ciation for the advancement of purely physical discovery, while its extent is ample for the full employment of a separate one.

The immense importance of mental science to mankind has been overlooked, because for a very long period no discovery of any importance had been made in it. Philosophers had speculated only on their own individual consciousness, and had made themselves standards for the whole human race, neglecting, or setting aside as not worthy of regard, the marked differences of human talent and character. Attention has been attracted to

physical science, because discoveries were, to all appearance, more easily made, and every discovery opened the field still wider, so that every one found a range for his prevailing talent. Physiologists, however, have at last withdrawn the veil which had obscured and rendered uninviting the track of those who had embarked on the ocean of metaphysics, without a single fact to serve as a pilot.

Enough has been said to introduce what is proposed to be the manner of proceeding. As soon as a sufficient number of persons shall have announced their desire to be members, a general meeting will be held at such time and place as may appear convenient, at which officers will be selected, and rules for future government enacted. And, if they can be procured, reports will be read on the following subjects:

1. On the present state of mental science.

2. On the present state of our knowledge of the causes of insanity, idiocy, and other aberrations of the faculties.

3. On the present state of the criminal law, in reference to the mode of trial and punishment, and as applicable to the human faculties.

4. On the present mode of administering justice in civil

cases.

5. On the present state of education.

6. On the present state of political science.

7. On the present customs and usages of society, as affecting the faculties.

It is proposed that the inquiries to be instituted shall be remitted to different committees or sections as follows:

1. Enumeration and analysis of the human faculties; the physiology of the brain; the causes of difference in human talent and character; hereditary influences.

2. Education, in reference to health, and the discipline of the animal, intellectual, and moral faculties; the customs and usages of society, in reference to their influence on the human constitu

tion.

3. Civil and criminal legislation; the relations of man to external things.

4. Political economy; colonization; in reference to the moral faculties.

It is proposed that the sections shall report their proceedings daily to a general meeting, when, if any member shall choose to make observations, he shall be invited to deliver them, and some member of the section, on whose report the observations may be made, shall be at liberty to reply, after which no farther discussion shall be allowed; and a recommendation made to inquire farther into facts to be submitted to the section at the subsequent annual meeting. No question having any reference to religious creed to be admitted.

The establishment of such an Association as that proposed by Sir George Mackenzie, is certainly most desirable; but we fear that, unless the members were phrenologists, the business of the meetings would consist of vain and endless speculations, and that the most opposite opinions would be advocated without the possibility of appealing for their support or refutation to any fixed and admitted standard. On the other hand, were half of the members phrenological, and the other half unphrenological, the Association would evidently prove inoperative,-those ignorant of phrenology denying, doubting, or groping for principles which the phrenologists consider fully established; and the phrenologists, on their side, by no means consenting to be thus retarded in their progress. We would suggest, therefore, that the phrenologists of the United Kingdom should associate, and meet once a-year in some central place, such as York. Phrenologists would all agree on fundamental points, and it cannot be doubted, that, by such meetings, and the reading of reports like those suggested in Sir George Mackenzie's prospectus, a very decided impetus would be given both to the advancement and to the diffusion of phrenology. The public might be attracted to some of the meetings by lectures on the history and principles of the science.

As the maturest consideration ought to be bestowed on this important subject, we recommend it to the attention of phrenologists and phrenological societies throughout the kingdom, and shall be happy to receive communications (post paid, through any of our publishers) from all who incline to favour us with their suggestions, or promise of support to the projected Association. Should insuperable difficulties present themselves, it deserves to be considered by Phrenological Societies whether they should not individually hold annual general meetings, as the Parisian Society does, and invite the public to hear reports of the labours of the preceding year, and the progress which phrenology is making throughout the world.-EDITOR.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES.

EDINBURGH. The following evening courses of Lectures are being delivered in the Waterloo Rooms, under the auspices of the Edinburgh Association for Procuring Instruction in Useful and Entertaining Sciences:-1. Lectures on Phrenology (twice a-week), giving a full view of the Philosophy of the Human mind, and embracing the applications of the Science to Education,— Morals, Criminal Legislation,-Insanity,-Health,-the elucidation of Character, and the Happiness and Moral and Intellectual Improvement of the Human Race. By Mr George Combe.- 2. On the Laws of the Animal Economy (once a-week), embracing a Popular View of Anatomy and Physiology, and the application of their principles to the preservation of Health. By Dr Allen Thomson.- And 3. A second course of Natural Philosophy (once a-week), on subjects which were either altogether omitted, or but slightly treated of, in last winter's course, such as the doctrine of Bodies or Matter in general-Atmosphere-Heat-Electricity-Meteorology-Galvanism-Magnetism, and the general features of Astronomy with a view to the formation of artificial Globes and the construction of Maps and Charts. By George Lees, A.M., of the Scottish Naval and Military Academy. The attendance at these Lectures is shown by the following statement of tickets sold, and visitors admitted, down to the 4th February 1835:

