latter, we are furnished with one ground for a favorable opinion. Before passing from the profile view, the phrenologist notices the vertical and the antero-posterior diameters. A line is then drawn from the middle of the forehead to the hinder part of the occiput, which divides the head into an upper and a lower apartment, if you will so term them, which have been denominated respectively the coronal and basilar regions; if the former predominate, he has another favorable indication. Another line is drawn from the angle of the eye vertically, and parallel with the first one described, with a view to ascertain the development of the intellectual organs, and to compare the perceptive with the reflective faculties. Finally, the phrenologist attends to the lateral diameter of the head, in order that by a comparison of its heighth and breadth he may know the proportion which the upward parts bear to the lateral. The predominance of the former over the latter affords another reason for pronouncing the subject's head good. If now the student suppose that he is supplied with an accurate measure of intellectual power, and an infallible guide of innate propensity, he is very much mistaken.

posed that the soul was not equally diffused throughout || denominated the coronal, and that posterior to it, the the body, but that it was concentrated upon one, or a occipital region; if the former predominate over the few organs. The moral sentiments were generally distributed among the viscera of the abdomen. The sentient soul was located in the brain by Pythagoras, who was followed in this by Plato, and Galen, and Haller, those great lights in physiology. To this opinion Aristotle did not assent. He placed the soul in the heart. Van Helmont differing from all previous inquirers, fixed upon the stomach as the peculiar organ of the mind. Drelincourt fixed it in the cerebellum, the posterior part of the brain; while Des Cartes, a man of great genius and rich fancy, an original inquirer, but a visionary philosopher, adopted the strange supposition that the pineal gland was the seat of the soul. He probably was led to this conjecture in consequence of the location of this honored little structure. It is about the size of a small pea, seated in the brain, in a little bony depression which has been compared to a Turkish saddle. Moreover, two tender membranous threads extend from it towards the interior of the brain, which a warm fancy might easily convert into the reins with which it might be supposed that this little driver could direct the chariot of the mind. Physiologists had generally agreed, before phrenology was proposed, that the brain (embracing the contents of the cranium) was the organ 1. Allowing all that phrenology claims, in the exammost intimately concerned in the function of intellec-ination of capacities and propensions, a variety of protion. Sir Charles Bell had announced his wonderful perties must be taken into view, besides the size and discoveries in relation to the nervous system, by which configuration of the cranium. Temperament must alit was demonstrated that the spinal marrow contained ways be taken into account. Temperament refers to three columns of medullary matter on each side, and the mixture of the primary elements of the physical that each column was the seat of a peculiar power. constitution. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was The nerves given off by the anterior part, conferring the first who directed attention to this subject. His sensation; those sent from the posterior part, voluntary theory partook of the character of the science of his motion; while a third class, given off by the middle day, and was founded on what physicians term the column, combined to form with others sent down from Hunecral Pathology. He made four simple temperathe brain, the great sympathetic nerve which presides ments, and as many compound ones; but taught that over the functions of nutrition, digestion, respiration, in each individual, the temperament was liable to variaand circulation. These discoveries afford a very strong tion. Galen, less observant than theoretical, less proanalogical proof of the truth of phrenology. found than brilliant, poor in the means that convince, This science teaches that the brain is constituted of but rich in those that please, modified the theory of his separate organs, that these are cæteris paribus, possessed master, and clothed it in a more attractive dress. He of powers proportionate to their size--that the external also divided temperaments into four classes, viz., the head affords an accurate indication of the development sanguineous, in which the blood predominates; the bilof the cerebral organs-that the intellectual faculties | ious, in which bile predominates; the phlegmatic, occaare located in the anterior and lower part of the brain, sioned by a superabundance of phlegm; and the melthe moral sentiments on the upper anterior portion; ancholic, in which black bile prevails. Each of these the faculties which we possess in common with brutes temperaments was said to give a tendency to particular in the posterior, lower, and lateral portions; and that diseases, and to be associated with particular capacities certain faculties which tend to strengthen all the others, and dispositions. Thus, sensuality and memory were are seated around the crown. In examining the head, ascribed to the sanguine, profound and intrepid thought the phrenologist endeavors first to ascertain its size; he to the bilious. While phrenology denies that mental next proceeds to determine the relative size of the va-or moral characteristics are predicable of particular temrious regions of the head; and lastly, the developments peraments, she nevertheless regards the latter as indicaof the different parts of each region, and the propor- ting different degrees of activity in the bodily organs. tionate size of the organs to each other. In accom- As this subject is often alluded to, it may not be amiss plishing this object, it is customary, after ascertaining to show in what manner the temperaments may be disthe general size of the head, to divide it into two re- tinguished. The sanguine is indicated by chestnut hair, gions by a line drawn from the orifice of the ear up- blue eyes, plumpness, full and frequent pulse, an aniward to the vertex. The part anterior to this line is mated expression, great susceptibility to external im

