A System of Phrenology

TO THE THIRD EDITION

THE call for a third edition of this work is a proof that the public continues to take an interest in the subject of which it treats. In the Introduction to this edition, a full exposition is presented of the principles on which Phrenology is founded, written for the information of readers who may be in doubt whether or not it is worthy of philosophical consideration. In other parts of the work, considerable additions have been made. Figures have been introduced to illustrate the forms of several of the heads described. These, although far from being sufficient to convey complete and correct notions of the objects represented, will be useful in giving more precision to the reader's conceptions, and may induce him to make observations in the great field of nature. It was my wish to have had all the figures drawn to a scale, but the engraver has not been successful in realizing this intention. The outline is accurate, and there is an approximation to one standard of proportion in the different figures; but it is not such as enables me to exhibit a scale.

Two subjects treated of in the second are omitted in this edition, 1st, "On the Harmony of the Mental Faculties with each other, and with the Laws of Physical Nature;" and 2dly, "On Insanity and Criminal Legislation.” The first is now embraced in my work, "On the Constitution of Man and its relations to external objects," in which the practical application of Phronology to conduct, education, and the science of morals, is treated of; and the second is more amply discussed in Dr. Spurzheim's work on Insanity and in Dr. Andrew Combe's treatise on the same subject.

Since the publication of the second edition, some opponents, who deny the truth of Phrenology, have ascribed its success, which on the principle of its being false is anomalous, not to its inherent merits, but to the talent with which, as they are pleased to say, I have advocated its cause; and they have reminded the public, that I am known to the literary world only as a Phrenologist.

and the present volume is offered in compliance with that demand. In the present Work, I have adopted the title of a System of Phrenology," on account of the wider scope, and closer connexion, of its parts; but pretend to no novelty in principle, and to no rivalry with the great founders of the science.

The controversial portions of the first edition are here almost entirely omitted. As the opponents have quitted the field, these appeared no longer necessary, and their place is supplied by what I trust will be found more interesting matter. Some readers may think that retributive justice required the continued republication of the attacks of the opponents, that the public mind, when properly enlightened, might express a just disapprobation of the conduct of those who so egregiously misled it; but Phrenology teaches us forbearance; and, besides, it will be misfortune enough to the individuals who have distinguished themselves in the work of misrepresentation, to have their names handed down to posterity, as the enemies of the greatest and most important discovery ever communicated to mankind.

In this work, the talents of several living characters are adverted to, and compared with the developement of their mental organs, which is a new feature in philosophical discussion, and might, without explanation, appear to some readers to be improper: But I have founded such observations on the printed works, and published busts or casts, of the individuals alluded to; and both of these being public property, there appeared no impropriety in adverting to them. In instances in which reference is made to the cerebral developement of persons, whose busts or casts are not published, I have ascertained that the observations will not give offence.

TO THE THIRD EDITION

THE call for a third edition of this work is a proof that the public continues to take an interest in the subject of which it treats. In the Introduction to this edition, a full exposition is presented of the principles on which Phrenology is founded, written for the information of readers who may be in doubt whether or not it is worthy of philosophical consideration. In other parts of the work, considerable additions have been made. Figures have been introduced to illustrate the forms of several of the heads described. These, although far from being sufficient to convey complete and correct notions of the objects represented, will be useful in giving more precision to the reader's conceptions, and may induce him to make observations in the great field of nature. It was my wish to have had all the figures drawn to a scale, but the engraver has not been successful in realizing this intention. The outline is accurate, and there is an approximation to one standard of proportion in the different figures; but it is not such as enables me to exhibit a scale.

Two subjects treated of in the second are omitted in this edition, 1st, “On the Harmony of the Mental Faculties with each other, and with the Laws of Physical Nature;" and 2dly, "On Insanity and Criminal Legislation." The first is now embraced in my work, "On the Constitution of Man and its relations to external objects," in which the practical application of Phronology to conduct, education, and the science of morals, is treated of; and the second is more amply discussed in Dr. Spurzheim's work on Insanity and in Dr. Andrew Combe's treatise on the same subject.

Since the publication of the second edition, some opponents, who deny the truth of Phrenology, have ascribed its success, which on the principle of its being false is anomalous, not to its inherent merits, but to the talent with which, as they are pleased to say, I have advocated its cause; and they have reminded the public, that I am known to the literary world only as a Phrenologist.

Few words will suffice in answer to these observations. Such critics greatly overrate the extent of my ability; for my strength lies in the goodness of my cause. I have studied Phrenology, and read its doctrines directly in the page of nature. What I assert in point of fact, I have seen; and what I maintain in argument, I have found confirmed by experience. Those who have attacked the doctrines, on the other hand, have not studied them as science; they have not read the facts, on which they found their objections, in the book of nature; they have not tried how their arguments would harmonize with other established truths; nor have they ascertained to what results their principles would lead if carried into practical effect. Full of confidence in themselves, and of contempt for their adversary, they have come to the combat without arms and without armor; and if in some instances they have reeled back from the encounter, their defeat must be ascribed solely to the inherent weakness of their cause:-it deprived them of the advantages of their talents, while truth added to the strength of the party assailed.

I plead guilty of being known to the world only as a Phrenologist. Believing, as I do, that the same Divine Wisdom which ordained the universe, presided also at the endowment of the brain with its functions; that the brain is the organ of the mind, and that mind is the noblest work of God; convinced, also, that this discovery carries in its train the most valuable im provements in education, morals, and in civil and religious institutions,-I cannot conceive a nobler employment than that of vindicating its claims to consideration, and stemming, to the extent of my feeble ability, the mighty flood of prejudice and injustice with which, like all other important discoveries, it has been nearly overwhelmed. To be recognised, hereafter, by impartial and enlightened men, as having been in any degree instrumental in braving the storm of popular derision with which Phrenology was at first assailed, will more than satisfy all the ambition for posthumous fame which ever fired my bosom; and I never was so extravagant as to expect, while alive, any reward from "the great in science and philosophy" except ridicule and dislike. They have chosen their part, and I have chosen mine the long day will do justice to all.