, the 
 lungs to the heart, nor the eye to either. Conse- 
 quently, if the analogy holds good, each faculty of 
 the mind should not only have a distinct and sepa- 
 rate organ, but each organ should be dissimilar in 
 its structure and form. The structure of the organ 
 of Combativeness should be entirely unlike that of 
 Veneration, and that of Benevolence should bear 
 no resemblance in its mechanism to that of De- 
 structiveness. The organs of Color, Music, Cal- 
 culation and Language should each exhibit a form 
 and internal structure as distinct and dissimilar as 
 those of the stomach and liver, the heart and the 
 eye. But unfortunately the brain exhibits no such 
 variety of structure. The same kind of cortical 
 and medullary matter, fashioned into the same 
 shape, performs the functions of love and murder, 
 of music, poetry, language and mathematics ; it 
 acquires wealth, dispenses alms, builds ships, cir- 
 cumnavigates the globe, and worships the Deity. 
 Nor is there the slightest indication manifest upon 
 dissection, that those separate compartments, 
 dreamed of by the phrenologists, have any existence 
 in the brain. 
 
 The idea that the brain is composed of a plural- 
 ity of organs, and that each has its own appropriate 
 functions, has elicited every argument which could 
 be brought to its support. To sustain the propo- 
 sition, volumes have been written, experiments 
 
82 
 
 have been made, and the records of medicine and 
 surgery have been ransacked in pursuit of facts. 
 
 If the brain be composed of a plurality of organs, 
 as represented by the figured head, each of which 
 is the seat of a separate faculty, it necessarily fol- 
 lows, that when any one of these organs is injured 
 or destroyed, its faculty must be injured or de- 
 stroyed also. 
 
 Yet in all the mutilations of the brain to which 
 man has been subjected for two thousand years, it 
 appears that the records of surgery do not furnish 
 a single well authenticated case, in which the loss 
 of a particular faculty has happened according to 
 the organ on which the injury was inflicted, while 
 the other faculties remained unimpaired. 
 
 We learn from the researches of Haller, Dr. 
 Ferrier and numerous others, that a vast variety of 
 cases are recorded, in which large portions of the 
 brain have been actually destroyed, and in so 
 many parts of the head, as to dispose of nearly all 
 the phrenological organs in turn, and that not a 
 single case has happened of such partial destruc- 
 tion of intellect, as must have occurred if the doc- 
 trine of separate organs be true ; and we can 
 hardly find a surgeon who has not met with cases 
 in his practice, where portions of the brain have 
 been destroyed by wounds, the consequences of 
 which fully confirm the statement of these writers. 
 In many of these cases, blindness and deafness 
 have been produced, motion and sensation de- 
 stroyed, and all the intellectual faculties sus- 
 
83 
 
 pended ; but there has not been a destruction of a 
 particular faculty of the mind, while its other pow- 
 ers have remained untouched. How, then, can it 
 be, after the lapse of so many ages, that there 
 are no facts of this description to confirm the doc- 
 trines of phrenology ? Certainly, it cannot be for 
 the want of an opportunity for observation. 
 
 To say nothing of the accidents of private life, 
 there is scarcely a naval or military battle, in which 
 cases of injury of the phrenological organs are not 
 met with in abundance ; and yet the science de- 
 rives no support from this source. 
 
 The following case, if there were no other on 
 record, would be sufficient to overthrow the idea 
 of a plurality of cerebral organs, each limited to 
 its appropriate function, as held by phrenologists. 
 It occured in the practice of an eminent physician 
 of Ohio, and was communicated by him to Profes- 
 sor Dunglison of Philadelphia, by whom it has 
 been published in the American Medical Intelli- 
 gencer for April, 1837, a work edited by that dis- 
 tinguished author. 
 
 Case of Fatal Disorganization of the Brain, without 
 corresponding derangement of the intellectual and 
 moral acts. By G. W. Boerstler, of Lancaster, 
 Ohio. 
 
 LANCASTER, Ohio, Sept. 3d, 1836. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Having leisure, I take the liberty 
 of furnishing you with the facts of a case, which to 
 me are of deep concern, and are not devoid of in- 
 
84 
 
 terest to the physiologist and pathologist. I trans- 
 scribe from my note book, as follows: — In August, 
 1833, I was called to see William Miller, a lad 
 about eleven years old ; he had just received a 
 kick from a newly shod horse, which fractured the 
 right superior portion of the os frontis, and the 
 anterior portion of the right parietal bone. Dur- 
 ing the operation of removing the fractured bones, 
 I found one portion an inch and a half long, of an 
 irregular triangular form, driven into the right 
 anterior lobe of the cerebrum, to the depth of an 
 inch ; on removing it, about a table-spoonful of 
 brain was discharged. The piece of bone having 
 its edges serrated, and being driven from before 
 backwards, necessarily produced a very great lace- 
 ration of the meninges. The common integu- 
 ments over the fracture were much contused and 
 lacerated, and sloughed in the course of a few 
 days, leaving exposed a very considerable portion 
 of the skull and brain. I moulded to the convexi- 
 ty of the cranium wet pasteboards, and then satu- 
 rated them with albumen, which, when dry, gave 
 them considerable firmness ; these I confined with 
 the double-headed roller. I looked upon these 
 precautionary measures as important, for I feared 
 hernia cerebri; four days gave reality to those 
 fears ; hernia came on, but after six days' per- 
 severance I succeeded in preventing any farther 
 protrusion. There was no compression, save by 
 the fractured pieces, which were readily removed. 
 The boy's faculties were not destroyed, but there 
 