pressions, a restless disposition to exertion, combined | former more rapidity of the circulation, and consequentwith perpetual energy. The subject is the man for ac-ly, more activity of all the organs. tion. Black hair, black eyes, brown skin, rigid mus- Remarks on this head might be extended; but I shall cles, prominent features, proclaim the bilious tem- make but one additional observation of this kind. I perament, which is associated with considerable func- refer to the influence of the thyroid gland, when in a tional energy and general activity. The external signs state of disease. This is a small gland in the neck, of the lymphatic temperament, are pale, flabby skin, which most of us have seen enlarged so as to constitute fair hair, light blue eyes, soft muscles, feeble pulse. the "full neck," which deforms so many ladies in the These are indications of weakness of body and mind. western counties of Pennsylvania. Although in our This is the man who seems to say on all occasions, "I country this disease does not produce any injurious inam in no particular hurry." The nervous or melan- fluence upon the mind; yet in the Alps, where it precholic temperament is proclaimed by fine thin hair, del- vails to a greater extent, and where in some cases the icate health, general emaciation, smallness of the mus- gland descends down to the knees, it usually produces, cles, celerity of movement in body and in mind, exqui- without impairing the function of any other organ, a site sensibility, vivid thought. When you open the state of imbecility which often terminates in complete door upon her ladyship, she cries, "O shut that door, idiocy. Let the phrenologist examine the head of one the draft will kill me;" and if some trifling accident of these Cretans of good temperament, and find his deoccur, she exclaims, "O heavens, I shall die." velopments to be fine, would he not be misled?

3. The state of health materially influences the condition of the mind. Disease of the liver has a tendency to produce sombre contemplations and gloomy forebodings. Its subject anticipates the most disastrous result to every enterprise, converses constantly about his afflictions and misfortunes, or the grave, on whose margin he fancies himself to tread. Let him be subjected to the examination of phrenology, and if he have

mirthful and happy. But will her oracle be received?

Suppose, on the other hand, one who is defective in those organs which are said to diffuse joy over the spirit, and who has unfortunately fallen into the hands of that monster which preys peculiarly upon the fairest of the fair, to subject herself to the examination of the phrenologist who confines himself exclusively to the cerebral developments. Can his decision be relied on? No. The victim of consumption, whatever the relative developments of her cranium, goes to the chambers of death like the ancient sacrifices, that were led to the altars crowned with garlands-joyous and heedless. In defiance of warning, she spreads before herself the hours of happiness that yet await her. She excites her hopes when others despair; smiles when the tyrant plunges his dagger in her bosom; sings like the dying swan, with her sweetest notes in death; and throws around her countenance unwonted loveliness, in giving up the ghost.

