vital attraction, by which one living body influences the functions of another. It depends on the mental and physiological constitution of the two persons, and not upon the laws and properties of inorganic matter. The subtil nervous forces of one constitution affect the same powers in others. As a red-hot ball of iron diffuses heat among surrounding objects, or as an electrified body produces, by induction, peculiar electrical conditions in proximate surfaces, so does one man, with his wonderful vital powers, imponderable fluids, and mental faculties, affect the constitution of another.

The result of the foregoing experiment is a demonstration of the vital influence that one person exerts over another; and it shows, especially, that the surface of the hand exercises an attractive influence on the bodies of others. The fact is most efficiently demonstrated upon the brain, although the hand is also capable of exerting this attractive influence upon other portions of the body; it will attract any portion of the person, to which it is applied. It will attract another hand with greater facility, because their attractive influences co-operate. But the demonstration is more striking when made upon the brain, because that organ controls the whole person.

In some portions of our country, especially in the colder climates, many will be found, who will be not at all affected, or very slightly, by the above experiment. But it is excedingly improbable, that any one who tries the experiment properly, as above directed, should not attain interesting results, even in the first ten or twenty trials. In some families, every individual will be found thus impressible, yielding readily to the attraction. When we have thus ascertained who are distinctly impressible, we shall be prepared to institute the course of experiments, which I shall describe in succeeding numbers.

These experiments are not only beautiful and interesting, but entirely free from any dangerous or injurious effects, if conducted according to the proper direction. So far from producing any injury, the Neurological experiments may be so conducted, as greatly to benefit those of feeble health, while contributing to our own scientific instruction.

Supposing the reader will have made himself practically acquainted with this first experiment, before the publication of the next number, I shall then proceed to indicate a Course of Experiments, which may be systematically pursued by all who read these pages, and which will be sufficient to lead the enquirer into a familiar knowledge of the constitution of man.

ART. VII-OBJECTIONS TO PHRENOLOGY.

THERE are many who still object to receiving the science of Phrenology, as taught by the disciples of Gall and Spurzheim; not that they would totally deny its truth-for they will readily admit that there may be some connection between the general conformation of the head and the general tendencies of the character-but they have a strong impression that the relation of the brain to the mind is a mysterious subject. They are not willing to believe, except upon the best of evidence, that this mystery has been solved. They look, therefore, at phrenological science with a skeptical eye; and at first, when this science is rudely presented, with all its uncouth, technical terms, so distinct from the former dignified technology of "Mental Philosophy," their skepticism is strengthened by disgust for its singular phraseology and apparently awkward as well as arbitrary analysis of the mental powers.

The solution of the great problems of the human constitution which the Gallian system of Phrenology presents, strikes them at first sight as altogether too simple, crude and uncouth. That such persons should continue to doubt, we need not be surprised; and when, in this frame of mind, they examine the science further, they find additional reasons for suspicion. They observe certain difficulties in ascertaining the development of organs. These difficulties are trifling to a practical phrenologist; but to a tyro they appear very great. They observe that certain regions at the basis of the brain are not included in the old system of phrenology; and make the obvious reflection that these regions may influence the development of the whole. They observe, too, that, while phrenologists make exact and arbitrary divisions upon the surface of the cranium, the structure of the brain does not accord with these divisions. Confirmed by observing these difficulties, they still admit it as quite probable that there may be something in Phrenology, but contend that it is by no means yet a science of any accuracy.

Others, of a metaphysical turn of mind, observe that phrenologists propose a great and violent innovation in explaining and even describing well known operations of the mind. They have been accustomed to speak of "reason," of "imagination," of "memory," "faculties," "passion," &c., and their technicalities have become an established part of all cultivated languages. In place of these, they find in the phrenological system "Eventuality, Causality, Ideality," &c., without any adequate reason for the change, other than that such is the result of observation. The metaphysical enquirer finds that he has clearer and more satisfactory views of the mental phenomena under the old system, and that there is a difficulty and

awkwardness in getting hold of the new.
Hence he feels a strong
suspicion that the whole system is of artificial coinage, and not in
conformity with the true laws of mind.

Others again, of a more poetical temperament, accustomed to contemplate the vast variety of mental phenomena, witnessed in daily life, or described by the tragic poet, feel that there is much more in all this than the phrenological system illustrates. It has to their eye a meagre character, and seems to compare, to their conceptions of human nature, as "Peter Parley's Geography" would to Baron Humboldt's "Kosmos."

With those who object to Phrenology on these grounds, and they must be admitted to form an important portion of the intelligent public, I have no contention. However severely I may denounce the infidel spirit of distrust and denial, which opposes all new and great truths, I have no objection to a rational enquiring skepticism. On the contrary, I admire the caution and candor with which objectors of the above classes comment upon the science, and only regret that they have not acquired such a practical acquaintance with its details, as might have made them more familiar with its

truths.