85 
 
 was some intellectual confusion, from the time of 
 the injury, during the operation, and for two hours 
 after ; from which time he recovered every faculty of 
 the mind, and they continued vigorous for six weeks, 
 and to within one hour of his death, which took place 
 on the forty-third day. During all this period, there 
 was little apparent derangement in any of the or- 
 gans, except a slight irritative fever, which super- 
 vened sixteen days after the injury, and continued 
 to the termination of the case. So slight was this 
 fever, that, in despite of all entreaties, the patient 
 sat up every day, and frequently walked to the 
 window and withdrew the curtain, in order to see 
 the boys play in the streets, in which he took deep 
 interest — frequently laughing at their gambols. 
 Four hours after death, I proceeded to the exami- 
 nation, in the presence of Doctors Edwards, Ohr, 
 and Newcomer. Upon removing the cranium, the 
 dura mater presented strong marks of inflamma- 
 tion over the entire arch of the head, being deeply 
 injected in parts, and having depositions of coagu- 
 lable lymph in others. From the antero-inferior 
 angle of the right parietal bone, in a line back to 
 its junction with the occipital, the dura mater was 
 disorganized in three points by ulceration. The 
 space of the skull, previously occupied by the 
 right anterior and middle lobes of the cerebrum, 
 presented a perfect cavity, the hollow of which was 
 filled with some sero-purulent matter — the lobes 
 having been destroyed by suppuration : the third 
 
86 
 
 lobe was much disorganized. The left hemisphere 
 was in a state of ramollisement down to the corpus 
 callosum. It was so much softened that the slight- 
 est touch would remove portions ; and, with the 
 aid of a sponge, I wiped away its substance to 
 near the corpus callosum, when it began to be 
 firmer, but presented more the appearance of a 
 homogeneous mass than of regular organization. 
 The chiasm of the optic nerves, as well as their 
 entire tract, was so soft as to yield to a slight 
 touch with the handle of the scalpel, and the 
 olfactory were in the same condition. The corpus 
 callosum, thalami nervorum opticorum, and tuber- 
 cula quadrigemina, presented no pathological con- 
 dition. The cerebellum and medulla oblongata 
 were in a physiological state. The spinal column 
 was not examined. This boy was remarkably in- 
 telligent. In my daily visits I held frequent con- 
 versations with him, and in all my observations I 
 could not discover the slighest derangement of his 
 intellectual faculties — no dulness of sensibility, no 
 obtuseness of perception, no impairment of judg- 
 ment, no want of memory, and, so far as mind is 
 concerned, he gave no evidence of disease. His 
 vision, audition, and voice, were unimpaired. 
 
 We here have a case, which presents that por- 
 tion of the brain from which the nerves arise in a 
 physiological condition, and the general nervous 
 apparatus in a sound state, fit for conveying im- 
 pressions, whilst the organ, upon which depend 
 
87 
 
 perception and the perfection of ideas, is in a 
 great degree lost, and what remains is in a highly 
 pathological condition ; yet we have all the mani- 
 festations of intellect, as if the encephalon were 
 not required in those highest functions. His case 
 contradicts the opinion of Sir Charles Bell, that 
 disease of the general surface of the brain is 
 always attended with derangement of the mind ; 
 and it is equally opposed to the views of Desmou- 
 lins, Gall, Spurzheim, and others, who contend 
 that the seat of intellection is in the periphery of 
 the brain, or its convolutions. In like manner the 
 opinion of Magendie is contradicted, — that the 
 sense of sight is always destroyed by removal of 
 the cerebral hemispheres ; for here the right hem- 
 isphere was destroyed, and yet vision was perfect 
 with either eye. Where, I would ask, were the 
 functions of mind executed in this case? Intellec- 
 tion was performed, the moral faculties were exer- 
 cised, and that portion of the brain, in which we 
 believe those important and complicated actions 
 are generated and perfected, was either gone, or 
 in a highly pathological state. I have given briefly, 
 and I hope clearly, the facts in this case. To you 
 I look for the deductions. I hope I have not tres- 
 passed too much on your time, by detailing a case 
 which presents much interest to the physiologist. 
 I am, dear sir, very truly, your friend, 
 