The simple temperaments are rarely met with; two or more are generally conjoined. The temperaments described, are those of which physicians usually speak; and although the division originated in manifest and exploded error, yet, whatever may be the occult causes of physical differences, they do exist, and we believe they are connected with the characteristics we have described. Now, although a man might have a head as fine as that of Luther or Shakspeare, if he had the lym-large organs of wit and hope, she will pronounce him phatic temperament, we should not expect him under any circumstances to defy the Pope, burst the chains of religious bondage which bind a nation, or produce the plays of the father of English poetry; nor should we expect one of the nervous temperament, whatever the size of his cranium, to cross the Alps as Napoleon, and undertake the subjugation of the world. On the other hand, a man with ordinary brain, and excellent temperament, may be expected to surmount obstacles, and achieve wonders. Another circumstance to be taken into account in estimating the power of the mind, is the influence of other organs besides the brain. The size of the heart, for example, is no inconsiderable circumstance. Some very important dispositions depend upon it. It has often been remarked that the courage of an animal is connected with the size of this organ. Courage is in a great degree dependant upon a consciousness of strength. We instinctively shrink from combat when nature advises us of our inability to struggle with the assailant. Now the consciousness 4. Phrenology appears to be inconsistent with anatof physical strength arises from that glow of pleasantomy. There are no divisions of the brain correspondfeeling, which a healthful and vigorous action of the ing to the organs on phrenological charts. True, the organs diffuses over the system, and this depends greatly brain has its divisions-its canals, and depressions, and upon the state of the circulation. The eagle has a lar-elevations, and foldings; but they have no corresponger heart in proportion to his body than any other ani-dence to phrenological organs; indeed, the convolutions mal, and he is the most courageous. It has often been seem to be at direct variance with it. remarked that the most daring men are small. Buona- 5. It is inconsistent with analogy. This would lead parte and Cæsar were below the middle stature. This us to suppose, that the different organs are separate and might be expected. The difference in the size of men various, in shape, color, and structure. The gland is not in the internal organs, chiefly, but in the extrem-which secretes the bile, is different from that which seities. Now, as hearts are generally of the same size, cretes the saliva. The instrument of sight is unlike and as the heart of a small man has less territory to that of sound. Might we not suppose that organs vasupply than that of a large man, we may expect in the rying as greatly as those of benevolence and destruc

tiveness, would be somewhat different in appearance, and in the arrangement of their intimate structure? Not more different is the organ which propels the blood from that which paints the image of a distant object on its inner surface, than is the propensity which leads us to destroy, from that which induces us to pity and relieve.

6. The highest authority is against phrenology. It must be admitted that many anatomists and physiologists have given their influence in favor of this science. But both in this continent and in Europe, the most authoritative names are against it. Sir Charles Bell, and Sir Astley Cooper, (lately deceased,) the highest authorities of the age, I believe are both arrayed against it. On a question of this kind, it is certainly unwise to disregard their opinion.

These are facts. We presume no one will call in question the accuracy, or skill, or veracity of the repor ters. They will stand, and stand eternally, and before them true philosophy will humbly bow.

9. It has long been charged that phrenology is defective in many respects. To this, I have seen no satisfactory reply. If nature assigns to a lady who has an attachment to her children an organ of philoprogenitiveness, why not give a similar organ to her husband, if he happen to have an extraordinary delight in horses, or to her son, if he possess a preternatural fondness for dogs.

