26 SENTIENT PRINCIPLE. 
vations. It is explained on the principle, that 
when all the sections arein 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 ef combativeness is thus strength- 
ened by use ; while his faculty of benevolence he- 
comes enfeebled for want of objects to excite it inte 
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. 