'I

We extract the following from the Edinburgh Chronicle of 27th December 1834:-"A correspondent in Melrose reminds us, that in making, some time back, a few remarks upon Phrenology, we promised that we would take an early opportunity to enter at more length into that important question. have waited,' he says. and watched for that number, but it has never appeared; and in the sickness arising from hope deferred, I have taken the Îiberty of begging that you will, in as early a number as possible, express your opinions upon its tendency and merits. The operatives in the south of Scotland are beginning to appreciate its merits. Nothing but cheap information on the subject is required. A public lecturer upon that interesting science would meet with certain and deserved success. Many of the readers of your journal in this quarter, have a faint perception of its doctrines, and the expression of your opinion would be an unspeakable benefit and pleasure.' We have no recollection of the particular occasion alluded to, but have no doubt we did make such a promise, and we assure our correspondent that we are exceedingly pleased to find that the subject excites so much interest. To those who are not acquainted with the principles of the science-and we can pretend only to a knowledge of these we dare say it may appear ultraabsurd; but our belief is, that were Phrenology generally understood—and it has only to be understood in order to be appreciated-it would lead to a complete and most beneficial social revolution. But we cannot enter into its merits at present, and are afraid it will not be in our power for some time, owing to the present state of the political world. We hope, however, in due time to be enabled to devote an article or two to its consideration."

The January and February numbers of the Christian Pioneer, a Glasgow periodical, contain the first and second of a series of articles on phrenology, and a regular continuation is promised. Considering the philosophy of mind," says the Editor, "to be one of the most important subjects that can engage human attention, and that every thing which tends to throw light on mental phenomena must be useful to man, we have requested a series of papers on phrenology from an individual well qualified to do justice to that interesting science; and though we do not pledge ourselves to coincide with every statement he may make, we are well satisfied that none will be made

but such as will merit candid and serious consideration." The first article consists of preliminary observations intended to remove hostile prejudices; and in the second is given the history of Phrenology, down to the departure of Gall and Spurzheim from Vienna in 1805. The editor of the Edinburgh Chronicle, in order to meet the request of his Melrose correspondent, has copied the former of these articles, slightly abridged, into his paper of 31st January, and promises to quote the others as they make their appearance. "To such of our readers," he observes, "as still labour under the erroneous impression that Phrenology is a tissue of unfounded and absurd doctrines, we may mention, that it is taught as the true physiology of the brain, and the science of mind, by professors in the London University, in the University of Dublin, in the Andersonian University in Glasgow, and by eminent private lecturers in Edinburgh-that its general principles are now admitted to be true, even by professors of the old school, who continue to deny its details, but at first ridiculed it entirely-that at a late meeting of the Royal Medical Society of this city, (the most important of the juvenile societies connected with medicine,) at which it formed the subject of the evening's discussion, the essayist, and all the speakers except one, declared in favour of its truththat the spirited editors of Chambers's Information for the People,' in a recent number of that work on Moral Philosophy, gave phrenology the preference, for clearness and usefulness, over all former systems of mental philosophy-and that, at the present time, Mr Combe is lecturing in the Waterloo Rooms twice a-week, to an audience of 250 of the citizens of Edinburgh, of all ages and pursuits. These facts, we hope, will be accepted as an apology for our complying with the request alluded to, by presenting some account of the subject in our columns."

PHRENOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-The following office-bearers were elected on 27th November 1834:-George Combe, President; John Anderson, jun., Arthur Trevelyan, Sir G. S. Mackenzie, Bart., and Dr Francis Farquharson, VicePresidents; John F. Macfarlan, Lindsay Mackersy, Charles Maclaren, H. T. M. Witham, Dr John Scott, and P. Deseret, Councillors; Dr William Gre gory, Secretary; Robert Cox, Conservator of Museum; D. Campbell, Clerk. Several donations have been lately received:-Skull found under the foundation of the old steeple of Montrose, presented by Dr William Gregory; cast of skull of the Dugong or Indian mermaid, presented by Mr Anthony O'Neill; and three Hindoo skulls-two found on the banks of the Hoogley, and one from Pullicate on the Coromandel coast, presented by John Chisholm, Esq., surgeon, London.

GLASGOW. On Monday 5th January, a phrenological soirée was held in the Andersonian University. There was a good attendance of ladies and gentlemen, but little or no discussion took place, as Professor Hunter and the other phrenologists had almost undisputed possession of the field. Dr Lawrie was the only opponent that presented himself, and even he admitted the claim of Phrenology to be ranked as a science." At the following soirée, Dr Hunter introduced some remarks on national character, illustrated by a selection of casts.

