Phrenology versus intemperance : a lecture on temperance, considered physiologically and phrenologically : or, The laws of life, and the principles of the human constitution, as developed by the sciences of phrenology and physiology, applied to total abstinence from all alcoholic and intoxicating drinks / by O.S. Fowler.

  • Fowler, O. S. (Orson Squire), 1809-1887.
Date:
1841
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Phrenology versus intemperance : a lecture on temperance, considered physiologically and phrenologically : or, The laws of life, and the principles of the human constitution, as developed by the sciences of phrenology and physiology, applied to total abstinence from all alcoholic and intoxicating drinks / 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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    ures flow from law obeyed, all our pains from law violated. And as the observance or violation of these laws depends mostly upon each individ- ual for himself, his happiness or misery is mostly in his own keeping— the reward or penalty of his own actions. Inference.—A knowledge of those laws which govern the influen- ces of body upon mind and mind upon body, is as much more impor- tant than is a knowledge of the laws of mechanics or natural philosophy, of chemistry or navigation, of astronomy, or any other thing appertain- ing to matter, as mind is superior to matter. And yet man's utter igno- rance in relation to this subject, is as deplorable as it is almost total. Every thing else is studied and this neglected, yet this should be fully understood, even at the sacrifice of all other knowledge. These three propositions constitute our base lines, our starting points, our corner stones. Who will gainsay or resist them? They stand unshaken and unmoved, being based upon the immutable, invariable laws of nature. PROPOSITION IV.—Balance of power constitutes perfection, and with it that obediente to law which secures enjoyment; whilst both the excessive and deficient action of any part constitutes imperfection, or that violation of law which induces pain.—First, in reference to the several parts of the body. As an organized being, man is composed of three principal classes of organs. 1. The vital temperament or nutri- tive apparatus, namely, the heart, lungs, blood, digestive apparatus, &c, embracing the entire system of inside organs, which manufacture vital- ity, furnish animal vigor, and re-supply the brain, nerves and muscles with that vital energy which their every action compels them to expend. 2. The motive apparatus, embracing the bones, muscles, sinews, ten- dons, &c, which constitute the frame work of the system, give it its size and shape, and produce bodily motion, physical strength, <fcc, and 3. The brain and nervous system, the exercise of which produces thought, feeling, sensation, talents, memory, &c* Nearly every form of physi- cal pain and disease is caused mainly by the deficient or excessive action of one or more of these temperaments. If carried far, they hasten death, but when they are all well developed and equally balanced, there will be an abundant supply of vital energy to keep the animal economy in mo- tion, a proportionate supply of physical strength, love of exercise, and ability to labor, together with lively sensibilities, intensity of feeling, and power of thought, the result of which will be good health, long life, physical and mental enjoyment in the highest degree of which our nature is susceptible, and a high order of natural talent. But on the principle that an overloaded stomach withdraws the strength from the brain and muscles, the predominance or deficiency of either part tends to increase the excess or defect, which augments the evil, being the reverse of what should take place. This exhausts the weaker temperaments which go by the board, carrying health, happiness, and life along with them. The best condition of body, the one most favorable to true greatness and a general genius, to balance and consistency of character, and to perfection in every thing, is that in which each temperament is strongly *For a full description of these temperaments with their accompanying mental qualities, the reader is referred to the chapter on Physiology, or the Doctrine of the Temperaments, in Fowler's Practical Phrenology, pp. 10 to 28.