Synopsis of phrenology and the phrenological developments : together with the character and talents of [blank] as given by [blank] : with reference to those pages of "Phrenology proved, illiustrated, and applied," in which will be found a full and correct delineation of the intellectual and moral character and manifestations of the above-named individual / by O.S. Fowler.

  • Fowler, O. S. (Orson Squire), 1809-1887.
Date:
[1838]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Synopsis of phrenology and the phrenological developments : together with the character and talents of [blank] as given by [blank] : with reference to those pages of "Phrenology proved, illiustrated, and applied," in which will be found a full and correct delineation of the intellectual and moral character and manifestations of the above-named individual / by O.S. Fowler. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    PHRENOLOGY. Develops and points out those relations which exist between certain conditions and developments of the brain, and the manifestations of the mind. For a statement of the fundamental principles of this science, the reader is referred either to the cover of this synopsis, or else to pp. 7—36, of Phrenology Proved, &c. We have here only room to allude briefly to the principal conditions upon which the mental manifestations are found to depend.* These are mainly as follows. L The size of the braijt, other conditions being equal, is found to be the measure of the aggregate amount of the mental power; and the rela- tive size of the several organs of an individual, indicates the proportional strength and energy of his corresponding/«cw//(es. It should, however, be remembered, that the amount of one's mental power, depends even more upon these other conditions, such as his organization, or the vigour of his constitution, the condition of his nutri- tive organs, the state of his health, his temperament, the amount of excitement under which his various faculties act, his education, habits, diet, &c, than upon the size of his brain alone. Accordingly, in conse- quence of different degrees of health, rest, fatigue, excitement, &c, the manifested quantity or amount of a man's mental power, will vary twenty, forty, and even eighty per cent, whilst the kind or quality will differ little if any. Hence, both in proving phrenology, and also in applying its principles, the province of the phrenologist is to point out the character or kind of talents and mental power, rather than their precise amount; and yet, if he is informed as to these other conditions, (and it is not only his right to know them, but preposterous in him to pronounce with- out such knowledge,) he can ascertain very nearly the amount, as well as the kind, of intellect and feeling. Average.—One having an average-sized brain, with activity only average, will discover only an ordinary amount of intellect; be inadequate to any important undertaking; yet, in a small sphere, or one that requires only a mechanical routine of business, may do well: with activity great or very great, and the organs of the propelling powers and of practical intellect, large or very large, is capable of doing a fair business, and may pass for a man of some talent, yet he will not be original nor profound; will be quick of perception ; have a good practical understanding ; will do well in his sphere, yet never manifest any traces of greatness, and out of his sphere, be common-place : with moderate or small activity, will hardly have common sense. One having a full-sized brain, with activity great or very great, the organs of practical intellect and of the propelling powers, large or O^and tl * The succeeding descriptions, and also those referred to in Phrenology Proved, &.C., are predicated on the supposition that the brain is full or large in size—the orga- nization gounil—health fair or good—activity full or great; and that the faculties have not been mis-directed. For the effects of the combined action of the faculties, which constitute by far the most important portion of phrenology, or, rather, its very essence, and without a know- ledge of which no correct estimate of character can be formed, the reader is referred to Phrenology Proved. &c, the main design of which is to present this hitherto neslected, but all important, feature of this subject. Before the terms Average, Full, Large, Very Large, Moderate, Small, and Very Small, the reader will ulease supply the ellipsis, one having this organ.