Elements of phrenology / [George Combe].

  • George Combe
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of phrenology / [George Combe]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    constitution, health, exercise, excitement from without, and in some cases the mutual influence of the organs. Ist, Constitution or quality of brain has a great influ- ence on the effects of size: Of two brains of equal size, one may be distinguished by the finest texture and most vigorous constitution, while the other may be inferior in quality, and naturally inert. The consequence will be, that only the better constituted brain will manifest the mind with vigour fully proportioned to its size. That size is nevertheless the measure of power, may be proved, by contrasting the manifestations of a smaller brain, equally well constituted, with the larger one; then the energy will be found greatest in the latter. The question na- turally presents itself, Do we possess any index to the constitution or quality of the brain ? There are some constitutional qualities* which can be inferred only by knowing the qualities of the stock, or race, from which the individual under examination is descended. I have observed a certain feebleness in the brain, indicating itself by weakness of mind, without de- rangement, in some individuals born in India, of an Eng- lish father and Hindoo mother. The tinge of colour and the form of the features indicate this descent. I have noticed feebleness and sometimes irregularity of action in the brains of individuals not insane, but who belonged to a family in which insanity has abounded. I do not know any external physical indication of this condition, The temperaments indicate, to a certain extent, important con- stitutional qualities. There are four temperaments, ac- companied by different degrees of activity in the brain. The first, or lymphatic temperament, is distinguish- able by a round form of the body, softness of the muscu- lar system, repletion of the cellular tissue, fair hair, a pale clear skin, and a hazy, sleepy eye. It is accom- panied by languid vital actions, and weakness and slow- * See an able Essay “ On Quality of Brain as influencing Func- tional Manifestations,” by Mr Daniel Noble; Phren. Journ. vol. Riis pel2i:
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