Thoughts on Phrenology; Or, Phrenology Tested by Reason and Revelation, by a Barrister of the Middle Temple (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. THE SUBDIVISION OF THE BRAIN INTO A PLURALITY OF ORGANS THE DOCTRINE SUPPORTED BY SEVERAL ARGUMENTS. "Though reason be not proof 'tis reason still, And more than proof just where it ought to fill." Anon. Perhaps we may be told that to prove that the brain is the organ of the mind is to prove a self-evident fact, and that objections are raised against the subdivision of the brain, and it is contended that in the exercise of any one mental power the whole brain is brought into operation, and that the individual power or affection is not manifested through an individual organ. This, we would first observe, like all other objections to the validity of the science, is but a vague assertion or empty opinion, for the existence of which no other reason can be given than that they hold it, because they hold it, because it seems impossible that such a thing should be, and because a merciful God would not allow one man to discover the propensities of his fellow creature. At the same time that this opinion has been formed without investigating the subject at all, that perhaps not one page pro has been perused, much less weighed, while every effort has been studiously and partially exercised con, --every energy is in motion, and this too for the avowed purpose of proving the futility of the science: and, after all, without one impartial glance at the subject, a conclusion is formed without a single attempt at proof, --and what is this but an adoption of the dangerous practice of erecting individual experience as the infallible standard of truth and falsehood, and making it the consequental creator of his opinions? A habit of this character is of all others the most dangerous, for it is the child of ignorance, and therefore the more liable to error. This was...