 G. W. BoERSTLER. 
 Professor Dunglison. 
 
 13 
 
88 
 
 Here then is a case in which all that portion of 
 the brain, which has been assigned by phrenology 
 to the intellectual functions, viz.: Individuality, 
 Form, Size, Weight, Coloring, Locality, Order, 
 Time, Number, Tune, Language, Comparison, 
 Causality, Wit, Imitation, Eventuality, and Won- 
 der, was found in a state of disease and disorgani- 
 zation, and yet not one of those functions destroyed 
 or impaired. And it should be borne in mind, that 
 not one hemisphere of the brain only was found 
 diseased, for in such an event, the phrenologist 
 would say, that although one hemisphere was dis- 
 organized, the other being healthy, the sound half 
 performed the functions of both, as the brain is 
 composed of two symmetrical portions. But in this 
 case the anterior lobes of both the right and left 
 hemispheres of the brain were diseased, and to an 
 extent which precludes the possibility of any men- 
 tal operation being performed by them. Take in 
 connexion with these facts, the position of the 
 phrenologist, that the periphery or external por- 
 tion of the brain is that in which the mental opera- 
 tions are performed, and what becomes of the doc- 
 trine of a plurality of cerebral organs, or a sepa- 
 rate compartment for each of the mental functions ? 
 As well may we talk of walking without legs, or 
 seeing without eyes, as to suppose this youth ca- 
 pable of those intellectual functions which phrenol- 
 ogy has placed in the anterior lobes of the brain, 
 if the doctrine of separate compartments be true. 
 
89 
 
 Under all this devastation of cerebral organization, 
 what was the state of the boy's mind ? " The 
 boy's faculties," says the surgeon, " were not de- 
 stroyed, but there was some intellectual confusion, 
 from the time of the injury, during the operation, 
 and for two hours after, from which time he recovered 
 every faculty of the mind, and they continued vigorous 
 for six weeks, and to within one hour of his death, 
 which took place on the forty-third day." 
 
 3. It is not my purpose to go into an analysis 
 of the human mind, nor to discuss at length the 
 philosophy of that division and arrangement of its 
 faculties which is peculiar to phrenology. But I 
 cannot pass over this branch of the subject, without 
 bestowing upon it a moment's attention. 
 
 It has been shown that phrenology divides the 
 brain into at least thirty-five distinct and separate 
 organs, each of which is the instrument of thought 
 and the source of specific mental manifestation ; 
 which manifestation is the product of material or- 
 ganization. That each organ is endowed with a 
 specific faculty, to the exercise of which it is as 
 strictly, as the eye is limited to sight, or the ear 
 to sound. One organ is endowed with a faculty 
 for music, another for painting, another for mathe- 
 matics, and so on. But each organ, it seems, be- 
 fore it can be set in operation, has to be endowed 
 not only with its own distinctive faculty, but in- 
 vested also with nearly all the attributes of the hu- 
 man mind. It must have the power of perception, 
 
90 
 
 memory, imagination, reason and will, and however 
 reluctant the phrenologist may be to call in the 
 aid of these " obsolete'' qualities of mind, he ac- 
 knowledges their presence and agency in every 
 function which he describes. Each organ, it is 
 said, is not only distinct from the rest, but is as 
 capable of performing its function independent of 
 the other organs, as if it had its locality in another 
 head. So independent indeed are the organs of 
 each other, that they may all carry on their various 
 and conflicting operations at one and the same 
 time, without the slightest confusion or discord. 
 We must regard the different organs, therefore, as 
 so many distinct and independent brains, and each 
 endowed with the larger proportion of all the pow- 
 ers of the human intellect. 
 
 If all this be so, the Deity, it would seem, has been 
 more beneficent to man than we had supposed, by 
 bestowing upon him such various and independent 
 faculties as qualify him to carry on numerous men- 
 tal operations, and engage in a multiplicity of pur- 
 suits at the same time. His organ of Tune may 
 enjoy the music of the harp, while that of Color 
 feasts upon the beauties of the rainbow, his Caus- 
 ality follows an argument, his Veneration bows at 
 the altar, and his Calculation works its problem in 
 algebra. 
 
 But here we are reminded to stop and inquire 
 if the author of our being has not committed an 
 error in one part of this arrangement, that while 
 
91 
 
 he has invested man's brain with such various 
 and independent powers, he has bestowed upon 
 him but one set of organs for the use of the ex- 
 ternal senses ; for I suppose it will be admitted 
 that the eye can receive and transmit to the mind 
 but one image at the same time, and the ear can 
 receive and transmit at the same time but one dis- 
 tinct impression of sound. The tongue can obey 
 the mandate of but one organ at the same time. 
 If Causality commands its services in delivering an 
 argument, it cannot at the same moment yield to 
 the solicitations of Veneration in offering up prayer. 
 The hands cannot at the same time employ the 
 pencil and the chisel, write poetry and play upon 
 the organ. Nor can the feet transport the body at 
 the same time to the church and the theatre. 
 If the organ of Constructiveness demands the 
 use of the limbs and the external senses, what is 
 to become of the claims of Combativeness and De- 
 structiveness ? While the external senses, there- 
 fore, are employed by one organ, all the rest must 
 be shut out from the surrounding world, and be 
 locked up in repose. 
 
