94
periences from variety. 2dly. The various degrees in whichthe different faculties are possessed by the same individual.And, 3dly. The loss of certain faculties and powers ofthe mind from disease, or accident, affecting certainparts of the brain; whilst those peculiar to other parts areretained.
The rules of observation by which Dr. Gall challenges thepublic, and the profession in particular, to try his state-ments, may be of some service : he having faith in the unifor-mity of nature, and trusting that what he has long seen maybe remarked by others. 1st. By close observation on livingpersons in a state of health, carefully feeling, and cor-rectly noting the eminences of the skull; each of which, heconsiders an organ, or at least as enveloping one; and usingthat term contiens pro contenta; considering that only asskull which immediately covers the brain.
Proceeding in his observations, Dr. Gall has discovered,that individuals, eminent for certain talents, have certainlocal eminences in some definite part of the skull; whilstothers are in the same part rather depressed. He recom-mends the experiment not to be made upon persons withoutIheir being eminent for some distinct talent, or who havestrong peculiarities of mind. In feeling for those organs,he advises that the palm of the hand be used in preferenceto any other part. 2d. As some of the organs lie at thebase of the skull, the fact cannot be ascertained till afterdeath. 3d. The observations on persons during a state ofmental disease, will be found peculiarly serviceable to dis-cover whence it proceeds.
Insanity is confessed to be a disease of the brain. Dr. Gallthinks one part of the brain may be diseased, and anotherin a state of health, or at least comparatively so; the wholebrain is thought, must be dangerous, b\\a person who ob-jects to his system, on the ground of the want of confidencein a person who is a lunatic, or partially insane. ButDr. Gall asserts a possibility at all times to discover theorgan from whence the disease proceeds ; and also recom-mends practice for its removal.
The separate organs in the skull of man, and of whichDr. Gall claims the discovery, are in number twenty-six;which he divides into three classes.
Class I.—Comprehends those by which man is enabledto enter into coinmei'ce with the world which surroundshim. The 1st of which he considers the organ of sexuallove ; at the lower and back part of the head. 2d. The organof parental and filial love, and the animal storge, at the