Obituary Notice of Dr. Gaspar Spurzheim. 365 
organ, by tracing its gradual development from its lowest and sim- 
cone beginning in the spinal marrow, to its continually increasing, 
various and harmonious ramifications. This scientific demonstration 
of the brain, which was made without any reference to the peculiar 
doctrines of Phrenology, together with his discoveries of some of the 
constituent parts of this organ, obtained for Dr. Spurzheim here the 
same respect as an anatomist of the brain, which had been ac- 
corded to him in Europe by the eminent men in that department.” 
- His lectures on Phrenology were attended by large numbers, who 
with high interest to his powerful, natural i een flowing 
swith “impressive earnestness and persuasive sweetness.” He had 
a “ fulness of thought and action embodied in a frame which nature 
herself seemed to have made a strong hold of life and health.” His 
course of reasoning was the Baconian or inductive, founded on facts; 
he rejected* metaphysical speculations founded on nominal distine- 
tions—his maxim being res non verba. The principal topics in Phre- 
nology are, the anatomical structure of the brain ;—the variety of 
talents and dispositions among men, and their tesa with par- 
ticular dispositions and talentsy-~the: ome: ootatioutang: : 
of the brain. - Having never entitled | 
to pronounce any opinion upon its merits. Dr. Follen remarks that 
its results can never amount to more than probable conjectures, and 
that the great subject which lies at the foundation of moral philoso- 
phy, the moral freedom and responsibility of man cannot be deter- 
mined by the physiology of the brain, however true to nature.” He 
adds, that should phrenology be rejected, the important facets and 
principles which they have advanced, and among them eminently, 
“Dr. Spurzheim’s principles of education will ever hold a distinguish- 
ed place. The merits of Gall and Spurzheim as anatomists at b- 
servers of man, will-never be forgotten.” 
~ The great object of Dr. Spurzheim’s instruction was ssitsenpethe- 
ment and happiness of mankind and “ universal benévolence to the 
_ whole family of man was the burthen of his life and of his philoso- 
phy.” He thought that his system had prevented him from being a 
ee and had taught him to love, respect and pity his fellow 
_He evinced himself*to be “a true friend of human freedom 
nated stiveirest happiness,” and the light that shone in his Countensinee 
“was the spirit of truth and goodness.” 
He was kind even to animals ; in his visits to Cambridge his horse 
ee under a warm shelter when he was sometimes r 
of himself. 
