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specific differences of individuals are referable to their organic differences; and, in the case of the brain, to specific diversities in the organ itself.

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We next argue the truth of Phrenology in relation to memory. Upon this subject the most unphilosophical opinions were prevalent. There was nothing like classification of memory. A man was esteemed to have a good memory, who could easily retain historical facts, or store up words; bat phrenologists have proved that this faculty is greatly diversified. Thus, one man may remember words, another places; and a third, events. Now, on what principle can this variety be explained, except on the principles of Phrenology? On these principles, the ability to recollect is always coordinate with the faculty to perceive and appreciate certain things. Thus, one individual recollects a train of reasoning in mathematics, and another, a series of events in history; but the predilections of these individuals is not at variance with their ability to recollect; proving that the strong powers memory, in a given direction, are the result of strong powers of perception in that direction, rendering the impressions vivid, and the more easily recalled. The phrenologist can thus account for the apparent stupidity of persons ou the score of memory. Where he observes a deficiency in the ability to perceive, he naturally infers an inability to recollect; but the followers of the old school of philosophy make no such distinction: hence their blunders and inconsistencies. Some striking exemplifications of this position might be adduced. It used to be inferred very generally, that a boy who evinced great arithmetical abilities, would necessarily make a good mathematician. The experiment has been tried many times, and issued in the most complete failure. Thus, a mind that could realize the result of a complicated arithmetical proposition, after toiling over an ordinary problem in geometry, found itself incapable of recalling the reasoning in the latter process. If memory, then, be a faculty independent of the capacities of the mind for perception, how is it possible to account for its strength as to some things, and its weakness as to others, in the same mind? and that such differences exist, is undoubted, whether Phrenology be true or false. If, however, it be granted, that Phrenology is true, as the science of mind, the difficulty at once vanishes.

Man is intended for two spheres of action-the terrestrial and the celestial. Both have their peculiarities; and beings who are intended for these several states possess those peculiarities. Thus it is evident that a being, constituted as man now is, could not exist on the planet Mercury. If he were destined to be transplanted thither, he would be adapted to the peculiarities of that planet. But would the alteration in him be in his spiritual essence or in his corporeal part? Doubtless in the latter. It is so then in reference to his present dwelling-place-the earth. The earth was first formed, then man. In the constitution of the earth, there are endless diversities; so is it in the constitution of men. But are these diversities in the essence of the mind, or in the material vehicle? In the latter, no doubt; if not, they must be inseparable from the man, and he would carry them into a world, where, in all probability, they would be useless to him; for they would be useless in any sphere unlike that in which he now lives. The differences then being purely physical, Phrenology accounts for them and no other system does. Phrenology shows that certain peculiarities of mental constitution are always found linked to certain peculiarities of cerebral conformation; and these being invariable, the phrenologist fairly infers that the connexion is that of cause and effect.

There are many objections urged against Phrenology. From the character of these arguments, however, three only will be noticed. The first is that, on the principles of Phrenology, there can be no progression in mental power. The physical organ being given to a man, he cannot alter it in any way; it has an assigned capacity, a fixed limit, and beyond that limit it is impossible to advance. The second objection is, that as there are no diversities on the brain corresponding to those on the skull, and as there are no sections on the brain itself comformable to the phrenological chart, the skull, on the one hand, cannot be taken as an index of the brain; and the brain, on the other, affords no data for concluding a difference betwixt one part and another. The third is, that Phrenology leads to materialism.

In reference to the first objection, we reply that the limit to the progress of the mind lies not in itself, nor in its physical organ; but in that upon which the mind exercises itself. If the subject be mathematics, and the physical organ be suitably constructed, so long as there is a problem to be solved, the physical organ being healthy, presents no obstruction to progress. There is an original difference in individuals, as we have before intimated, which gives one an advantage one way, and another in some other way; and this advantage may always be preserved. But so far from this being an impassable barrier to the acquisition of mental power, of a kind for which there is not a natural ability, the individual with the superior faculty may, by a disuse of it, be outstripped by another of inferior power, who spares no means to improve it. The strength of the faculty, education, temperament, and circumstances being equal, is in the ratio of the size of the organ; and the size of the organ may be greatly increased by discipline and constant exercise. To some this may appear incredible; but a glance at one or two facts will convince them of the reasonableness of this position. In the ordinary avocations of life it will be found that the size of any bodily member as the eye, the hand, or the foot, is in the proportion of its exercise. Thus the hand and arm of the sailor and smith are large and muscular; the eye of the optician and watchmaker is large and intense, that is, the eye which is mostly used; and the foot of the gardener and miner is large and hard. But it will be replied, that the physical causes here are apparent; the contact betwixt these members and the materials on which they operate produces the difference. This does not however invalidate the analogy; for these facts prove, beyond all dispute, that constant exercise is the efficient cause, But yet more in point. Let any one observe the ampleness and smoothness of forehead in the man of letters after a life of hard study, compared with the forehead of one who has for years performed a monotonous round of simple duties, and he cannot fail to attribute the difference to the intensity, in the one case, and the mildness, in the other, of the exercise of the brain.

