26 SENTIENT PRINCIPLE. 



rations. It is explained on the principle, that 

 when all the sections are in equilibrio, the faculties 

 correct and moderate each other ; while an un- 

 balanced faculty acts vehemently without re- 

 straint. 



A weak faculty may be strengthened by exer- 

 cise, and a strong one may be weakened by neg- 

 lect. An amiable child may be made quarrel- 

 some and wicked by experiencing perpetual cruel- 

 ties. His faculty ofcombativeness is thus strength- 

 ened by use ; while his faculty of benevolence be- 

 comes enfeebled for want of objects to excite it into 

 healthy action On the same principle evil pro- 

 pensities may be put down and the best sentiments 

 strengthened by careful and discreet culture. 

 The great diversity in the mental faculties of hu- 

 man individuals is ascribed to the state of society 

 and individual education through many genera- 

 tions. Very little diversity is observed among 

 wild animals ; while individuals of the same spe- 

 cies of domesticated animals present heads very 

 different in form. 



The advocates for this system of phrenology 

 suppose that it furnishes a ready solution of many 

 operations of the mind. Insanity (which often 

 seems to affect but one faculty of the mind; while 

 all the others remain unimpaired) they say may 

 be explained by supposing that pair of fascicles, 

 in which the disordered faculty is lodged, to be so 

 far impaired as to embarrass that faculty in the 

 exertion of its powers. 