10. There are many facts which appear to be inexplicable upon the principles of phrenology. Take, for example, "conversion." A man undergoes a complete moral change, without experiencing any alteration in 7. Granting the propositions of phrenology, there his bodily organs. He not only leaps at once over the exists an insuperable obstacle to their application. We territory which separates vice from virtue, and stands may be deceived in examining the external head in rela- erect in the sunshine of Divine and human favor; but tion to the developments of the brain. In some cases is conscious of an entire revolution in his motives, the skull is thicker than in others. The cellular sub- views, purposes, capacities and propensions; he ascends stance between the two tables varies in thickness. The from scepticism to faith, from despair to hope, from hasoft parts over the skull, particularly the temporal mus-tred to affection, from selfishness to universal benevocles, differ very much in size in different individuals. lence. Every action, look, expression, evinces to the In the forehead, directly over many of the organs of beholder that he is a new man, and lives in a new creaperception and reflection, are two small canals in the tion. No one pretends that this is insanity. Analogy bone. In some cases these frontal sinews are so small teaches that it is not an evanescent excitement, but a that you cannot pass the finest cambric needle through permanent influence, which operates upon him. Let them; and in others, a goose-quill may be inserted with- this then be viewed as a philosophical fact-how can it out much difficulty. We might enumerate other sour- be explained on phrenological principles? ces of fallacy, but surely these are sufficient. I cannot, however, forbear to allude to the fact, that the base of the brain cannot be examined. To this it may be replied, that the non-exploration of one portion of the brain cannot render valueless the information derived from an examination of another portion. If the brain were like a district of country-if one part exerted no direct influence upon the other-then, after having ex-ture observations, to be adopted or abandoned according plored one half, we might proceed to make a map of it without having penetrated into the residue. But the organs of the mind (granting a multiplicity) exert a constant, powerful, mutual influence upon each other; so that it is impossible to obtain a knowledge of the capacities or tendencies of any one, without examining the influences which its associate organs may exert upon it, whether through sympathy, or dependence or correspondence of function.

10. It appears to me that phrenology is guilty of hasty generalization. Without pretending to condemn it, the inquirer may surely withhold his assent on the ground that a sufficient number of facts have not yet been accumulated to warrant its deductions. Considering it merely as an hypothesis, I have no objection to it. I see no impropriety in making it a directory to fu

as they shall annul or confirm its postulates. But certainly it is not yet established. In some cases a single experiment is sufficient to settle a general principle; when the elements of the experiment are cognizable to the senses-when every circumstance that can influence the result may be distinctly subjected to occular inspection. But in other, long, and careful, and extensive observation, is requisite to justify the deduction of a general truth.

For instance, the winds of heaven cannot be imprisoned and subjected to examination. We cannot gain a point sufficiently elevated to mark the various circumstances, which may contribute their influence, to any particular result. The mind is as etherial as the atmosphere: it comes we know not whence, and goes we know not whither. No eye so keen, no intellect so profound, as to command a view of the ten thousand occult influences which operate upon the mind, to work

Dr. Harrison (now of Cincinnati) has reported a case which occurred in St. Louis some years since. A man received a blow upon the head, in consequence of which an abscess occurred, involving the whole of the organ of firmness. The subject (always noted for decision of character) experienced no diminution of this ele-out any given issue. Facts must be accumulated for ment of character from the disease and loss of the organ, which, according to phrenology, was the physical instrument, indispensable to its manifestation.

ages, before we can safely draw general deductions in meteorology or metaphysics. Phrenology is liable to other fallacies besides premature generalization. When

we make observations for the purpose of establishing a be such. He brought his passions into subjugation, particular hypothesis, we are liable to overlook impor- and made himself the very reverse.

368

THE REFORMED INEBRIATE.

Original.

THE REFORMED INEBRIATE.

A RECITAL OF FACTS.

became a successful practitioner of the law. He moved in the most polished circles of fashion; and still greater distinction, was admitted to the literary cliques of the city. But he liked not the restraints of patrician society; it soon became distasteful to him; and with accustomed and constitutional independence, he turned from it to woo and win, the heart and the hand of an amiable and excellent young lady "without the pale”— a step which, at the time, was frowned upon by his family as being an unsuitable connection. And so it proved itself to be; but the degradation was hers, not his.

Although he now no longer associated with that class of female society that he had before his marriage, his popular talents ever made him a welcome guest to all festive gatherings amongst the gentlemen; and wherever the wine-cup was circulating he was sure to be present, and a liberal partaker of its contents. Thus he stood on the very brink of the precipice; and because his head became not dizzy, he looked fearlessly down, unawed and unmoved by the dying groans and the living agony of all those who had headlong plunged before him.

