ear. This, however, they knew to be vague, and seemed to be conscious of not exactly knowing the special function. Their language refers to a something in music, as the object which is perceived by means of this organ, and in the absence of exact knowledge of what that something is, they have endeavoured to suggest it by various expressions. Now all these expressions I have shown to be applicable only to the pitch distinctions of sounds in their gamut relations. And when this is considered in connection with the papers on the musical ear and on musical sound, it appears to be impossible to escape the conclusion that the positive knowledge of this organ's func tion as taught by Gall and his above mentioned disciples, when rendered exact is, that it perceives the pitch distinctions of sounds in their gamut relations.

In my next paper I shall detail some phrenological observations on peculiarities of power in this pitch-of-sound distinguishing faculty.

14. Caroline Street, Bedford Square.

29th July, 1839.

II. Notice of Mr. Combe's Progress in America.

MANY inquiries are made by the phrenologists of this country, about Mr. Combe's proceedings in America, and the length of time he is likely to remain absent from Britain; and as it may be presumed that most of the readers of this Journal will also feel an interest in some notices on the subject, we shall draw from the American Phrenological Journal, and United States Newspapers, such an account of Mr. Combe's lectures, and of the impression made by him on his American audiences, as the various notices scattered through those publications may enable us to bring together. Though favoured with many letters from Mr. Combe, we shall here confine ourselves to published reports, as we are unaware how far Mr. Combe may deem the letters to be confidential; and at all events they are private whilst their publication has not been expressly sanctioned.

Mr. Combe sailed from Bristol, by the Great Western Steamer, on the 8th of September last year, and arrived at New York on the 24th of the same month. On the 10th of October he commenced a course of sixteen lectures, at the Masonic Temple, in Boston, which were reported in the Boston

papers. Mr. Buckingham and others were in the midst of courses of lectures, commenced before the arrival of Mr. Combe, and which are said consequently to have interfered with those on Phrenology. Mr. Combe's audience at first consisted of two hundred and fifty persons, and gradually augmented to upwards of five hundred; a very large proportion of those attending being members of the learned professions.

"These lectures of Mr. Combe," says the Boston Mercantile Journal, of October eighteenth, "occupy about two hours each; and being loaded with little extraneous or redundant matter, convey a vast amount of instruction to the intelligent auditor. They seem to be the result of the labours of a mind habituated to reflection and study; the opinions of one who seems desirous to establish true philosophical principles — and no one can listen to Mr. Combe without feeling convinced that he is sincere in all that he says, that he speaks directly from his heart, [this expression is more figurative than phrenological], and feels that while he is labouring to extend the knowledge of phrenological principles, he is not merely advocating a new theory of metaphysics, but is exerting himself to add to the improvement and happiness of the human race."

The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, in its successive Nos. published during Mr. Combe's course of lectures, curiously illustrates the manner in which Mr. Combe's calmly philosophical and argumentative expositions gain on the minds of the really intelligent and well-informed amongst his hearers; for Mr. Combe, let it be remembered, is anxious to enlighten his audience, not to attract to himself the idle and momentary applause of the ignorant, by the clap-trap arts of rhetorical declamation and mawkish sentimentality, unfortunately for phrenology, so frequently resorted to by its expounders in lecture

rooms:

Oct. 17. "Phrenological Lectures.-Mr. George Combe is now in this city, and those who entertain any respect for the science which he most eloquently advocates, could not listen to higher authority. Since the death of Dr. Spurzheim, Mr. Combe has been regarded as the strongest champion in Europe, of the cause to which that celebrated man devoted his whole life. Those, especially, interested in legal medicine, would derive profit from Mr. Combe's lectures. If he falls below the estimate we have formed of his powers, from the representations of his foreign admirers, we shall be quite free to make strictures according to our convenience."

Oct. 24. "Mr. Combe's Lectures.-After having closely followed this gentleman in his lucid demonstrations, we confess ourselves not only very much gratified, but profitably instructed.

His manner is not boisterous or imperative, but strictly plain, and those who listen to him are constrained to acknowledge that he is a philosopher of no ordinary powers. Physicians will reap as much benefit from these lectures, if not more, than any other class of hearers, because he clears up points that have always been obscure in diseases of the brain. On insanity, particularly, the facts advanced in proof of the positions laid down, are too important to be disregarded by those who profess to relieve the worst of maladies to which humanity is predisposed. Without going into details, it is sufficient to say, unhesitatingly, that the study of legal medicine and mental philosophy, without a knowledge of the principles of phrenology, illustrated by one as thoroughly conversant with both as Mr. Combe, cannot be studied to advantage, or understood in all their length, breadth, and bearings."