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DUNFERMLINE.-Mr W. A. F. Browne having undertaken, at the conclusion of his course of Lectures on Phrenology in Dunfermline last year, to give there an annual lecture on the science, delivered that for 1835, on 10th February, at a quarter past o'clock P. M., in the Maygate Chapel. The subject which he treated was National Character, and the audience amounted to about two hundred and fifty individuals, each of whom paid sixpence. The delivery of an annual lecture in other provincial towns would be attended with much benefit.

DUNDEE. On the forenoon of Sunday 11th January, a lecture on the connexion between Phrenology and Christianity was delivered in the Thistle Hall, Union Street, by the Rev. H. Clarke. This lecture gave so much satisfaction, that, as we learn, the Dundee Mechanics' Phrenological Society intend to print it. Mr Clarke has delivered several additional lectures on Phrenology.

GREENOCK. The Phrenological Society of this town has lately procured an extensive collection of casts, and is proceeding with great vigour in the study of Phrenology. We beg to be favoured with occasional accounts of the progress of this and other societies.

SOUTHAMPTON.-Mr J. R. Stebbing lectured on Phrenology here in November last. He was attacked by a correspondent of the Hampshire Advertiser, on the subject of dreaming, &c.; but in a subsequent number of that paper was defended by a third party, and also by himself. The opponent, as usual, evinced the utmost ignorance of the science.

UNITED STATES. -From the second number of the Annals of Phrenology, we learn that the Boston Phrenological Society held regular meetings last summer, which were attended with unabated interest. A remittance of L.100 was made to London in order to purchase casts. A course of public lectures, commencing on 3d October, at seven o'clock P. M., has been delivered at the Masonic Temple, under the direction of the Society.-A social Phrenological Society, composed of ladies and gentlemen, has been formed at Hingham. "Its members are of the most respectable families in the town, and their display of ability, and zeal in the study of the science, is highly creditable." -At Nantucket a similar society has been organised. "Its members are able and active. Mr Dunkin has just closed a course of lectures on Phrenology at this place. It was exceedingly popular."-At Brunswick, Maine, "a Society has been formed, in which the best students of the College take an active part. Its success is certain."—At Andover, Amherst, and Hanover, N. H., "Phrenological Clubs have been formed by the students, and the science receives no small share of their attention."-Societies have arisen also in South Reading, Leicester, Worcester, Hanover, Mass., Providence, R. I., and Hartford, Con. The Boston Medical Magazine defends Phrenology in an unqualified manner; and the reprints of Mr Combe's System and Elements of Phrenology, &c., and of Dr Combe's Observations on Mental Derangement, have met with a very rapid sale. In short, the prospect from the other side of the Atlantic is cheering beyond expectation.

Dr Caldwell's excellent Treatise on Physical Education, published at Boston several months ago, has been received, and will be noticed. We have been gratified by receiving a copy of a useful little volume of 192 pages, entitled Illustrations of Phrenology; being a Selection of Articles from the Edinburgh Phrenological Journal, and the Transactions of the Edinburgh Phrenological Sciety. With twenty-six wood-cuts. Edited by George H. Calvert. With an Introduction by the Editor. Baltimore, 1832." The editor's introduction is very well compiled, but his alteration of the numbering of the organs seems to us uncalled for, and tending to produce confusion. The remaining contents of the volume are the cases of Gottfried, Williams, Bishop, Burk, Hare, Pope Alexander VI, Melancthon, King Robert Bruce, and the Rev. Mr M.; with reports of Dr Gall's visit to the prisons of Berlin and Spandau, Mr Combe's visit to Dublin, and Mr Deville's examination of heads of convicts on board the ship England in 1826. The idea of the volume is excellent; and the wood-cuts, though in general coarsely executed, add much to its value. Such a book is well fitted to rouse the attention of the indifferent, and to lengthen the visage of the scoffer.

PARIS. The January number of the Journal of the Paris Phrenological Society has just been received. It is now increased to the octavo size, and contains much interesting and original matter.

QUICK AT MEALS, QUICK AT WORK.-In a notice of the last number of this Journal, in the Lancet of 27th December 1834, some degree of misapprehension is fallen into, regarding what is said on p. 117, in an editorial note at the end of Mr Noble's Essay on the Temperaments. We there observed, that," cæteris paribus, temperament seems to affect equally every part of the body; so that if the muscles be naturally active and energetic, we may expect also activity and energy of the brain." This principle, we added, is virtually recognized by William Cobbett, in a passage quoted, where he in