"ders, are merely means of acquiring knowledge, but do not con"stitute it. Greek, Latin, and mathematics, which are added in "the education of the middle classes, are still only means of obtaining information: so that, with the exception of the few who "pursue physical science, society dedicates very little attention to "the study of the natural laws. In following out the views now "discussed, therefore, each individual, according as he becomes ac "quainted with the natural laws, ought to obey them, and to com"municate his experience of their operations to others; avoiding, at "the same time, all attempts at subverting, by violence, established "institutions, or outraging public sentiment by intemperate discus"sions. The doctrine now unfolded, if true, authorises us to pre"dicate that the most successful method of ameliorating the condi❝tion of mankind, will be that which appeals most directly to their "moral sentiments and intellect; and, I may add from experience "and observation, that, in proportion as any individual becomes ac"quainted with the real constitution of the human mind, will his "conviction of the efficacy of this method increase.

"The next step ought to be to teach those laws to the young." "Their minds, not being pre-occupied by prejudices, will recognise "them as congenial to their constitution; the first generation that "has embraced them from infancy will proceed to modify the insti"tutions of society into accordance with their dictates; and in the "course of ages they may at length be acknowledged as practically "useful. All true theories have ultimately been adopted and in"fluenced practice; and I see no reason to fear that the present "will prove an exception. The failure of all previous systems is "the natural consequence of their being unfounded; if this one "shall resemble them, it will deserve, and assuredly will meet with "a similar fate. A perception of the importance of the natural "laws will lead to their observance, and this will be attended with "an improved development of brain, thereby increasing the desire "and capacity for obedience.

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Finally, If it be true that the natural laws must be obeyed as "a preliminary condition to happiness in this world, and if virtue "and happiness be inseparably allied, the religious instructors of "mankind may probably discover in the general and prevalent ig"norance of these laws, one reason of the limited success which has "hitherto attended their own efforts at improving the condition of "mankind; and they may perhaps perceive it to be not inconsist"ent with their sacred office, to instruct men in the natural institu❝tions of the Creator, in addition to his revealed will, and to re"commend obedience to both. They exercise so vast an influence "over the best members of society, that their countenance may "hasten, or their opposition retard, by a century, the practical "adoption of the natural laws, as guides of human conduct."

The reader will perceive, by the extracts now given, that these works open up a wide field of interesting study, and that, while the physiologist appropriately treats of Phrenology as the functions of the brain, the moral philosopher, political economist, and divine, will find in it principles of the highest utility in directing their exertions to enlighten and benefit mankind.

ARTICLE II.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHRENOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF

WASHINGTON, RELATIVE TO THE TWO LECTURES AGAINST THE SCIENCE OF PHRENOLOGY, DELIVERED AT THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE BY DR THOMAS SEWALL, PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, IN MAY, 1826.*

PREFATORY NOTICE, The form in which the following sheets are presented has been deemed necessary to counteract the effects that the lectures therein noticed were ostensibly intended to produce, as well as to show the assiduity and zeal on the part of the members to meet, and, if necessary, to rebut any opposition, whether anatomical, physiological, pathological, or psycholo gical to this system of mental philosophy. The opposition in the present instance, though unexpected, originating from apparently so respectable a source, could not be but otherwise hailed as a harbinger of further fruitful investigations in the cause of truth, the object of the Society; and has been

. We have received from the secretary of the Phrenological Society of Washington the report printed in the text. Our readers will perceive that the proceedings detailed in it are an exact counterpart of those of Sir William Hamilton and the Edinburgh Pbrenologists,

encountered as promptly and as consistently as the interest of the institution would admit; and if it has not been rebutted, it will be seen to proceed from causes beyond the control of the Society.

PROCEEDINGS.