Nov. 14. "Mr. Combe's Lectures on Phrenology.-With a few interruptions, we have bestowed a thorough attention upon the lectures of this distinguished philosopher, since their commencement in Boston. We feel no half-way sentiments upon the matter, nor are we disposed to suppress what we unflinchingly acknowledge to be true, viz. that he is a profound man, who gains upon the understanding from day to day, by the simple presentations of truth. He must be regarded as an able, nay, an unrivalled teacher of a system which can alone explain the phenomena of mind. Call it phrenology, or discard the name if it calls up unpleasant associations; but it is as certain as the foundations of the everlasting hills, that the doctrines embraced by phrenology are predicated upon facts, a knowledge of which is necessary to unfold the web of thought, and show the relationship we bear to each other, and the duties and responsibilities each one owes to society and to humanity. Wherever Mr. Combe may visit in our country, for the honour of our national character, if no other consideration were involved, we hope he will be appreciated for his devotion to the cause of human culture and social happiness, every where inculcated in his voluminous writings."

A correspondent of the American Phrenological Journal, gives a somewhat detailed account of the impression produced in himself and others, by listening to Mr. Combe; and as the Editor of that Journal says, that his correspondent is one "upon the accuracy of whose statements, and correctness of whose judgment" his readers may with confidence rely, we shall copy a portion of his description:

"Mr. Combe was regarded as one of the most interesting lecturers who have of late appeared before a Boston assembly. His practice was to commence at seven o'clock precisely, at

eight to have a recess of four or five minutes, when he commenced again and continued till nine, and frequently till fifteen or twenty minutes after. Yet notwithstanding this unusual length of his lectures, he was listened to with unabated interest till the close. I have never witnessed such indications of continued interest for so long a time in any audience. In this opinion I know I am not mistaking by judging others by myself. You will not understand me as regarding Mr. Combe a perfect lecturer. He is doubtless surpassed in some respects by very many. Yet few, it is believed, exhibit a greater combination of excellencies as a lecturer to a popular audience.

"He exhibits great simplicity, earnestness, and directness of expression. So extensive have been his travels, and minute and accurate his observations, that he has at command a vast resource of facts and anecdotes for illustration. It is his clearness of illustration, more than any other quality, perhaps, that conduces to keep alive the interest of his audience. Every thing seems to bear directly upon the point in question. Few public speakers are more successful in making themselves understood. And yet, perhaps, this clearness, this adaptedness is to be attributed in some measure to the nature of the subject. No one who understands phrenology, and has a moderate ability of expressing his thoughts, can speak of the principles of the science, without interesting the candid philosophical mind. The appearance of the audience indicated in the most unequivocal manner that he was illustrating what they had seen and felt. They were conscious that the principles of which he spoke had some relation to them.

"Even those who had been entire disbelievers, and had ridiculed phrenology, on being induced to attend even a single lecture, would acknowledge that some how or other, he does understand human nature. And those who accidentally went in after the course had commenced, generally attended the remaining lectures to the close. There were many such cases. One gentleman in particular, who had often in conversation with me, ridiculed the subject as the merest humbug, was induced to attend out of curiosity. He confessed himself deeply interested both with the matter and manner of the lecturer. He could understand Mr. C. and he contrasted him with other lecturers, who were either so high among the clouds, or so deep in the mud, that one half of the time he could not make out what was the point to which they were aiming.' For the remainder of the course he attended as often as other engagements would permit, and has never since been heard to speak of the science but in terms of respect. I had intended to speak more particularly of some of his most interesting lec

tures, but in thinking of this subject I know not where to begin."

*

"Mr. Combe is remarkable for the courtesy, and candour, and liberality with which he speaks of what is peculiar to the American people. He is always ready to make allowances for his own liability to err in observation and forming his opinion, and alludes to what he does not approve with a delicacy which saves him from giving offence. This modesty and candour cannot fail to secure to him the friendly regard of all who hear him, and will add much to his influence while he remains in this country.

"It may not be out of place to add a word in regard to the religious bearings of the lectures of Mr. Combe. He studiously avoided speaking directly for or against the principles of any particular sect or denomination. I was surprised to hear so few expressions or principles to which any denomination could object particularly with regard to whatever related to my own particular views. I had received the impression, both from his writings and his personal friends, that he was far from adopting some of the most important principles of religious belief, usually termed in New England, Orthodox. And I was anticipating much that I could not approve. Nor would I say there was nothing unfavourable to what are called evangelical sentiments. I could mention principles expressed, which I regard both as untenable phrenologically speaking, and, if legitimately carried out, subversive of important truths, and fundamental religious doctrines. But I would speak with diffidence, when I attempt to criticise the master himself. I was surprised in hearing so little which even the most illiberal could condemn as conflicting with the principles of sound philosophy, or the strictest evangelical sentiments. And, generally, it was, only when he seemed to leave the ground of the phrenologist, and tread upon that which belongs more peculiarly to the theologian, that any exception could be taken, even by the most hypercritical. But he seldom went beyond the strictest limits of his science. His object was to teach Phrenology, and leave theologians to weave its principles in the best way they could, into systems of religious doctrines. And no one can help commending the liberality and candour with which he proceeds. His modest, liberal, and candid remarks, published in the last number of your Journal, in regard to the relation of Phrenology and religion, and the ground he intended himself to take, do honour both to his head and his heart. No sincere lover of truth who hears him, will fail to bid him God-speed. I am confident, judging from what I have heard of his lectures, evangelical truth will be promoted

VOL. XII.