It is now about fifteen years since I attended a commencement celebration, in one of the Atlantic cities, distinguished alike for its literary taste and its handsome women. It was in the early part of autumn, and the brightness of the sun and the purity of the atmosphere were perfectly Italian. The graduating class was larger, and their names more imposing than usual; and the crowd assembled was proportionably great, especially of young maidens, who went for conquest, and old maidens, who went for criticism. At the usual hour the exercises began, and it was soon apparent that much ambition had been roused, much emulation kindled, and much "midnight oil" consumed in preparation. The subjects were generally well chosen, and the compositions highly creditable to the class; but they were all young, and mostly modest men, who well might be come intimidated by such a galaxy as was before them. For however interesting sensitiveness may be as a trait in youthful character, it is the destroyer of eloquence; Liquor seemed rather to enliven than to stupify him. and so it proved on this occasion, though manifest- He could drink glass for glass with the oldest of the ing itself in various ways, in various individuals. company; and when half of them were roaring at, The first who came forward was professedly a brave and the other half asleep under the table, he was in the spirit. He thought "he feared nobody." He had bra-highest state of intellectual enjoyment-in the full posced up his nerves and screwed up his courage to an unnatural tension; and he looked and spoke just like a German automaton, with a glare in the eye and a mechanical squeak in the voice. The next was a sensitive youth; and though he committed no blunders, his face was absolutely blanched with fright, and his limbs trembled like the aspen leaf. Another had his memory obliterated, and needed constant prompting. Indeed, there was but a solitary one, Mr. the hero of my tale, who preserved a perfect self-possession.

session of his powers, quickened, as it were by the inhaling of oxygen gas. Indeed, he soon fell into the habit of regularly stimulating for any public display of his talents, either in public speaking or composition; and he has been heard to say, that he never wrote any thing "worthy of himself” without the aid of brandy. But those who, standing aloof, had looked soberly on his career, had from his very outset in life predicted his downfall, and that his own self-confidence would accelerate his ruin. But not Napoleon in his mid career of glory was more imperiously self-willed, or more regardless of consequences-and the warning voice of his old, heart-stricken parents, and the silent, imploring looks of his young wife, were alike unheeded. "He wanted no advice, and he would listen to no dictation."

Twas then a youth of 18 or 19 years, comely, but not handsome. Phrenologists would have found much fault with his head; but phrenology was not then admitted into the circle of the sciences, and heads were|| judged from their inside, and not their outside. Tcame forward before this assembled multitude with al- The step from the convivialist to the inebriate is a most an audacious air, deliberately made his best bow, short and an easy one; it was soon taken by T-, and so far from being abashed, became quite graceful, and he became a drunkard in its most degraded sense. in the gratified opportunity, as it seemed, of showing All idea of moral accountability was blotted from his out. I have forgotten the subject of his piece; but I mind. He neglected his wife and children, and became well remember that it was written with ability, and re- "worse than an infidel." But he was not humbled by ceived with applause. One sentiment alone, uttered his fall. He manifested the same daring hardihood in with the most felicitous confidence, still clings to my his degradation, that he had done in his triumph. He recollection. It struck me at the time as being mature seemed to feel no more shame at being a drunkard, than for one so young, and was quite original. It was this: if drunkenness were a disease and not a vice; and he "The test of talent is its rise." He did not then know, a clod, acted upon, instead of an accountable, moral or perhaps believe, that some of the greatest geniuses agent. And he would unblushingly, and unhesitatingthe world has ever known, have lived and died, strug-ly, beg or borrow the means of intoxication, in his nagling with necessity. But so he did not mean to do, tive city, until all resources failed him, which he then and a series of fortuitous circumstances seemed for a left in disgust, taking with him his wife's watch, to rewhile to favor his most sanguine aspirations. new his supply of alcohol. When he disappeared, no He chose the bar for his profession, and in due time one knew whither he went. Weeks, and months, and