A new illustrated hand-book of phrenology, physiology and physiognomy.

  • Wells, R. B. D.
Date:
[1878?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A new illustrated hand-book of phrenology, physiology and physiognomy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    conspicuously in the front of our lives, for the social aflec- tions naturally seek a shelter in the retirement of home life, and do not court publicity. Another reason why the animal organs have the lowest place at the base of the brain, just over the spinal cord, is because the nerves from the various parts of the body join the brain at that part, and convey to it messages respecting the wants and feelings of the human system. Organs which influence man to defend himself and look after his business affairs—what are called the Selfish propen- sities—rank somewhat higher in the scale, and they are consequently placed at the sides of the head. The Intellectual organs are appropriately placed in the forehead, and this conspicuous position, above the eyes, seems to indicate that their office is to keep a sharp look out or oversight upon the life and actions of every indi- vidual. The highest place of all in the temple 'of thought is reserved for the Moral and Religious organs, which justly occupy the coronal lobe of the head, because the feelings they represent and embody are the crown of life. Thus the highest-placed organs fulfil the highest functions. We have here indicated the grand structural law w^hich regulates the mental architecture of the human economy, extending from the sole of the foot to the crown of the head. At each ascending step the functions become more elevated and dignified. The feet, which are placed lowest, perform the most menial service. The heart and other vital organs are more important, and therefore have a higher position and better protection. A man can exist without feet, but he cannot live without a heart.