Observations on Dr Barclay's objections to phrenology / by A. Combe.

Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on Dr Barclay's objections to phrenology / by A. Combe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    their system, but will acquiesce in them where they are just, and where they are otherwise, will be able to refute them, or be able to shew that he has misapprehended their meaning i from which, and from his well known candour and liberality, I conclude, that he will be pleased rather than offended with an examination of his opinions. The high respect which I have long felt for him, increased by every succeeding attendance on his lectures, would have effectually deterred me from entering the lists with him in a controversy on a question of mere opinion. But as Phrenology is not a matter of opinion, but of fact, and one of high importance, and as Dr Barclay's object and ours must necessarily be the same, the discovery of truth,—I have ventured, with much deference to his superior abilities and knowledge, to submit to the consideration of the Society, such remarks as appeared to be necessary, for forming a proper estimate of the value of his objections. One acknowledgment the phre- nologists owe to Dr Barclay, and I sincerely pay it. He has displayed a truly manly and independent spirit, in fair- ly committing to the press his objections, and publishing them with his name; instead of resorting to anonymous abuse, which he would be ashamed to acknowledge, as has been the practice of many of our opponents. His objections have been publicly offered to us for consideration, or refuta- tion ; and he fairly trusts to the merits of his arguments for their success, and invites his reader to decide according to the preponderance of reason and of fact. Such conduct towards Phrenology is as rare as it is honourable.
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