 In this view of the subject, would there not be 
 frequent collision and discord, among the different 
 members of this republic established in the brain ? 
 or is there some great regulating power, some 
 high court of judicature to decide upon their re- 
 spective claims and control their operations, and 
 if so, in what part of the brain is it situated ? Is 
 
92 
 
 it seated at the top of the spinal marrow, or does 
 it hold its residence in the pineal gland, and where 
 is the organ through which it performs its func- 
 tions ? 
 
 If the phrenological organs are separate and 
 distinct, and each limited to its appropriate func- 
 tion, they should be sufficiently numerous to per- 
 form all the mental operations that manifestly are 
 performed ; and each organ should be endowed 
 with powers adequate to all its duties. In no case 
 should one organ be called upon to perform the 
 functions of another. There should be no redun- 
 dancy, no deficiency. Is this the case ? Phrenol- 
 ogy has given us both an organ of form and one of 
 size. The knowledge of extension includes both. 
 Combativeness and Destructiveness appear to be 
 the same function differing only in degree. Firm- 
 ness and Adhesiveness produce the same emotion. 
 Veneration is the result of love, fear, admiration. 
 Concentrativeness is nothing more than the explod- 
 ed faculty of attention. As phrenology would say, 
 it is the power of keeping two or more organs, when 
 in simultaneous operation, applied to their task. It 
 has been seen moreover that each organ is endowed 
 with its own reasoning power. Wherefore is it 
 necessary that there should be an organ, as that of 
 Causality, appropriated exclusively to this func- 
 tion ; and why should there be an organ of Ideal- 
 ity, if every other organ is endowed with the 
 power of imagination ? A critical examination of 
 
93 
 
 the subject will show a still greater redundancy in 
 this catalogue of organs. But is there no defi- 
 ciency ? 
 
 The metaphysician endows the mind with cer- 
 tain faculties, and these he designates according to 
 the nature of their function, and not according to 
 the nature of the object upon which they are ex- 
 ercised ; and though few in number, he concen- 
 trates and brings them to bear upon whatever sub- 
 ject engages the attention ; and thus he produces 
 the infinite variety of manifestations, displayed in 
 the operations of the human mind. Phrenology 
 divides and designates the mental faculties accord- 
 ing to the nature of the object upon which those 
 faculties are exerted, and assigns to each a spe- 
 cific cerebral organ. 
 
 Now according to this latter system, should 
 there not be as many separate organs and inde- 
 pendent faculties as there are objects of attention 
 in the universe ? We have an organ of Philopro- 
 genitiveness, or love of offspring. Should there 
 not be an organ of Philoprogenitorness, through 
 whicn children might exercise the same emotion 
 towards their parents ? Should there not be an 
 organ also for the love of brothers and sisters, an 
 organ for the love of dogs, another for the love of 
 horses, and another for the love of gambling, pro- 
 pensities quite as strongly developed in the human 
 character as those of music, painting and mathe- 
 matics ? Every occupation, virtue, vice, passion, 
 
94 
 
 and amusement, it would seem, should have its ap- 
 propriate organ. And thus, instead of thirty-five 
 organs, there should be as many thousands, if the 
 views upon which we are called to admit the prin- 
 ciple be correct. But the principle is not correct. 
 As well may we talk of the retina of the eye 
 being divided into different sections, one of which 
 is for the image of a man, another for the image of 
 a horse, and another for that of a tree, as to di- 
 vide the brain up into separate and independent 
 organs. What should we say of the physiologist 
 who should tell us that there is one set of muscles 
 to bear us to the church, and another to carry us 
 to the theatre, and a third to transport us to the 
 race course? And yet the church, the theatre, and 
 the race course are all objects of attention, and as 
 distinct and various in their nature as those of 
 painting, music and poetry. 
 
 This then is that intellectual machinery which 
 has been so much lauded for its simplicity and har- 
 mony, and its admirable adaptation to the condi- 
 tion of the human race, and which claims to be 
 founded upon fact, reason, and observation. 
 
 4. Phrenology assumes the position, that the 
 exercise of the mind increases the volume of the 
 brain, and that the exercise of the individual facul- 
 ties of the mind increases the volume of the cere- 
 bral organs in which those faculties are seated ; 
 just as the use of the limbs augments the volume 
 of their muscles. Of the truth of this position 
 
95 
 
 there is no adequate proof. It appears to be a 
 mere gratuitous assumption, and there is no more 
 evidence that the exercise of the mind increases 
 the amount of the neurine of the brain, that ele- 
 ment which is regarded as the source of mental 
 manifestation, than there is that the exercise of the 
 body increases the fat ; that the exercise of vision 
 increases the amount of neurine contained in the 
 retina of the eye, or that the exercise of hearing 
 increases the amount of neurine in the auditory 
 nerve. On the other hand, the researches of 
 Tiedeman, Wenzel and Soemmering, physiologists 
 of the highest authority, seem to have established 
 the fact, that the brain acquires its full size and 
 weight at the age of eight years. Consequently, 
 any increase which may take place in the dimen- 
 sions of the head after this period of life, arises not 
 from an augmentation of the volume of the brain, 
 but from a thickening of the integuments and bones 
 of the cranium. All the mental exercise, there- 
 fore, which is performed subsequent to the eighth 
 year, it would appear, has no effect in increasing 
 the magnitude of the brain ; nor is there any proof 
 that its development previous to this period, de- 
 pends at all upon the exercise of the mind. How 
 clear is it, therefore, that the development and 
 strength which the mind acquires from its disci- 
 pline and use, depends on causes in no way con- 
 nected with the volume of the brain. 
 
