TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION H. 981 
‘From the very outset it was opposed chiefly because the phrenological localisations 
appeared to be incapable of physiological demonstration, but also, no doubt, from 
_a-spirit of opposition to the extravagant claims of some of Gall’s successors. And 
it is partly due to the irresponsible enthusiasm of some of these that phrenology 
has fallen into low estimation. 
| The work of leading physiologists of the present day has brought facts to the 
_ fore, proving, if not absolutely, at any rate in a circumstantial manner, not only 
the truth of the theory of localisation, but in many cases the actual correctness of 
Gall’s empirical observations. 
It is now finally granted that all mind manifestations ave dependent on brain- 
matter; that the various elements of the mind fave distinct seats in the brain, a 
few of which have been actually determined, and that recent researches in physio- 
logy and pathology have, in many cases, established the physiological correlative 
of psychological actions. Thus the mostintense centre for movements of the facial 
rauscles have been proved to be the brain-area, in which Gall located his organ of 
mimicry or imitation; the gustatory centre in the same region is the so-called 
gustativeness of the phrenologists. ‘The motor area for the concentration of atten- 
tion, as assumed by some physiologists, is found to correspond with the localisation 
of concentrativeness; and Dr. Voisin’s theory on the centre of exaltation is in 
liarmony with George Combe’s speculations. Mr. Herbert Spencer made an 
apparently successful localisation of a supposed faculty of reviviscence, for which 
there is much pathological evidence ; and the so-called centre for psychical blind- 
ness, as localised by Munk, corresponds with Gall’s observations. 
These are, of course, not all the facts which can be brought forward in support 
of the broad principles of phrenology. More can be gathered in the works of men 
like Broca, Hitzig, Fritsch, Ferrier, Horsley, Schafer, Wundt, Munk, Goltz, 
Nothnagel, Exner, Brown-Sequard, and very many others, who occupied themselves 
with the localisation of the functions of the brain, and who have created a new 
system curiously similar to the old one. Brain physiology is still an obscure sub- 
ject; and the coincidence in the results of modern investigations with the old 
empirical observations augurs well for the establishment of Gall’s theories on a 
sound scientific basis. 
All that phrenology asserts is that, with the assistance of certain known ele- 
ments—such as physical temperament, education, and surroundings—positive 
conclusions as to psychical character can be drawn from the configuration of the 
skull ; and, in the light of the present condition of physiological science, this claim 
can surely be considered neither illogical nor extravagant. The theory itself pre- 
sents such varied interest, and promises, if properly utilised, to be of such immense 
value to education, that it must be admitted that it is at least well worth the 
_ effort of serious investigation. 
' 2. Stethoyraphic Tracings of Male and Female Respiratory Movements. 
By Dr. WitBerrorce SMITH. 
A fresh investigation of the commonly received theory that men and women 
essentially differ as to their respiratory movements has at its present stage elicited 
the tracings now exhibited. They have been taken from about fifty persons by 
means of Burdon Sanderson’s stethograph, and more recently by a modification of 
that instrument which the author has employed for greater convenience, accuracy, 
and rapidity of application. Tracings have been taken from four, and in many 
eases from five, different points in the mesial line of the thorax and abdomen 
anteriorly. Certain general results belonging to nearly all the cases, whether of 
men or women, are seen to be as follows:—Over the sternum, at the level of the’ 
second rib, there is ample movement, which, taken with the dress completely 
loosened, is about equally free in the two sexes. Over the liver, in the mesial line 
below the ensiform cartilage, there is constantly free and very regular movement 
in both sexes. Just above the umbilicus the results are variable, and appear to 
depend largely on the size of the liver and the degree of abdominal plethora or 
_ slightness, a firmer condition of the abdominal contents serving more readily to 
) 
/ 
