32 MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION. 



We must not conclude our remarks without some allusion to the 

 author's views of the formation of the frontal sinuses. These are the 

 cavities formed in the frontal bone immediately above the orbits, and are 

 situated precisely in the spot where some of the most important organs 

 of the phrenological systems are placed. The irregularity in their 

 developement and the causes assigned by the author as conducing to their 

 formation, for a statement of which, however, our limits compel us to 

 refer to the paper itself, must necessarily throw great doubts upon the 

 theories of the advocates of this pseudo-science, even were we disposed 

 to allow the invariability of the facts to which they so constantly profess 

 to appeal. We will, however, remark, that according to Dr. Milligan, 

 the evolution of the frontal sinus does not commence till the seventh year, 

 although, at this age, the brain is stated by the best anatomists to have 

 attained its full size. The difference in developement of the exterior 

 portion of the cranium observed at this age, and at that of twenty-one, 

 by which time the frontal sinus usually attains its complete growth, is 

 very considerable, and the phrenological indications consequently very 

 different, although the developement of the brain itself, which these 

 indications are supposed to point out, may not have varied in the smallest 

 perceptible point. 



In conclusion, we must remark that the conciseness of Dr. Milligan's 

 observations renders abridgment almost impossible, while the closeness 

 of his reasonings, and the indubitable facts upon which they are founded, 

 are certainly calculated to make a very strong impression against the 

 doctrines which he opposes. Upon one point we feel inclined to pass our 

 verdict of censure ; and that is, the technicality of the language in which 

 the paper is written, and we beg to remind all writers upon scientific 

 subjects, that although reviewers are expected to be acquainted vvith the 

 abstruse terminology in which they appear to deem it a necessary part 

 of their vocation to involve, we might have said to disguise, their senti- 

 ments, yet, if it be wished to make subjects of science generally acceptable 

 to his Majesty's lieges, the language in which they are stated should be 

 such as his Majesty's lieges may be expected to comprehend. 



The consideration of some of the other papers contained in these 

 admirable volumes will be resumed on a future occasion. Those 

 relating to topography and statistics will occupy our attention at an early 

 opportunity. 



C. R. 



MONUMENTAL INSCRIFITON. 



The needless sigh, the idly wasted tear 



I ask not, wish not, stranger ! want not here. 



What once I was availeth naught to thee ; 



What now I am, poor trembler ! wouldst thou gee. 



Profane the tomb, the shrouded maze unfold. 



And in that form thy future self behold. 



Brace up thy nerves ! with sober judgment gaze, 



Then go ! reflect and oh ! reform thy ways. 