 But suppose the position were true, what would 
 14 
 
96 
 
 be the result ? Would not the brain increase most 
 rapidly in its volume at that period of life when the 
 mental powers are the most strenuously tasked 1 
 And this surely is not previous to the eighth year. 
 Should we not also find the head of those who had 
 devoted their lives to the acquisition of knowledge, 
 to hard thinking, and close investigation, twice the 
 size of the head of such as had spent their days in 
 mental indolence, as the arm of the man who has 
 tugged at the oar, or swung the sledge hammer, is 
 twice the size of his who has only wielded the pen. 
 And should we not be enabled to distinguish by 
 the prominences of the skull, those who had de- 
 voted themselves to particular studies and pursuits, 
 with as much precision as we distinguish the 
 brawny porter from the sinewy Arab, or the dray- 
 horse from the courser. The architect and the 
 musician, the mathematician, linguist and logician, 
 the traveller, painter and poet, the patriot and 
 warrior, should all be distinguished by the devel- 
 opments of the cranium. The libertine, the thief, 
 and the assassin, would be known and avoided, and 
 our divines also might be distinguished, and even 
 the amount of their piety ascertained and gauged 
 by this rule. 
 
 Thus the various pursuits and occupations of 
 men should be known by the prominence of the 
 organs which had been especially called into exer- 
 cise, not merely by those imperceptible shades of 
 development, that only can be appreciated by the 
 
97 
 
 craniometer, or which the charlatan manipulator 
 pretends to recognise. The protuberances should 
 be palpable and stand out in relief, and be invari- 
 able and constant in their position, according to 
 the faculties which had been called into requi- 
 sition. 
 
 If this doctrine be founded in truth, what should 
 have been the size of the head of such men as 
 Bacon and Leibnitz ? What the developments of 
 Porson and Lagrange ? The Causality of Locke, 
 Newton and Edwards ; the Ideality of Shakspeare, 
 Milton, Byron and Scott ; the Constructiveness of 
 Watt, Fulton and Perkins ; the Veneration of Pas- 
 cal, Kempis, Fenelon, Fletcher and Brainerd ; the 
 combative and destructive organs of Alexander and 
 Bonaparte, of Lord Nelson and Paul Jones ; should 
 have stood out in pyramids upon the skull. 
 
 If the theory of a plurality of cerebral organs be 
 true, and the brain be capable of being moulded by 
 circumstances, as phrenology would have us be- 
 lieve, we might, perhaps, with some show of plau- 
 sibility, by mechanical means, as well as moral in- 
 fluence agreeably to the proposition of Emanuel 
 Swedenborg, endeavor so to modify the develop- 
 ments of the skull, as to promote the growth of the 
 good organs, and repress those that are evil ; and 
 thus turn a sour into a sweet temper, and a knavish 
 into an honest disposition. Upon this principle, we 
 might manufacture our heroes and statesmen, our 
 philosophers and divines, our poets and painters, 
 and all of the highest order. 
 
98 
 
 For aught we know, the brain is a unit, and the 
 whole organ concerned in each and every opera- 
 tion of the mind. 
 
 That the different faculties of the mind are 
 modified by occupation, is universally known and 
 admitted. 
 
 The individual, who cultivates exclusively his 
 memory, acquires a facility of retaining facts to an 
 extent inconceivable to those who neglect this fac- 
 ulty ; and such persons often make vast attain- 
 ments in knowledge without the power of arranging 
 or applying it to practice ; while the metaphysi- 
 cian, who principally exercises his understanding, 
 arrives at a power of analysis, and of distinguishing 
 cause and effect, known only to those who accus- 
 tom themselves to long and deep thinking. He 
 who cherishes his fancy to the neglect of his judg- 
 ment, acquires an exquisiteness of feeling and re- 
 finement which often disqualifies him for the more 
 rigorous exercises of the mind. The will, unbri- 
 dled, acquires strength, until it gains an omnipo- 
 tent control over that man who habitually yields to 
 its dominion. 
 
 5. An argument frequently urged in support of 
 phrenology, is the success with which its principles 
 have been applied to practice in distinguishing 
 character. Dr. Gall himself, we are told, sub- 
 jected his theory to the most rigid scrutiny, and 
 with triumphant success ; and that on several oc- 
 casions he was enabled to ascertain, by the devel- 
 
99 
 
 opments of the head, the precise crime for which 
 multitudes had been convicted and sent to prison. 
 
