Sir William Hamilton and phrenology. I. Correspondence published in the Caledonian Mercury between Sir William Hamilton and Dr. Spurzheim, and between Sir William Hamilton and Mr. George Combe.

  • Hamilton, William, Sir, 1788-1856.
Date:
1828
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sir William Hamilton and phrenology. I. Correspondence published in the Caledonian Mercury between Sir William Hamilton and Dr. Spurzheim, and between Sir William Hamilton and Mr. George Combe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    39/72 (page 39)
    even the most infatuated of the phrenological multitude, will, he thinks, begin to suspect the delusion of a doctrine, which can only be supported by innuendos against the integrity of whole classes of honourable men. If Sir W. Hamilton’s attendance on Dr Spurzheim’s physio- logical lectures were of the smallest relevancy to the present question, as it is of none, how could he, with any delicacy, have availed himself of Dr Spurzheim’s invitation, after his attend- ance was subsequently so unceremoniously prohibited by Dr Spurzheim, in his second letter in the Caledonian Mercury ? Sir William has only to add, that Dr Spurzheim will have ample opportunity, privately to scrutinize, and publicly to can- vass, the accuracy of his measurements. Dr Spurzheim is at present only commencing a new course of lectures ; but, that no time may be lost, that part of the induction which is already finished, shall, if Dr Spurzheim pleases, be submitted to him without delay. The earlier completion 'of the whole induction has only been prevented by its extent, minuteness, and elaborate accuracy. 1G, Great King Street, 17th February, 1828. Dr Spurzheim to Sir William Hamilton. Dr Spurzheim returns compliments to Sir Wm. Hamilton, and begs to remark, that in Dr S.’s letter to him. Dr S. says, that he has seen the skulls in the different collections at Edinburgh. If it be necessary. Dr S. adds, that all these skulls do not re- fute any phrenological opinion which he entertains. It is in- comprehensible to Dr S. how Sir Wm. could find in Dr S.’s letter insinuations against the anatomists of Edinburgh. Dr S. disclaims all such, and his letter does not justify Sir Wm. in imputing them. Sir Wm. Hamilton publicly attacked Phren- ology before Dr S/ visited Edinburgh ; it is now Sir Wm. Ha- milton’s duty to prove publicly his assertions. Dr S. therefore repeats, for the fourth and last time, that he is willing to meet Sir Wm. H. before the public. Dr S. also repeats his desire, that Sir Wm. may not wait till Dr S. has left Edinburgh, to exhibit the evidence of his assertions. This cannot be difficult, since it is but common sense to think, that Sir Wm. had col- lected his proofs before he appeared as an opponent of Phren- ology.