The objections to which I have alluded are not destitute of foundation. There is a crudeness or incompleteness in Phrenology as it has been taught. There are difficulties in the way of Practical Phrenology; and there are decided faults in the phrenological doctrine, viewed as a system of Mental Philosophy. These imperfections and difficulties I have from the first perceived, acknowledged, and sought to remove. Notwithstanding my long course of public advocacy of the science, no partizan zeal has ever made me blind to its defects. Permit me, then, earnestly to invite those who have heretofore been candid opponents of the science, to scrutinize its developments in these pages; and to observe whether the difficulties and objections which have hitherto injured it in their estimation have not been effectually removed by the revolution which has been effected in its details and in its philosophical principles. By going to the fountain-head of truth, and compelling nature, with critical experiments, to reveal her laws, I trust I have escaped the errors of predecessors, who watched the course of nature, as it were, from afar, and followed the imprints of her footsteps, without coming into the close contact of experimental enquiry.

As I have found candid enquirers, who had earnestly opposed the old system of Phrenology, frankly surrender their objections upon the presentation of the new system, I have no doubt that those who have heretofore, upon scientific grounds, withheld their assent from Phrenology, will hereafter be counted among its cordial supporters.

ART. VIII.—TO THE READERS OF THE JOURNAL OF MAN.

In presenting this Journal before the American public, it becomes necessary to state, as distinctly as possible, its character and scope. These I have endeavored to indicate faithfully by its title and titlepage. It will be emphatically THE JOURNAL OF MAN. The great object to which it will be devoted, is the attainment of a thorough, profound and accurate knowledge of the whole mental and physical Constitution of Man. While investigating and developing the constitution of man, it will necessarily be considered in its relations to external objects, to society, to nature, and to the laws of the uni

verse.

In viewing the external world from this point-in observing our social institutions, manners, customs and history, and in reviewing the prevalent philosophy of man, as an individual and as a social being we must necessarily obtain peculiar views, because our views are taken from a peculiar position. This Journal must thus become the organ of that species of Science and Philosophy, which springs from the study of the constitution of man as related to the constitution of society, and from that of the constitution of his body, as related to the laws of nature.

If we obtain a thorough knowledge of the constitution of man, and of its laws of relation to fellow beings, which constitute the foundation of society, it is obvious that such knowledge will indicate very clearly the nature and tendency of different systems of society, laws, governments, education and morals; will demonstrate the errors or defects of our existing arrangements, and will direct us to the most rational plan for the attainment of general happiness, intelligence, virtue, scientific progress, and social elevation. In this respect, therefore, the Journal of Man must become a Journal of UNIVERSAL CRITICISM AND UNIVERSAL REFORM.

In studying the relations of the physical constitution of man to external objects and the laws of nature, we enter upon an immense field of directly practical and useful knowledge. The relation of the human constitution to FOOD, notwithstanding its pre-eminent importance, has not heretofore been made the subject of much very profound or systematic research. Much useful knowledge has been accumulated incidentally in reference to the effects of diet on the constitution of man; and many philanthropic physiologists have labored in this field; yet no one would affirm that we have at this time a satisfactory Science of Dietetics.

Can any one point out even three elementary substances, in reference to which we understand thoroughly their physiological influence? their ultimate effects upon mental development, and their

ultimate tendencies to develope or oppose particular diseases? Even the articles which have been universally consumed by the human race from time immemorial-water, bread, flesh, oil, butter or fatare but imperfectly understood in their effects upon the constitution. The more obvious results of their use have long been observed; but a great number of the effects which they produce upon the mind and body, are yet unknown. The articles of food produce different effects upon different temperaments and constitutions; but, so far from having a knowledge of this matter, which would guide the selection and adaptation of the various articles of food to different constitutions, a deplorable ignorance exists upon the whole subject, and it is impossible, by the existing lights of science, to do more than give a few general directions, for the guidance of those who would sustain their health by food rather than medicine.

I would not disparage the labors of Dietetic Reformers; but when we compare that which has been accomplished, with the vast amount which remains yet to be done, the former dwindles to insignificance. As before remarked, we know not the exact value and efficiency of a single article of diet, nor the principles which govern its adaptation to different constitutions. In reference to ninetenths of the articles which we annually consume, our knowledge is little better than that of the savage; and, practically speaking, little, if any, better than that of the brutes, that are guided by sensation and instinct. What accurate knowledge have we of the moral, mental and physiological effects even of tea, coffee and tobacco, of which so much has been written? In what manner do they effect the various secretions? what mental faculties do they stimulate? what traits of character do they render predominant? What is the difference between the effects of Wheat and of Indiancorn, consumed in the form of bread? What is the influence of cheese as an article of diet?-under what circumstances, and to what constitutions, would it be appropriate? To what extent should butter be an article of diet?-to what climates and constitutions is it best adapted? What are the relative effects of saltmeat and of fresh? and when should they be prescribed or prohibited? what diseases do they respectively tend to develope by their excessive use? and to what constitutions is the one or the other most beneficial?

The same questions may be asked in reference to salt, pepper, vinegar, pickles, mustard, and other condiments. And when such questions are asked, the consciousness of our ignorance enforces the necessity of new researches. Let us ask such questions in reference to the use of the apple, pear, peach, plum, and cherry, the fig, grape, orange, and lemon, the tomato, melon, squash, and cucumber, the turnip, carrot, and parsnip, the onion, cabbage, potato, lettuce, peas, beans, celery, asparagus, &c., &c. Every question we ask but reveals the extent of our ignorance, and the importance of dietetic researches, which will determine the relations of such articles to the human constitution, which will show the influence of