126 Scientific Revieris. 
species and birds, amongst whom the skull is commonly, in the 
greatest portion of its circumference, formed of an unique plate, 
furnished to M. Gall useful facts in support of his system. The 
anatomy of other animals, however, did not seem to accord with 
these interpretations, because of considerable prominences which 
exist on the heads of many of them, and because of the figure of 
the two tables, which are frequently found separated by a consider= 
able space. Extended labours were necessary to solve the physico- 
philosophic question hidden under the veil of these anatomical dif- 
ficulties ; and the capacity of the cranium in many species, and 
often in numerous individuals of the same species, must be exa- 
mined,—add to which the knowledge of their manners and dispo- 
sitions,—before it could be determined what cerebral parts constant- 
ly presented a developement in relation with the faculties observed. 
“ It is only by means of researches thus numerous and varied, 
that it would be possible to generalize the facts destined for the 
base of any doctrine, and that one would be permitted to consider, 
rectify, confirm, and extend the views of the German physiologists. 
Dr. Vimont proposed to himself this great task ; and he presented 
a memoir on this subject to the Royal Institute of France in 1827. 
This skilful and zealous anatomist is convinced, from thousands of 
facts, that the form of the cranium being given, one may have an 
idea, allowing for the exceptions above mentioned, of the propensi- 
ties and capacities of animals. The following aré some general ana- 
tomical and physiological propositions expressed in the memoir of 
this distinguished physician :— : | 
“ First anatomical proposition.—The internal surface of the 
crania of animals belonging to the family of Fer@, (the mole ex- 
cepted,) presents a configuration corresponding strictly with the 
elevations formed by the convolutions of the brain. 
« Second.—The external strface of the crania of the Rodentia 
is smooth, and answers perfectly to the form of the brain in these 
animals, on which there is no trace of convolutions. Depressions 
or hollows in the cranium, indicate the parts of the brain which are 
most developed. 
« Third.—The crania of all birds, (some birds of prey except- © 
ed, as Strix flammea and S. otus,) are found in perfect harmony 
with the form of their brain: the internal surface of the cranium is 
as smooth as the encephalon ; many depressions indicate the most 
developed portions of the brain. 
“ First physiological proposition.—The more the anterior and 
inferior part of the frontal bone of quadrupeds and birds are deve= 
loped, the more perfectible are the animals.” 
M. Vimont did not content himself with making researches, on 
this subject, from class to class, from order to order, from genus to 
genus, but studied even the individuals of the same family. 
« Second.—All animals endowed in a very high degree with at- 
tachment for their young, have the part of the cranium which is 
placed on the sides of the parietal suture, towards the internal and 
