Strictures on the conduct of Hewett Watson in his capacity of editor of the Phrenological Journal; with an appendix, containing a speculative analysis of the mental functions / by T. S. Prideaux.

  • Prideaux, T. S. (Thomas Symes)
Date:
1840
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Strictures on the conduct of Hewett Watson in his capacity of editor of the Phrenological Journal; with an appendix, containing a speculative analysis of the mental functions / by T. S. Prideaux. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    organs so nearly balance each other, that his character would most probably be determined by the circumstances in which he was placed; that if he had the benefit of moral training when young, though he would be never remarkable for the elevation of his sentiments, the strictness of his sense of justice, or the philanthropy of his views, he might yet pass through life without the commission of serious crimes ; and that if on the other hand, he had the misfortune early in life to become associated with the vicious and depraved, he might probably be led into the commission of actions which would render him amenable to the criminal laws of his country, though he would never become so utterly depraved and abandoned as many criminals, and would be still further distinguished from them by the greater con¬ trition and remorse he would evince for his crimes ? It appears to me that such a description of his character would probably approximate so nearly to the truth, as to produce an impression favourable to phrenology; whereas, the former mode of procedure, that is declining to give any opinion at all, would not improbably excite suspicion. I am aware that it ought not to, but we must take the world as it is, and accommodate ourselves to its failings.” This presumption of mine, in venturing to offer an opinion in opposition to that of so august a personage as the editor of the Phrenological Journal, was not to be tolerated, and accord¬ ingly the whole of my communication was suppressed.* Aware that this conduct must appear rather extraordinary, Mr. W. accounted for it some little time afterwards in a letter, by saying that it was caused by numbers being employed instead of the organs in stating the developement, and his feeling doubtful as to what organs the respective numbers were intended to designate. Deeming that the numbering of the organs adopted by Spurzheim * No one I think acquainted with the equitable spirit in which the Journal was conducted by the ex-editors, and the high moral tone which then pervaded it, can for a moment doubt but that after pronouncing an opinion condemnatory of the practice, or supposed practice of an individual, they would have deemed themselves bound to have given equal publicity to his explanation. Candour unfortunately appears to have no place in Mr. Watson’s code of morality. D
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