The second objection is, that there is no correspondence betwixt the shape of the brain, and the figure of the skull; and that there is no indication on the brain of a division into parts, like the phrenological chart. Our reply to the first part of this objection is, that it is a mere assumption, unsustained by the slightest proof; for the brain, in a state of life and activity, is beyond the reach of observation. The only condition under which the brain can be examined, is when detached from the head; and, being soft and heavy, it falls into any shape, rather than that which it assumed in the skull. But there is a stronger proof of the impossibility of forming a just conclusion as to its exact shape when in a state of activity. The cessation of mental ex

citement, caused by the withdrawal of vitality, would leave the brain, but for its solidity, much in the same state as a balloon exhausted of its aeriform contents, collapsed. With regard to the second part of the objection, we reply that it is not necessary to indicate the outlines of the several organs by some perceptible marks on the brain; for so long as a certain faculty is always found in connexion with a certain external developement, and that developement is caused by a corresponding protuberance in the brain itself, the exact outline on the brain could serve no useful purpose, since, as before remarked, it is beyond our observation. But the opponents of Phrenology, we are inclined to think, have concluded too hastily on this point; for it is more than probable that an actual division of the brain by a very subtle membrane does exist. More than one eminent anatomist has hinted at this, and a more exact examination may demonstrate it.

The last objection is, that this science favours materialism. Why? Is it inimical to the doctrine of a spiritual immortal mind? Certainly not. It is impossible to conceive of a mass of matter like the brain, whether it acts as a whole in each phenomenon, or partially, according to the phenomenon, as the source of its own activity. The brain, like any other matter, is subject to certain laws. Apart from the directing and moving mind, it is inert. But in connexion with the spiritual mind, it is a beautiful and powerful instrument. Indeed, so far from Phrenology favouring materialism, it is only on the principle of the existence of a governing spiritual power that the individual possesses the means, by close application and discipline, to improve any organ; otherwise, he must be regarded as a creature of necessity, and his mind, such as it is, would be a congeries of unequal powers and propensities-broken, irregular, destitute of unity. Phrenology has countenanced materialism in no respect than this, for which it is not responsible, viz., that whilst the old system of mental philosophy confined itself to the mind in its ideal state, as independent of the brain, Phrenology, grappling with the error, devoted all its attention to the instrument of the mind, demonstrating that no system can be perfect which does not fully develope the part which it fills in the economy of mental science.

In conclusion, it must not be forgotten, as a direct advantage derived from Phrenology, that it has given the most symmetrical and perfect nomenclature of the mental faculties which we possess. By the aid of this all discussion on the subject of mind is greatly facilitated. Under the old system almost every thing was vague. There were comparatively few explicit terms. The names of many of the faculties varied with the fancy of the writer. Reason, understanding, memory, mental states, and such like, were the names commonly used, and more definiteness was impossible under such a system. Another, but a collateral advantage, that has resulted from the study of phrenology, is a more complete anatomy; and, by consequence, a better knowledge of the diseases of the brain, which, perhaps, is a gain to the medical profession, rather than to mental philosophy. Yet to the latter it possesses this advantage, that as the brain is the instrument of the mind, it cannot but be desirable to know every thing that interferes with its healthful and vigorous action.

INTELLIGENCE.

METROPOLITAN INTELLIGENCE.

OUR report of the proceedings of the Metropolitan Drapers' Association, last month, was so complete, that little remains to be said, in our present number, further than that the same good spirit prevails among the general body, and the same energy and activity on the part of the Central Committee. In pursuance of their plan of visiting the different Districts of the Metropolis, Public Meetings have been held, during the month, in the Strand, Oxford Street, Edgeware Road, Blackfriars Road, Holborn, Borough, and Westminster Districts, at which Resolutions, expressive of sympathy with the objects of the Association, and confidence in the plans of the Central Committee, have been unanimously adopted. Preparations are also being made for holding Meetings in Chelsea, and other districts, in the course of the present month.

MINUTES OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

OF THE METROPOLITAN DRAPERS' AS-
SOCIATION.

January 22nd.-Resolved, "1st. That the thanks of the Committee be forwarded to Dr. Lankester, for his able and instructive Lecture, at the Islington and Pentonville Institute, on the 17th January; to George Knox, Esq., M.A., for presiding upon the occasion ; and to the Committee of the Institute for the use of their Lecture Room."

"2d. That this Committee accept, with pleasure, the services of Mr. Keeling, as Standing Chairman of the Committee; and that his election to the said office take place from the present date until the 1st April ensuing."

"3d. That the thanks of the Committee be given to Mr. Francis, for his valuable services during the time he has acted as Chairman of the Committee."

"4th. That Mr. Durrant be requested to act as Deputy Chairman to the Committee until April 1st."

