152 PHRENOLOGY. 



however, this feeling leads only to delusion, and the 

 wished-for result becomes every day more distant, 

 the longer retirement and indolence are persevered 

 in. It is by activity, and not by repose, that strength 

 is to be acquired. We do not expect to increase 

 bodily strength by lying in bed, but by stirring about ; 

 and, in like manner, we shall never succeed in 

 strengthening the nervous system by indulging in 

 mental indolence. Many are led astray by the false 

 expectation of acquiring strength without using the 

 \iatural means from which alone strength can be 

 procured. 



It may be remarked, that in the preceding pages I 

 have made no allusion to the doctrines of Phre- 

 nology. My reasons are simply, that, for the object 

 I had in view, a special reference to them was not 

 necessary, and that, in a work written for the 

 general reader, and for practical purposes, 1 was 

 naturally anxious to avoid every contested point. 

 Accordingly, in limiting myself to the statement 

 that different parts of the brain perform differ- 

 ent functions, without specifying those connected 

 with any particular part, farther than that they are 

 all concerned in the mental operations, I am not 

 venturing beyond what most eminent anatomists 

 and physiologists in the past or present times have 

 taught before me. My own sentiments on the sub- 

 ject are already before the public ;* and I am bound 

 to say that every day's experience increases my 

 conviction of the truth of Phrenology, and deepens 

 my sense of its practical value. Those who desire 

 to prosecute the inquiry will find ample assistance 

 in the numerous works already published, both in 

 England and in France. The splendid work of Vi- 

 mont would do honour to any age or country. 



* Vide Observations on Mental Derangement ; being an appli- 

 cation of the Principles of Phrenology to the elucidation of the 

 Causes, Symptoms, Nature, and Treatment of Insanity. 1 vol. 

 post 8vo, 1831. 



