of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain. 49 



11. With regard to tlie moral character. — In education we. 

 shall be enabled by plirenology to see where, from a preponde- 

 rance of some particular faculty, there is greater necessity of a 

 counteraction by excitement of antagonist faculties. We learn 

 also how the superior sentiments ought to control the lower pro- 

 pensities, and how the organs of the will should in all cases be 

 exercised early, to give them the greatest range of power over the 

 propensities. We learn also another important branch of edu- 

 cation in observing, that to strengthen and render habitual any 

 good feeling, as benevolence for instance, we must not only in- 

 culcate it but must expose the child to objects of charity, and 

 enhance it by setting before him instances of mercy. Thus 

 phrenology comprises the sentiment the wise have held in all ages, 

 of tiie poverty of precept when compared with example, as an 

 incentive to moral excellence. 



Of Pimishment. 

 Phrenology will lead to important considerations regarding 

 criminal punishment; particularly in houses of correction. It 

 will enable us to distinguish, not only between those who have 

 naturally strong evil propensities, from those whom distress or 

 other contingences may have hurried on to crime; but will 

 point out the particular nature of many evil propensities to be cor- 

 rected. It is hoped that the learned authors of this system will 

 more fully develop, in some future publication, its particular ap- 

 plication to punition. 



Conclusion. 



Having shown some of the particular useful purposes of the 

 study of the anatomy and physiology of the organs of the mind, 

 I mav observe, in conclusion,' that while, from the most accurate 

 and continued examination of the subject, I feel fully convinced 

 that tlie conclusions are legitimate deductions from demonstrable 

 facts, and ought for that reason aloi^e to be studied and applied, 

 whatever ,might be their supposed tendency ; I am nevertheless 

 convinced that the objections raised against the deductions, by 

 ))crsons who fancy they will be injurious to the religion and morals 

 of mankind, are wholly unfounded, and are the residt of a very 

 superficial examination of the subject; and that, on the contrary, 

 it is tlic wild metaphysical dogmas of the modern schools against 

 which the shafts of" this accurate scrutiny into the nature ami 

 functions of mind are most successfully levelled. That, in short, 

 the moral rcsidts of the system constitute a scientific explanation, 

 and therefore confirmation ''f doctrines which common sense has 

 always inclined to, which religions have inculcated, and which the 

 popular and proverbial philosx)phy of the common people iiavo 



Vol. ij. No. 201. Jaw. 1815. ■ D expicssed 



