tion of cultivated minds, recently listened attentively to Mr. Combe’s 
lectures on phrenology and mental philosophy, delivered in New Ha- 
ven. His course occupied thirteen evenings, each lecture being two 
hours long, with an intermission of five minutes 
A thirteenth lecture, on physical education, was added to the usual 
course of twelve, and paid for extra, at a very reasonable rate, in or- 
der to purchase his collection of busts and masks, which object has 
been effected in consequence of a - attendance for that purpose, 
and they are to remain in New Hav 
During the eighteen months that aie elapsed since the arrival of 
Mr. Combe j in this country, its people have, in many places, enjoyed 
the opportunity of hearing phrenology explained by one of its most 
accomplished professors. The sterling good sense and integrity— 
the extensive and various science—the numerous illustrative anec- 
dotes—the clear method—the unity of design and execution—the 
simplicity of language and the absence of all pretension, which char- 
acterize Mr. Combe’s lectures, have secured for him the respect, es- 
teem and kind regard of his hearers 
That all who listened, especially for the first time, to the details of 
this extraordinary branch of science, should fully adopt, or even en- 
tirely comprehend them, is not to be expected. But whatever opin- 
ion may be formed respecting the external manifestation of the men- 
tal powers and sentiments by the size and figure of the cranium, no 
one can doubt that all which distinguishes man from the animals, is 
manifested through his mind—that the propensities and the faculties 
are real, and therefore an able analysis of them by a master, must 
ever be an interesting and instructive thing. There is no doubt that 
the knowledge admits of important practical applications, and thata 
just comprehension of human physiology and anatomy, would correct 
many errors in education, and lead the way to reform in sensi impor- 
tant particulars as regards our habits of life. - 
We have no time or space in this passing notice, to add any thing 
more than our good wishes for Mr. Combe, assured that he has made 
very favorable impression of bis powers and character in the country 
which he is about to leave. 
17. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, com- 
piled from the Records of the Society, by Jerrries WYMAN, M. D., 
Recording Secretary. 
Oct. 2, 1839 —Gzorcx B. Emerson, Esq., President, in the chair, 
The president made @ report ona specimen of the Lycopodon gi- 
ganieum, of Batsch. Its greatest circumference was 3 feet 43 inches; 
