794 EEPOET— 1889. 



while Professor Ferrier observed that the excitation of the superior temporo- 

 sphenoidal convolutiou in monkeys and the corresponding convolution in dogs 

 caused retraction of the ear, accompanied occasionally by a sudden spring or 

 bound forward ; and in cats it caused opening of the mouth, associated with voca- 

 lisation and other signs of emotional expression, such as spitting and lashing of the 

 tail as if in rage. [Ferrier's localisation of the auditory centre in this same 

 convolution has been rejected by foreign investigators, and by Professor Schiifer 

 in this country (' Royal Society Proceedings,' December 22, 1887).] This area is 

 no other than that which Gall found so prominently developed in all carnivorous 

 animals and in murderers, and which he supposed to be the physical condition of 

 the destructive propensity or irascible emotion. 



The examination has not been completed, for, even limited as it is, it will excite 

 much criticism. Little has been said of the analj'sis of human character, and no 

 mention has been made of the arguments in favour of the plurality of functions of 

 the brain, as, for instance, the necessity of there being special ideational centres ; 

 otherwise it would be impossible to explain the hereditary transmission of pecu- 

 liarities of character and mental characteristics from parent to child, for the subject 

 is a wide one and cannot possibly be treated in one commimication. I hope to 

 have shown, however, ' That the founders of what we are accustomed to consider 

 as the antiquated system of phrenology, though unable, in what was the state of 

 knowledge at that time, to demonstrate their conclusions, must have been extremely 

 shrewd and careful observers of all the facts which lay within their reach, and 

 that the theories which they based upon these observations are well worth a care- 

 ful re-examination in the light of modern science.' 



6. On a nexu Method of illustrating the Topography of the Brain in rela- 

 tion to the External Surface of the Head. By Professor Fraser, M.B. 



The author treated first of the manner by which he prepared his heads, so that 

 they should be in a perfect condition through and through ; then of the large 

 photographic apparatus which he used for reproducing serial dissections of the 

 head and neck, life-size. Also of the manner in which, by combining several views 

 direct from nature on one plate, he had been able to make the head practically 

 transparent. 



He explained also how, by a system of tapes placed in a fixed manner on the 

 head, he had shown the diminution of its round when projected on a plane surface, 

 and that one could read off the relations of every portion of the brain, internal as 

 well as external, to the skin measurements at a glance. He then referred to the 

 many useful applications of the method both for anthropological and many other 

 practical purposes. 



7, Notes on Classification in Sociology. By George "Weddell. 



The study of Social Science has been retarded by misconception as to its nature. 

 It is popularly supposed to consist of a grouping of philanthropic or social move- 

 ments, such as co-operation, sanitation, technical education, and the better housing 

 of the working classes. By a number of more thoughtful people it is confounded 

 with Political Economy, which ought to be considered only as one of its important 

 branches. 



The scope of sociology includes all social phenomena, which, for the purpose of 

 study, may be conveniently grouped into five classes — 



1. Familiar, including the family and other 'familiar' relations. 



2. Industrial, including the subject matter of economics. 



3. Political, including all local or general governmental phenomena, 



4. Cosmical, or the institutions bearing on : 



