object but to do honour to the progress of science, and to contribute to the success of that society, the interests of which had that day brought together so distinguished an assemblage. Philip Crampton, Esq. Surgeon-General, who had just been elected President of the Society, was in the chair. Among the company we observed the Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Charlemont, Lord. Muskerry, Lord Massareene, Baron de Robeck, the Bishop of Derry, the Bishop of Cork, General Sir John O'Vandeleur, K.C.B., Sir John Burke, Bart., Sir John Kennedy, Bart., Hon. Frederick Ponsonby, Judge Crampton, the Solicitor-General, Sir W. Hort, Dean of St Patrick's, Dean of Clogher, Hon. Messrs French, Right Hon. Saurin, Colonel White, Mr Drummond, Under Secretary of State, Colonel Patrickson, E. St George, Esq., James Napier, Esq. Lougherea, Arthur Hume, Armit, Hugh Barton, L. Crosthwaite, Acheson Lyle, Robert Shaw, Charles Hamilton, George Roe,

Cane, Esqrs., Doctors Dickinson, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Dublin, Carmichael, Jacob, Butter, Law, Croker, Evanson, Gregory, Carrol, Ireland, &c. &c. &c. After the usual toasts, and those of the Zoological Society, the University of Dublin, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Geological Society, and the Horticultural Society had been proposed from the chair, and thanks returned, in appropriate speeches, by the representatives of these bodies, the President proposed "the Phrenological Society of Dublin." (Applause.) Dr Evanson, as a member of the Phrenological Society, rose to return thanks for the honour now done to that body. It was not surprising that he should be affected, in doing so, with deeper feelings than the speakers who had preceded him. They had appeared in the name of sciences which had outlived the obloquy with which all important truths had invariably been assailed when first introduced. He stood forth in the name of Phrenology, and having advocated that science through good report and through evil report, he trusted the day was at length dawning in which he should have to advocate it through good report alone. (Hear.) To this end nothing could contribute more by dispelling prejudice and rendering popular the science of Phrenology than the flattering notice taken of this science by so enlightened an assembly as that now met together. He was glad of the present opportunity to say a few words about the Phrenological Society. Many persons were apt to confound the progress of a science with that of a society which cultivated it. It was well known to many present that the Phrenological Society had, for a considerable period, held frequent meetings. These meetings were much sought after by the public; and were attended by several individuals, distinguished in various branches of science, and who, by a frequent repetition of their visits, at

once expressed their conviction that the study of Phrenology was neither frivolous nor dangerous, and paid a high compliment to the manner in which these meetings was conducted. (Hear, hear.) Now these meetings were not at present going on; and hence many persons inquire, "What has become of the Phrenological Society? Where are the Phrenologists ?" and some assert that when they ask, "Where are they?" Echo answers, "Where?" (Laughter.) But it was clear to him that these inquiries had met with a very stupid echo. Had they consulted the celebrated Irish echo, which, when addressed with "How do you do, Mr Echo ?" promptly replied, "Pretty well, thank you, Mr Blake,"(Hear and laughter) - they would have been told that the Phrenological Society, having performed their duty in promulgating the principles of their science, had rested awhile from their labours. In fact, they had taken a zoological fit, and were hybernating, although, it must be confessed, theirs was rather an Hibernian mode of doing so; since they hybernated both winter and summer. But though they might be asleep they were not dead; and whenever occasion required, would be found at their posts as active as ever. (Laughter.) Now for the science, which he rejoiced to say was making rapid progress all over the world. The connection between Zoology and Phrenology was more intimate than between any two sciences which had been named that evening. What, in fact, was the chief object of the zoologist? to study the whole animal kingdom; and, in particular, by investigating the structure and habits of the lower animals, to acquire the means of classifying the whole. For this purpose, he examined the various parts of animals, but he (Dr E.) maintained that the part from which was to be derived the most important information was the brain. (Hear, hear.) Did we not find this an essential law of nature, that, in proportion as the animal rose in the scale of creation, it was distinguished by increased quantity and improved quality of brain; and that, according as the structure and development of the brain were found to vary, so also did the instincts and intelligence of the animal vary? The time was approaching, and would certainly come, when the classification of animals would be founded on their cerebral structure. He had no intention of giving a lecture, but would beg leave to mention, for their information, a curious and important fact, equally interesting to the zoologist and to the phrenologist. There was a species of monkey (one of the Semnopitheci, a genus or tribe allied to the Gibbous,) which, as is well known to zoologists, underwent, at a certain period of its life, a most remarkable change of habits and disposition. From being, in its youth, a most cheerful, playful, and engaging animal, it became, as it grew old, morose and vicious, and was, in fact, altogether changed. Now, what was the cause of