 To expose the absurdity of this argument it is 
 only necessary to bring to view the fact, that men of 
 the same natural propensities, perpetrate different 
 crimes, when placed under different circumstances ; 
 and that individuals of different, and even opposite 
 tendencies, commit the same crimes when placed 
 under circumstances which are similar ; nay, that 
 men often perpetrate crimes to which they have 
 no natural propensity, but a deep abhorrence, 
 when strongly operated on by external influences. 
 One man commits murder wantonly, or from the 
 natural cruelty of his disposition ; another, that he 
 may inherit a post of honor, or possess himself of 
 fortune ; and a third, to conceal another crime 
 which he has already perpetrated. One individual 
 steals from the mere motive of acquisition ; an- 
 other, that he may possess the means to gratify his 
 sensual desires, or foster his pride or ambition ; 
 while a third is impelled to the crime from extreme 
 poverty. 
 
 The history of man in every country and age, 
 will show, that nine-tenths of all the outrages com- 
 mitted are the consequence of defective education, 
 bad example, vicious company, or other circum- 
 stances which attend the offender, rather than of 
 any inherent propensity to the crime perpetrated. 
 
 How preposterous, then, to look to the develop- 
 ments of the head as the measure of a man's vir- 
 
100 
 
 tues and vices, or even to regard his known pro- 
 pensities and dispositions as the true index to the 
 history of his life. 
 
 Can any one who reflects upon the various cir- 
 cumstances of human life, the incidents which often 
 control man's destinies, the temptations which as- 
 sail him in different situations, believe, that of the 
 four hundred and seventy culprits examined by 
 Dr. Gall at the fortress of Spandau, upon which so 
 much stress has been laid, each was convicted of 
 the precise crime for which he had the strongest 
 propensity by nature ? As well may we suppose 
 that every one dies of the disease to which he has 
 the strongest natural predisposition ; that because 
 a man is predisposed to apoplexy, he cannot die of 
 fever, be buried in the ocean, or be struck down by 
 the lightning of heaven. 
 
 6. Again, it is said, if phrenology is destitute 
 of foundation, why is it that it has become a study 
 of so much interest in the circles of literary and 
 scientific men ? A moment's attention to the sub- 
 ject will enable us to answer the inquiry. 
 
 Phrenology, if it did not originate with, was 
 early espoused by zealous and distinguished advo- 
 cates. Gall and Spurzheim were both men of 
 genius and of letters ; and the latter, especially, 
 has shown himself to be a man of extraordinary zeal 
 and perseverance ; an eloquent writer, an untiring 
 investigator, and possessed of extensive literary 
 acquirements ; and whatever may be thought of his 
 
101 
 
 phrenology, it is not denied, that his investigations 
 of the nervous system have contributed something 
 to physiological science ; and more especially, that 
 they have excited a spirit of inquiry in others which 
 has led to important results. We still have living 
 advocates of phrenology who justly rank among the 
 most eloquent writers of the age. Mr. Combe, of 
 Edinburgh, is scarcely surpassed for the beauty of 
 his style, his command of facts, the richness and 
 facility of his illustrations, or for philosophical ob- 
 servation. Nor is our own country destitute of 
 men of ability and high literary attainments, who 
 give all their influence to the support of phre- 
 nology. 
 
 These writers have intermingled with their doc- 
 trines so much of philosophy and truth, have in- 
 troduced so many novel facts and illustrations, and 
 have exhibited the whole subject in such an aspect, 
 as to render the study exceedingly captivating, 
 especially to the young and those of speculative 
 minds. 
 
 But, beyond all this, there is another, and deeper 
 principle, which disposes men to the study and be- 
 lief of phrenology. 
 
 From the earliest history of man, he has ever 
 been seeking after something which would solve all 
 difficulties, reveal all secrets ; and something, too, 
 which savors of mystery or of miracle. Something 
 to supersede tedious observation, and laborious re- 
 search ; and if this principle of his nature has not 
 
102 
 
 always been manifested in a pursuit of the philoso- 
 pher's stone, or animal magnetism, it has shown 
 itself in projects equally unattainable and futile. 
 
 It is true, also, that the study of the human 
 mind, and the development of human character, 
 have ever been favorite objects of attention. But 
 upon the common principles of investigation, 
 judging of men by their actions, his progress is 
 slow, and the result doubtful. To avoid this delay 
 and uncertainty, men have been impatient to dis- 
 cern some broad principle, some external sign, by 
 which to judge of the character of the mind, and 
 reveal the hidden emotions of the soul. Every age 
 has afforded proofs of the justness of these remarks. 
 The speculations of Aristotle, Albert the great, 
 Montagnana, and Dolci, all evince this propensity, 
 and seem only to have been precursors of the pres- 
 ent system of phrenology. 
 
 At one time, we find a Porta attempting to as- 
 certain the character of men by discovering in 
 them resemblances to certain animals of the lower 
 order. At another period, the physiognomy of 
 Lavater becomes the universal guide. Next, the 
 facial angle of Camper is made the measure of the 
 human intellect. These have all been put forth, 
 under the most confident assurances of their truth, 
 and the sanction of great names. Each has pre- 
 vailed for a time ; has been tested by experience 
 and observation, and been abandoned. Phrenology 
 has taken their place. Whether this, also, is des- 
 tined to the same end, remains to be seen. 
 
