These are grounds for presuming that time brain is not single, but a cluster of organs, or at least that it is capable of acting in parts as well as in whole. For this conclusion the phrenologists consider that they have proofs in numerous observa tions. showing that particular manifestations of mind are proportioned, in intensity and frequency of recurrence, to the size or expansion of particular parts of the brain— this law being subject to modification in the case of the brain, as in that of the muscles and other parts of the body, by differences of health, quality, exercise, etc.
If the size of organ, co3teris paribus, is the measure of the vigor of function, it is of great moment in what region of the brain the organs are largest—whether in the animal, moral, or intellectual. On this preponderance depends the character. Two brains may he exactly alike in size generally, yet the characters may be perfect contrasts to each other.
It is held by phrenologists-1. That by accurate observation of human actions, it is possible to discover the strength of the dispositions and intellectual powers of men; 2. That the forum of the brain can, in normal subjects not beyond middle age, be ascertained with sufficient accuracy front the external form of the head—the brain, though the softer substance, being what determines the shape of the skull; 3. That the organs or parts of which the brain is composed appear on its surface in folds or convolutions, which have a %veil-asce•tained fibrous connection with the medulla oblongata, which -nites the brain to the spinal cord; 4. That the brain being divided into two equal parts called hem ispheres,. in each of which the same organ occurs, all the organs are double, like the earsand eyes. See BRAIN. But when the term organ is used, both organs are meant.
It is true that where strength is most needful, the skull is thicker than at other places; but this is not overlooked by phrenologists, nor do they fail to warn observers against mistaking for signs of cerebral development the bony processes and ridges which serve for the attachment of muscles to the skull. See SKULL. They recognize alSo, as we shall see. the uncertainty often occasined by the frontal sinus.
Besides the brain proper, there is a smaller brain, lying below the hinder part of time main brain, and called the cerebellum.
The brain is divided into the anterior, middle and posterior lobes. The anterior lobe contains the organs of the intellectual faculties; the posterior lobe and lower range of the middle one are the regions of the animal propensities; while the moral sentiments are stated to have their organs developed on the top or coronal region of the head.
Phrenologists distinguish between power and a^tirity in the mental faculties. Power, in whatever degree possessed, is capability of feeling, perceiving, or thinking; while activity is readiaess and quickness in the exercise of power.
The powers of mind, as manifested by the organs, are called faculties. A faculty may be defined to be a particular power of thinking or feeling. A faculty is regarded as elementary or primary-1. When it exists in one kind of animal, and not in another; 2. When it varies in the two sexes of the same species; 3. When it is not in proportion to the other faculties of the same individual; 4. When it appears earlier or later in life than the other faculties; 5. When it may act or repose singly; 6. When it is propagated from parent to child; and 7. When it may singly preserve its• soundness, or singly become deranged or extinct.
The faculties are usually divided by phrenologists into two orders—FEEmscs and INTELLECT, or AFFECTIVE ;111(1 INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. The feelings are divided into two genera—time propensities and the sentiments; while the intellectual embrace the percep tive or knowing, and the reflective faculties. This classification, however, is avowedly Imperfect.
The following is a representation of the human head in four points of view, showing the positions of the cerebral organs, according to Mr. Combe: 1. A nativeness, or sexual love, is believed to have for its organ the cerebellum, or at least a portion of it. As the basis of domestic life, this faculty is of great importance, and its regulation has ever been one of the prime objects of moralists and legislators.
2. Pfdlopronenitireness, or love of offspring, is generally strongest in the female. Its organ is one of the easiest to distinguish in the bunion head. Those who are flat and pApendicular there, instead of being delighted, are annoyed by children. The feeling is said to give a tender sympathy with weakness and helplessness in general. The most savage races must have affection for their young, or they would become extinct. The organ, like the other cerebral parts, may become diseased, and insanity on the subject of children often occurs.