-

quaintance with the cerebral developments of numerous individuals, and ample opportunity of observing the dispositions and talents connected with each; - he must be able to recognise with facility the degrees of development of the various organs, and also the temperament of the subject before him; - he must know accurately the functions of each organ, both individually and in combination with others; - his stock of general information must be respectable, that he may understand the nature of the sciences and occupations to the pursuit of which the different faculties prompt; and he must render himself familiar with human nature in its various phases, by mixing extensively with men of different ranks and employments, and by a careful study of biography. Finally, such a degree of reflective power, as gives perception of motives, is necessary to the observer; for it is a fact, revealed by phrenology, that persons, in whom the reflective faculties are weak, do not clearly perceive causation either in morals or in physics."

The true method of studying Phrenology.

Without observation connected with reading, no one will correctly understand what has been written, and without reading in connexion with observation, many facts will pass unobserved. Hence the true method of studying Phrenology is that of the simultaneous reading, observation, and reflection. And taking it for granted that the adequate mental powers are possessed by the individual, we will endeavour to make some remarks to assist his observations, while imbuing his mind with the principles of the science. No one can accurately understand the great principles of the science, and be master

of its profound philosophy, let him read all that ever has been written, unless he shall unite with his reading habits of observation. And no one can deserve a high reputation, as a correct and skilful practical phrenologist, until a knowledge of the philosophy of the science has been mastered. Without this practical knowledge, a man may be learned in other men's thoughts, and may improve and adorn them, and appear before the world as author, editor, or lecturer, to great advantage, but it does not follow that his knowledge stands the same chance for accuracy, as if collected at first hand, or that those, who have observed more and written less, are not conversant with the philosophy of the science.

CHAPTER XXV.

HOW PROOF OF THE SCIENCE IS TO BE OBTAINED.

A DISTINCTION is to be made between the observation of facts, and the bringing before the public those facts in proof of the science.

As to what facts may be brought before the public, Mr. George Combe has made the following correct remarks. "Delicacy to individuals stands opposed to a public statement of many interesting cases in favor of the doctrines. It is on this account that phrenologists eagerly solicit those, who wish to ascertain the truth of the system, to examine nature for their own satisfaction.

"Busts are sold which indicate the situations of the organs, and books which describe the functions, and no

one can have any difficulty in finding proper subjects among individuals in his own circle, with whose talents and dispositions he is intimately acquainted." Mr. Combe then gives his reasons for the above. "The degree of conviction resulting from observation, when repeated on a great variety of individuals, and in every diversity of circumstances, far surpasses that which can be produced by perusal of the most minute and authentic details of cases observed by others. By contemplating phenomena as they actually exist, the mind forms a judgment concerning the real nature of their relation to each other, with a higher degree of satisfaction, than can be attained. by merely reading descriptions of their appearance, and of the order in which they occurred. In the former case the inquirer satisfies himself by an examination of all the circumstances which he deems of importance, in the latter he is apt to doubt that some material fact may have been overlooked, which, if stated, would alter the whole import of the experiment. By selecting for observation persons intimately known to himself, the inquirer will enjoy the means of estimating the real nature and extent of the talents and dispositions possessed, the actual appearance of the head, the effects of health, education, and of a variety of circumstances, which he might imagine were not attended to in investigations conducted by others." He appeals to his own experience by observing, "I have been permitted to examine the heads of several hundred persons, in different ranks of life, many of whom are well known by their talents as authors, preachers, public speakers, artists, &c." This was written more than ten years since, and he has continued to practise ever since; so that now thousands might be sub

stituted with propriety for hundreds. And to this course is he greatly indebted for his preeminent standing, as a practical phrenologist as well as philosopher.

I am the more explicit in presenting the opinions of Mr. Combe on this subject, on account of a rule promulgated in the Annals of Phrenology, in an article written by the Editor. It is this, Examine no heads of living individuals of respectable standing. Then he makes an exception of examinations of well marked heads, whenever it is evident that the science may be promoted by reporting them, whether in favor of, or adverse to it. This would imply that the heads must be known to be well marked before they are examined! And that science will be promoted by reporting them, whether in favor of or adverse to it! This renders the reporting of cases co-extensive with examinations! Mr. Combe seems to be of an opinion, that there would be a manifest impropriety in reporting any considerable portion of the cases, which would furnish strong proof in favor of the science. But I am disposed to attribute the peculiarity of the Editor's opinions purely to his great desire for the promotion of the science.

Without limiting examinations, Mr. Combe limits very properly what cases may be publicly reported, in the following remarks.

"The same restraints, however, do not oppose the publication of all cases bearing on the truth of Phrenology. When individuals have rendered themselves conspicuous by their virtues or vices, by their talents or deficiences of understanding, and when casts of their heads have, by their own consent, been placed in the hands of the public, or been properly acquired, there

appears to be no impropriety in discussing openly the correspondence, or discrepancy betwixt cerebral development, and the known manifestations of their minds. Again, where individuals have perished on the scaffold, and authentic casts of their heads or sculls have been taken, there can be no impropriety in discussing in the freest manner, the correspondence betwixt their mental manifestations and the development of their brains. It is, however, impracticable in any moderate bounds to bring forward the whole, or even any great portion of the facts, which are familiarly known to those who make phrenology an object of serious study."

CHAPTER XXVI.

EXAMINATION OF HEADS BY PROFESSED PHRENOLOGISTS.

Ir learners may with propriety go directly to the facts as they exist in nature, where their acquaintance with the character of the individual will enable them to see the correspondence between development and mental manifestations, there can be no impropriety in availing themselves of the experience of skilful practical phrenologists, in pointing their attention to the organs, and in explaining their bearing upon the characters. A higher motive, than mere curiosity, may induce a person to avail himself of the services of a practical phrenologist, in whom he may repose confidence in an examination of his own organology, temperament, &c. By so doing he may receive immediate proof of some of the leading truths