103 
 
 Is it strange, then, when we are told that a sci- 
 ence has been discovered, by which the character 
 and capacities of the human mind can be ascer- 
 tained, the secrets of the heart disclosed, and 
 this, too, by a momentary examination of the ex- 
 terior of the head, that we should find men disposed 
 to study and advocate its doctrines ? 
 
 In concluding my remarks, gentlemen, upon 
 phrenology, a subject which has withdrawn, I fear, 
 the attention of many able minds from far nobler 
 objects, allow me to suggest some considerations 
 in relation to your future pursuits, and the duties 
 which you owe to yourselves and to the world. 
 
 You will soon be called to exchange the quiet 
 scenes which now surround you, for the more pub- 
 lic theatre of life, and to unite with your present 
 intellectual pursuits the arduous, practical duties 
 of society. High and honorable is the trust to be 
 confided to you, and it will doubtless be assumed 
 with a suitable sense of your responsibility, as well 
 as with a steadfast resolution, that no reasonable 
 expectations on the part of your friends, or the 
 community, shall be disappointed. 
 
 If there are some things in prospect which cause 
 you to tremble, there are many also that meet the 
 eye, calculated to cheer you, and to suggest, at 
 the same time, the nature of those objects which 
 more especially demand your attention. 
 
 Providence has assigned your sphere of action in 
 a country boundless in extent and inexhaustible in 
 15 
 
104 
 
 its resources ; blessed with a free constitution, and 
 with civil and social institutions, calculated to en- 
 courage the boldest enterprises, and to ensure to 
 your exertions the highest rewards ; a country un- 
 paralleled for the free, unembarrassed facilities of 
 applying moral, physical and intellectual power to 
 the great purposes of life. The field which lies 
 before you is vast in the number, as well as in the 
 magnitude of its objects, and is constantly enlarging 
 from the discovery of new sources of wealth and of 
 labor in every portion of our land. 
 
 If we turn our eyes to the Atlantic coast, we be- 
 hold disembarking from ships which throng our 
 harbors, a countless multitude of adventurers from 
 every clime, the tide of foreign emigration rolling 
 in like a flood, and the cities of the seaboard 
 crowded with population and loaded with wealth. 
 If we turn to the great West, but recently the 
 hunting-ground of the savage, we see the noblest 
 and richest valley in the world, its forests falling 
 before the hardy pioneer, and towns and villages 
 rising as by the touch of enchantment. And turn 
 where we may, we see the demand for moral and 
 intellectual effort keeping an even pace with the 
 footsteps of enterprise. 
 
 The period, too, in which you are called to ac- 
 tive life, is unprecedented for the rapid advance- 
 ment of society in great practical improvements. 
 In a few years, you may live through more events 
 of interest, than whole generations which have 
 
105 
 
 preceded you. In our day, from the influence of 
 moral and physical causes which are in operation, 
 the well directed energies of one enterprising spirit 
 will accomplish more than the combined exertion 
 of multitudes in a former age. But it is not as 
 champions of some brilliant theory, which attracts 
 attention because of its mysterious and extravagant 
 character, by which you can become useful, and 
 acquire a desirable reputation. It is practical tal- 
 ent, regulated by a high sense of moral obligation, 
 which is in requisition throughout our whole 
 country, and this supported by decision, energy, 
 and action ; and it is by your own exertions that 
 a renovating power is to go forth. Endeavor, 
 then, to cultivate a deep sense of your personal 
 responsibility, and realize that you are accountable 
 for every hour of time, for every impression you 
 make, for every sentiment you advance. Never 
 had any people higher destinies than ours to fulfil, 
 or less excuse for pursuing shadows or indulging 
 in airy speculations. 
 
 In determining the objects of your pursuit, let 
 me admonish you, that the period of human life is 
 so short, the objects to which it can be directed to 
 purpose so few, and those which invite your at- 
 tention so numerous, that a judicious selection 
 and limitation of them is indispensable to eminent 
 success. 
 
 Men are too liable to be engrossed by the novel- 
 
106 
 
 ties of the day, and to be led away by those subjects 
 which serve rather to amuse, than to instruct the 
 mind. How many great minds, capable of the 
 highest effort, have dissipated their powers by the 
 multiplicity and uncertainty of their pursuits ! Do 
 not weaken your minds by feebly grasping at every 
 thing ; and while you limit the objects of your at- 
 tention, be sure that those you aim at are within 
 the probable reach of attainment ; and that they 
 are such, too, as will render you useful, as well as 
 distinguished, members of society. 
 
