Education: its elementary principles, founded on the nature of man / by J.G. Spurzheim ... With an appendix by S.R. Wells, containing a description of the temperaments, and a brief analysis of the phrenological faculties.

  • Spurzheim, J. G. (Johann Gaspar), 1776-1832.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Education: its elementary principles, founded on the nature of man / by J.G. Spurzheim ... With an appendix by S.R. Wells, containing a description of the temperaments, and a brief analysis of the phrenological faculties. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    given ; and too much light dazzles those who have lived long in darkness. The bad effects of great and sudden changes of temperature on in¬ animate bodies, such as glass, or on plants, an¬ imals, and man, are generally known. Those who are accustomed to certain mental occupa¬ tions, feel great reluctance to give them up. In the same way, great and sudden changes of politi¬ cal, moral, and religious opinions, are not borne with indifference. Habit is a second nature, phy¬ sically and morally speaking. The living generation, if not prepared for it, generally rejects every reform. It is only in process of time that the adherents to any new doc¬ trine become numerous ; and any doctrine, though false, when once admitted, will be replaced by another and a better only by degrees. Yet it is natural that the more agreeable a doctrine is, the sooner it will gain ground, and that a precept which commands resignation will be submitted to, in proportion to the reward it promises. Chris¬ tianity assigns eternal happiness as the reward for temporal conflicts ; and it was adopted by fisher¬ men and the poor sooner than by the rich. The law of modifying mankind, or of produc¬ ing changes is seldom understood by reformers. They are commonly too hasty ; though, at all times, experience has shown the danger and harm of such a proceeding. When changes are to be