say

this? Had it altered in its external structure, in its hands, its feet, or any other part? No! What then was changed? Its brain. As the animal grew older, a diminution of the anterior and superior lobes took place, the bones of the cranium followed, and, in consequence, the integuments of the foreh eadbecame wrinkled, and the countenance, as well as the disposition, altered. (Hear). But he would tell them that it was not among the lower animals alone that such changes occurred. The fact he had stated came home to themselves. It was no longer doubtful that in man also, even at an advanced period of life, changes in the form of the brain, accompanied by corresponding changes of disposition, did occur; and the state of the brain at different periods would testify whether man had made good use of the gifts which he had received from his Creator, by cultivating his intellect, and giving to his moral feelings the pre-eminence which was so justly their due. (Loud cheering.) He would to those who were fathers, "Go home, and when your children climb on your knee, look at them and remember, that it is in your power by the application of such important facts as these, in a great measure, to decide whether they shall be virtuous and happy in their future lives." (Hear, hear.) Dr Evanson then proceeded to eulogise the Zoological Society. It was certainly, as had been well stated by their President, one which gave evidence of an advanced stage of civilization. By studying the habits of the various animals in their collection, man was taught that these beautiful creatures were not created to gratify his lower propensities, but to afford a high and pure gratification to his better feelings and to his intellect he learnt to use, not to abuse them. And this pleasure, he was glad to say, was not confined to the better educated classes, but was open to all, and might encourage even the most humble to enter on the study of nature, the only path to the discovery of scientific truth. By thus bringing men, and particularly the young, in contact with the beautiful works of nature, their moral sentiments were cultivated, the influence of their lower passions was diminished, and hence the Society powerfully contributed to the amelioration of the human species. (Hear, hear.) He recollected that, at the time the British Association visited Dublin in 1835, no institution had received a more flattering meed of approbation than the Zoological Society. (Hear, hear.) He was, therefore, justified in repeating that this Society was worthy of all support and encouragement.-Dr Evanson concluded by thanking the President for having included the Phrenological Society in the list of the scientific associates of the Zoological Society. The latter Society, by so doing, had done equal honour to the Phrenological Society and to themselves. (Dr Evanson sat down amidst loud and long continued applause.)

:

ARTICLE XVI.

SHORT NOTICES OF BOOKS.

I. The Reasonableness of Phrenology; containing a sketch of the Origin, Progress, Principles, Proofs, and Tendencies, of that Science, &c. By JOSHUA TOULMIN SMITH, Esq. of Lincoln's Inn. London. Effingham Wilson. P. 33.

THIS is the first of a series of lectures delivered by Mr Smith to three different audiences, and printed at the request of several friends. It contains a brief but comprehensive historical outline of the discovery and progress of Phrenology, a sketch of the principles on which it is founded, and a reply to the arguments urged against it. It is agreeably written, and calculated to interest and instruct readers who desire to know the nature, objects, and foundation, of Phrenology. We regard it as a valuable addition to the science.

On the Comparative Merits of Drs Gall and Spurzheim.

On one point we beg to enter our dissent from some observations of Mr Smith, contained in the work which we have just noticed. He says that the "full tribute of respect and gratitude which is so justly due to Dr Gall, as the discoverer and first propagator of Phrenology, has been hitherto withheld, and even the votaries of the science themselves have been slow to render due honour to their master's memory. It is with deep regret that I am compelled to add, that Dr Spurzheim himself, who became the assistant and coadjutor of Gall during one portion of his career, not, however, until after Dr Gall had, unassisted, laid the foundation whereon the whole superstructure has been raised, exhibits an unworthy jealousy of his master's reputation, and seems too eager to appropriate to himself the greater part of the credit due to the founder of the science." These are heavy charges, and, as Dr Spurzheim is in the grave, they should not have been made, unless accompanied by unequivocal proofs to substantiate their truth; much less, in a mere introductory lecture, which in its own nature does not allow of the insertion of details, and which, besides, is intended to be read by individuals uninformed of the facts of the science, and who therefore cannot be supposed to be in possession of evidence sufficient to form a sound judgment for themselves. Mr Smith, in a note, excepts from his censure" the postscript to the third edition of Mr Combe's System, and some passages in the works of Drs Elliotson and A. Combe, and a few others, in which just allusion is made to the merits of the departed

philosopher." We do not know what Mr Smith may regard as a just tribute of respect to Dr Gall, but we always view that author as doing us the most ample justice who tells most fully and correctly what we have done for the science. Tried by this test, it is most incorrect to affirm that phrenologists have failed in gratitude to Dr Gall. In the preliminary dissertation to the Transactions of the Phrenological Society, read on the 14th of November 1892, Mr George Combe gives a succinct history of Dr Gall's life, of his discoveries of the functions of the brain, and of his efforts to diffuse the knowledge of the important truths which he had brought to light. The details regarding Dr Gall alone occupy ten pages of 8vo print, before Dr Spurzheim is introduced. These Transactions wele published in 1824, and in a foot-note to this dissertation, it is mentioned, that "the facts of a private nature stated in it are derived from letters of Dr Spurzheim to the Society, or to the author of the article." In the earlier numbers of the Phrenological Journal, whole chapters of Dr Gall's large work on the functions of the brain are translated; and in vol. ii. p. 188, there is a critique, at considerable length, on the respective merits of Drs Gall and Spurzheim, in which, with all deference to Mr Smith, a higher tribute of respect is paid by us to that distinguished man, than any that has yet emanated from the pen of Mr Smith himself. We remark, that much as we are indebted to Dr Spurzheim, we look beyond him to the still greater genius of Dr Gall, and say,

"This man is the master of us all."

This article enters into a detailed examination of what each had done for the science, and assigns to each the honour which appeared to us to be due to him. We expect that after Mr Smith has read that article, he will not reiterate his charge.

Neither is Mr Smith correct in saying that it was only in the third edition of Mr Combe's System that he proclaimed the merits of Dr Gall. In the second edition (the first which assumed the name of a System,) he gave a history of the science, and of the discovery of each organ by Dr Gall, and also passed a high eulogium on his genius and merits. The "conclusion" to the second edition, in which this tribute appeared, is reprinted verbatim in all the subsequent editions of Mr Combe's work. It contains these words," Looking forward to the time when the real nature and ultimate effects of Dr Gall's discovery shall be fully recognised, I cannot entertain a doubt that posterity will manifest as eager a desire to render honour to his memory, as his contemporaries have shewn to treat himself with indignity and contempt."

In Dr Spurzheim's Physiognomical System, published in

VOL. X.-NO. LII.

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