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MANUAL

OF

PHRENOLOGY,

&c.

PHRENOLOGY is a system of Philosophy of the Human Mind, and is founded on facts ascertainable by consciousness and observation.

It is a principle of Physiology which cannot be disputed, that dissection alone can give us no information concerning the functions of the bodily organs: no anatomist, by dissecting the optic nerve, could predicate that its function is to minister to vision; or, by dissecting the tongue, could discover that it is the organ of taste. In the same way anatomists, in dissecting the brain, cannot discover the functions of that organ.

Metaphysicians also, having confined themselves chiefly to reflection on Consciousness, could not discover the organs of the mind. On the other hand, Phrenologists have endeavoured to avoid the obstacles presented by these modes of philosophizing, and have compared manifestations of mind with development of brain, in an immense number of individuals. The system now offered to notice, and to which attention is directed, is the result of observations thus made; and the principal points which are

conceived to be established, by extensive observation and induction, are the following:

1st. That the brain is the material instrument by means of which the mind carries on intercourse with the external world.

2d. That the brain is an aggregate of parts, each of which has a special and determinate function.

3d. That the form of the brain can be ascertained by inspecting the cranium; and that the functions of the several parts may be determined by comparing their size with the power of manifesting the mental faculties.

4th. That character, moral, intellectual, or sensual, will not be manifested without corresponding development of the brain.

In making observations on the manifestations of the cerebral parts, with a view of drawing deductions therefrom, there are some points requisite to take into consideration, namely, to consider the relative proportions of one part of the head to the other, particularly in the parts before and behind the line drawn from the orifice of the ear to the top of the head, named by Dr. Spurzheim the anterior and posterior, or the frontal and occipital regions; also in the proportions of the base and upper regions of the brain, as shown in the annexed figures.

By a reference to the figure A, also to the line as drawn from the orifice of the ear to the top of the head, observing the proportions before and behind the line, also the proportions above and under the lines marked 1, 2, and 3, 4, it is manifest the greater proportion is before the line, from the orifice of the ear to 5: hence it is inferable that the individual so organized will act under the influence of the superior feelings and sentiments, and form one of the respectable part of society.

This is the case with the whole of the casts we have of this class of individuals, being near eleven hundred, from living persons, some from the humble, but the greater proportion from the middle and upper, walks of society.

By reference to the figure в, observing the same rules by the same numbers, also the proportions in the same manner, it will be manifest the greater proportion is the reverse of the other, being behind the perpendicular line. Individuals so organized will be found to act under the influence of the lower feelings and animal propensities. The casts of the criminals, being upwards of 200, we have in the collection have all this description of organization. In making observations, as here pointed out, and in making deductions, it is not to be inferred, in the case of

finding individuals thus organized, that they will, from natural inclination, destroy fellow man; but one thing will be found, that if, from pecuniary difficulties, supposed injuries, or other adventitious causes, the passions become raised, or provocation takes place in any way touching them personally, the consequences will be unpleasant, if not hazardous, to those who irritate or oppose them while in such a state. They lose the better part of man, and their feelings say,

"Tempt not my swelling rage

With black reproaches, scorn, and provocation."

In pursuing our inquiry into the character of the national examples of skulls, where we obtain them authentic, the truth of the doctrines is most singulary borne out. We have now in the collection about four hundred of this class.

C

In thus pursuing our inquiry into the national variety, as before observed, it is curious to see the different manifestions of the cerebral parts of the organizations. The preceding figure c is taken from the skull of a Carib (mentioned by many travellers as the cruellest race). It is borne out, as will be observed, by the great portion behind the line drawn from the orifice of the ear to the top of the head, and by the small proportion before.

By attending to the same rules, and observing the proportion before the line in the figure D, there is a good proportion before. This figure is taken from the skull of an American Indian, whose character is known to be far

D

AMA