"5th. That this Committee, feeling desirous of aiding the Linen Drapers', Silk Mercers', Lacemen's, Hosiers' and Haberdashers' Institution, request the different District Secretaries to use their influence in procuring Subscribers, the names of such Subscribers to be presented, through Emerson Tennant, Esq., M.P., Chairman, at the Annual Dinner of the Institution."

January 29.-Mr. Cocket read the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the subject of officers for the Association. Other matters of detail, connected with the interest of the Association, were also considered, but not of sufficient importance to report.

February 5th.-Letters were read from various provincial towns, detailing the progress of the movement in their neighbourhoods, making applications for advice, &c.

Resolved, "1st. That Messrs. Foskey and Rennie be elected as a deputation to attend at the conference of the Young Men's Association, at the Surrey Chapel and School Rooms, on Thursday, 13th inst."

"2nd. That ten thousand of a tract, for the City District, submitted to the Committee, be printed."

"3d. That the Report of the Rooms' Committee be received."

"4th. That the Rooms' Committee be empowered to engage the Rooms, 355, Strand, and that the same Committee do inquire into the expense of furnishing them."

February 12th.-The Hon. Secretary read the financial statement.

Resolved, "1st. That the Honorary Secretary be empowered to engage the Rooms, and enter an agreement concerning them.”

"2nd. That Mr. Prentice and Mr. Dixon supply the place of Messrs. Foskey and Rennie, at Surrey Chapel."

"3d. That the documents presented by Mr. Dixon, with reference to a new mode of collecting subscriptions, &c., be referred to the Finance Committee, and that they be requested to report thereon, at the next meeting."

"4th. That the Tract submitted by Mr. Lilwall, as Chairman of the Tract Committee, be received by the Committee."

February 19th.-Resolved, "1st. That Mr. Fiveash, Mr. Austin, and Mr. Robinson, be added to the Public Meeting Committee."

"2nd. That the Report of the Rooms' Committee, respecting the furnishing of the Rooms, be received, and that immediate steps be taken for carrying out its recommendations."

"3d. That Waterloo-house be included in the Strand district."

This Resolution was adopted in consequence of the house in question containing several talented and energetic young men, whose services would be most valuable, in a new district like the Strand, with which it is also nearly connected by situation.

LINEN DRAPERS, Silk Mercers', LaceMEN'S, HABERDASHERS', AND HOSIERS' INSTITUTION.-That an Institution which, like the Linen Drapers' and Silk Mercers', has so much to recommend itself to every individual member of that numerous body after whom it is named, and for whose benefit it was founded, should, after twelve or thirteen years' existence, have received the support at the most of only one-twelfth of those who are eligible to become members, can be accounted for only on the supposi tion that its character is not fully understood, and that its various proceedings, from time to time, have not been made public. We hope for the future to remedy in some measure these defects. We shall avail ourselves gladly of every opportunity to explain its character and advocate its claims. As a commencement, with sincere pleasure we insert the following letter from the Secretary of the Institution, and also the report presented at the last General Meeting, with which he accompanied it.

"To the Editor of the Student.
"24, Surrey Street, Strand.
"15th Feb. 1845.

"Sir, I have recently read your addresses in the numbers of the Student of this and the last month, and, considering that it may be agreeable to you to receive, in time for insertion in the March number, a copy of the Report of this Institution, intended to be presented at the Annual Court, at Exeter Hall, on the 20th inst., I forward to you a copy.

"My object in addressing you, as I now do, without the knowledge of any person

connected with the Institution, of which I am the Secretary, is not that your pages, under the superintendence, as they are, of the Metropolitan Drapers' Association, should be made unfairly a vehicle for the promotion of the interests of an Institution with which the Association has been and must continue to be unconnected, but simply, that as the means of publishing the Report immediately after the Annual Court are sought by many, the circumstance of the Court being held so late as the third Thursday in the month, shall not preclude your giving the particulars of the Report in your next publication.

"The stirring appeal made in your opening address to young men, engaged in the various trades, must have a beneficial effect; and that you may long continue to inculcate the importance of laying hold of great principles of aiming at excellence-and of extending thought to the future, is the sincere wish of,

"Sir,

"Your very obedient servant,
"GEO. BRACE, Secretary.”

Report of the Board of Directors, for the year 1844.

"The transactions of the year 1844 present a very flattering proof of the increasing favour with which the principles and praetice of the Institution are regarded. Every branch of revenue exhibits an increase, and the amounts paid for relief, although awarded to every applicant who could, under the most liberal construction of the Rules, be considered as entitled to partici pate in the funds, have not exceeded those been reasonably expected. of 1843, to the extent which might have

"The last Report, dated 3rd January, 1844, showed that £2,461. 15s. 7d. had been received during the year 1843, and that the Funds then consisted of £10,000. 3 per cent. Consolidated Bank Annuities; £10,000. 3 per cent. Reduced Bank Annuities; £230. 13s. 11d. per annum Long Annuities; £451. 11s. in the hands of the Treasurers; and £9. 14s. 6d. with the Secretary.

"Since the date of that Report, the following sums have been received:—

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