 Let me not be understood to discountenance, or 
 undervalue, that sublime science, the philosophy 
 of the human mind. Nothing will contribute more 
 to give you a commanding influence, and to render 
 circumstances subservient to your purpose, than a 
 deep knowledge of the human character. Some 
 men of great talents, and of high scientific attain- 
 ments, have utterly failed of success in practical 
 life, from an ignorance of men, and an inability to 
 adapt their knowledge to the circumstances in 
 which they have been placed. But this knowledge 
 is not to be sought in the study of man's physical 
 organization, any more than the value or brilliancy 
 of a jewel in the form of the box which contains it. 
 There is no short way to the philosophy of the hu- 
 man mind. Man must be studied as he ever has 
 been, to ensure success, by close and accurate ob- 
 servation, and an actual mingling with mankind in 
 the various stages and conditions of life. In the 
 
107 
 
 language of Napoleon, that great practical philoso- 
 pher, whose knowledge of human nature was one 
 of his most wonderful attainments, I would say, — 
 " Nature does not reveal her secrets by external 
 forms. She hides and does not expose her secrets. 
 To pretend to seize or penetrate human character 
 by so slight an index," (as the developments of 
 the head) " is the part of a dupe or an impostor. 
 The only way of knowing our fellow-creatures is to 
 see them, to haunt them, to submit them to proof. 
 We must study them long, if we wish not to be 
 mistaken ; we must judge of them by their actions. 
 This is my opinion, and this has long been my 
 guide. " 
 
 Beware, gentlemen, of a science so delusive as 
 that which pretends to detect and mark the 
 countless varieties of human character, and gauge 
 and measure the capacities of the human soul, 
 by a graduated scale of brass ; a science which 
 finds an apology for the vices and follies of man- 
 kind, in the forms bestowed upon them by a good 
 and all-wise Creator. 
 
 Let me caution you, also, to distrust its applica- 
 tion to yourselves, as well as to others ; and not 
 to rely on any native endowments you may thereby 
 be induced to attribute to yourselves, for the sta- 
 tions you may aspire to in life. What rank you 
 shall hold among intellectual men, depends not on 
 the prominences of the cranium, but upon your 
 own exertions. The mind, not less than the body, 
 
108 
 
 is susceptible of inconceivable improvement from 
 the culture it receives. It is attention fixed on 
 proper objects of pursuit ; perseverance that never 
 wavers from its purpose ; application, steady and 
 untiring, that constitute the most striking differ- 
 ences among men. It is these which will enable 
 each of you, not only to attain, but to deserve the 
 highest distinctions and rewards. 
 
109 
 
 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
 
 Plate I. 
 
 Exhibits the name, form, size, and position of the phren- 
 ological organs, as represented on the figured head of 
 Mr. Combe. It also shows the form and application of 
 the craniometer. 
 
 Plate II. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the thickness of two 
 skulls. Fig. 1, shows, by a horizontal section, a portion 
 of the skull of an adult male, a robust waterman j a : the 
 fore part of the skull ; b. the thickness of the skull. 
 
 Fig. 2, shows by a horizontal section, a portion of the 
 skull of a delicate female, aged 25 ; c, the fore part of the 
 skull ; d, the thickness of the skull. 
 
 Plate III. 
 
 Shows by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
 which was furnished me by N. R. Smith, M. D., Profes- 
 sor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. Fig. 1 
 the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, the frontal sinuses. 
 Fig. 3, the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 4, the grooves 
 which separate the convolutions of the brain. Fio\ 5 the 
 cerebellum. Fig. 6, the tentorium, or horizontal mem- 
 brane, which separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. 
 Fig. 7, the medulla oblongata. Fig. 8, the spinal marrow. 
 
110 
 
 Plate IV. 
 
 Shows, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
 from the cabinet of Professor Smith. It also shows the 
 arrangement of the phrenological organs, commencing at 
 the top of the spinal marrow, and radiating to the surface 
 of the brain. It exhibits also the situation of the tentori- 
 um and the spinal chord. Fig. 1, the thickness of the 
 skull. Fig. 2, the spinal chord. Fig. 3, the origin of 
 the phrenological organs. Fig. 4, the tentorium. 
 
 Plate V. 
 
 Shows, by a vertical section, the thickness of a skull, 
 the cast of which is from the cabinet of Spurzheim, and 
 was procured and sent me by J. C. Warren, M. D., Pro- 
 fessor of Anatomy and Surgery in Harvard University. 
 Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, grooves in the 
 skull, showing the position of the middle artery of the 
 duramater. 
 
 Plate VI. 
 
 Shows, by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult 
 male, aged 30. Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 
 2, the frontal sinuses. Fig. 3, the zigomatic process, un- 
 der which the temporal muscle passes to the lower jaw. 
 It also exhibits a horizontal section of the brain. Fig. 4, 
 the fore part of the skull. Fig. 5, the fissure in which 
 the falx of the duramater is situated, which divides the 
 right and left hemispheres of the brain. Fig. 6, the falx 
 of the duramater turned back. Fig. 7, the cortical or 
 pulpy part of the brain. Fig. 8, the medullary or fibrous 
 portion of the brain. Fig. 9, the grooves which separate 
 the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 10, the corpus cal- 
 losum, or great commissure of the brain. 
 
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