Saturday, 27th May, 1826. At a special meeting of the Society, called this day, the following resolution was adopted :

Whereas it has been represented to the members of this Society, that Doctor Thomas Sewall, professor of anatomy in the Columbian College of this district, did lately deliver in said college, two lectures connected with the subject of Phrenology; and as the object of this Society is “ The study “ of mind, particularly in reference to its connexion with

corporeal phenomena,” it behoves us to give a respectful attention to any observations either for or against the science : Therefore, be it resolved, that the corresponding and record ing secretaries be a committee to wait upon or write to Dr Sewall, and respectfully request him, in the name of the Society, to have the above-mentioned lectures published, or to furnish a copy of the same for the use of the Society. The Society adjourned.

Tuesday, 6th June, 1826. The Society met agreeable to notice, to receive the report of the committee, which was made by Dr Randall, as follows

The committee to whom the resolution of the Society in relation to the lectures of Dr Sewall, passed on the 27th May, was referred, beg leave to report,

That, in compliance with the directions of the Society, they enclosed the resolution with a note, to which they requested Dr Sewall's immediate attention.

In answer to this note the committee received the following letter, in which Dr Sewall declines either publishing or furnishing a copy of his lectures, for reasons therein stated.

To the Corresponding and Recording Secretaries of the Washing

ton Phrenological Society. GENTLEMEN,—I have just received your note, communicating the vote of the Phrenological Society relative to the lectures I have recently delivered to the students of the Columbian College.

It is true, that two of those lectures were on the subject of Phrenology. The object of the one was to exhibit briefly to the class an outline of the science of Phrenology as it is now taught, and that of the other to show how far this science consists with the anatomical structure and organization of the brain, the cranium, &c.

These lectures, composed without any view to publication, were not written out at length, being designed only to aid in an anatomical demonstration. They are therefore, in their present state, not prepared for the press, nor in such a con. dition as to form an intelligible manuscript, which, together with other considerations, necessarily deprives me of the opportunity of complying with the request of the Society. It will, however, afford me great pleasure to have the attendance of the Phrenological Society at the delivering of these lectures the next college term, of which due notice shall be given, and an invitation presented, through you, to the association.

Be pleased, gentlemen, to present to the Society my grateful acknowledgments for the respectful notice they have taken of my labours, and beg them to accept my best wishes for the honour and advancement of an association whose object is the investigation of truth.

With sentiments of the highest consideration and respect, I am your obedient and humble servant,

Thos. SEWALL. Washington City, 27th May, 1826. This communication appearing entirely unsatisfactory, and the committee being desirous to remove all objections that

Vol. V. -No XIX.

were urged, or might be urged, on the part of Dr Sewall, to gratify the wishes of the Society, addressed to him the following note; in which they propose to him to deliver the lectures, which he had delivered at the Columbian College, before the Phrenological Society, either by invitation, or as a member of the Society.

Washington, 30th May, 1826.

DEAR SIR,-Your letter of the 27th, addressed to the secretaries of the Phrenological Society of the city of Washington, was duly received, and they regret to find, that, for reasons stated therein, it will not be convenient to you to accede to the wishes of the Society, as expressed in the resolution which was handed to you in our former communication.

The members of the Phrenological Society are desirous to hear the lectures which you lately delivered on Phrenology, at an earlier date than would be afforded by the polite invitation to attend your delivering of them at the next college term. My colleague and myself are, therefore, directed to inquire whether it would be convenient and agreeable to you to deliver your lectures before the Phrenological Society, at their room, on some very early day or days?

The Society having been established for the purpose of investigating the truth or fallacy of the science of Phrenology, and its members being exceedingly desirous, in pursuing their inquiries, to hear all that can be said against as well as in favour of it, would be gratified by your becoming a member of their association. By this course all objections to delivering the lectures before the Phrenological Society will be removed, and, by thus extending the field of our investigation, we shall each have a better opportunity of arriving at truth. You will please to give us early information of your wishes on this subject.

Should you decline identifying yourself with the Society, either by becoming a member, or by lecturing in their room, you would, probably, not object to deliver your lectures at some convenient place in the city, where the members of the