The functions thus discovered are at once both psychic and physiological, for the brain is purely a psychic organ, when its influence is not transmitted to the body; but becomes a physiological organ, and in fact the controlling head and centre of physiological action, when its influence is transmitted, not merely in voluntary motion, but in the unconscious influence which sustains, modifies, or depresses every vital process.
These discoveries were not entirely new, for it was the fundamental doctrine of Gall, the founder of the true cerebral anatomy, that the brain consisted of different organs of psychic functions; but in announcing the discovery (published from 1809 to 1819) of twenty-seven distinct organs, he fell far short of the ultimate truth, as a necessary consequence of his imperfect and difficult method of discovery by comparative development. The word phrenology has become so identified with his incomplete discoveries, that it may be laid aside in the present stage of our progress. There is no monotonous repetition of function in nervous structures, and the possibility of subdivision of structure and function is limited only by our own intellectual capacities.
Moreover, Dr. Gall did not ascertain the functions of the basilar and internal regions of the brain, which were beyond the reach of his methods, and entirely overlooked the fact that the brain is the commanding centre of physiology, the seat of the external and internal senses, and of organs that control the circulation, the viscera, the secretions, and all their physiological and pathological phenomena, as demonstrated in my experiments, which reveal the entire physiological and the entire psychological life, with the anatomical apparatus of their intimate union.
The experiments on intelligent persons, by which these discoveries were made and demonstrated, have been repeated many thousand times. They have been officially presented during many years in medical colleges, and sanctioned by scientific faculties as well as by committees of investigation, none of which have ever made an unfavorable report. They have been tested and demonstrated so often that further repetition appeared needless, since the unquestioned demonstrations produced no result beyond a passive assent; for men’s minds are generally so firmly held in the bondage of habit, fashion, and inherited opinion, as to be incapable of entering freely upon a new realm of intellectual life without pecuniary motive; and investigating committees accomplished little or nothing important, the reason having been, as assigned by a distinguished and learned secretary of a medical committee in Boston, that the subject was too profound, too difficult, and too far beyond the knowledge of the medical profession. In the presence of such unmanly apathy my demonstrations were discontinued, as I found that only a few high-toned and fearless seekers of scientific truth, such as the venerable Prof. Caldwell, President Wylie, Rev. John Pierpont, Robert Dale Owen, Prof. Gatchell, Dr. Forry, and a score or two of similarly independent men and women, have spoken to the public with proper emphasis of the immortality of the discovery and the greatness of the total revolution that it makes in science and philosophy,—a revolution so vast as to require many pages to give its mere outline, and several volumes to give its concise presentation. The subjects of these volumes would necessarily be Cerebral Psychology, Cerebral Physiology, Psychological Ethics or Religion, Pneumatology, Psychic Pathology, Sarcognomy, Psychometry, Education, and Pathognomy. A very concise epitome of the whole subject in 400 pages was published in 1854, as a “System of Anthropology.” “The New Education” was published in 1882. “Therapeutic Sarcognomy”—the application of sarcognomy to medical practice—was published in 1884, and the “Manual of Psychometry” in 1885.
The discoveries constituting the new anthropology stand unimpeached to-day, sustained by every complete investigation, and not refuted or contradicted by the innumerable experiments of medical scientists. The labors of Ferrier, Fritsch, Hitzig and Charcot, become a part of the new system, as they lend corroboration; and the annals of pathology furnish numerous corroborative facts. These are not barren, abstract sciences, but bear upon all departments of human life—upon education, medical practice, hygiene, the study of character, the selection of public officers, of partners, friends, and conjugal companions,—upon religion and morals, the administration of justice and government, penal and reformatory law, the exploration of antiquity, the philosophy of art and eloquence, and the cultivation of all sciences except the mathematical. Anthropology must, therefore, become the guide and guardian of humanity, and, as such, will be illustrated by the “Journal of Man.” It will indulge in no rash ultraism or antagonism, but will kindly appreciate truth even when mingled with error. There is, to-day, a vast amount of established science to be respected and preserved, as well as a vast amount of rubbish in metaphysical, theological, sociological, and educational opinions, that requires to be buried in the grave of the obsolete. The greatness of our themes forbids their illustration in a prospectus, which can but promise an unfailing supply of the novel and wonderful, the philanthropic and important, the interesting and useful, presented in that spirit of love and hope which sees that earth may be changed into the likeness of heaven, and that such progress is a part of our world’s remote but inevitable destiny.
Let it be remembered that science, philosophy, and religion are false and worthless when they do not contribute to the happiness and elevation of mankind, and that the chief factor in human elevation is that wise adaptation of measures to human nature which is utterly impossible without a thorough understanding of man,—in other words, without the science of anthropology, for the lack of which all national and individual life has been filled with a succession of blunders and calamities. It is especially in the most brilliant portion of anthropology, the science of psychometry, that we shall find access to the reconstructive wisdom which leads to a nobler life in accordance with the laws of heaven, as well as the prosperity and success which come from the fulness of practical science and the perfection of social order. For the truth of these unusual claims the reader is referred to “The Manual of Psychometry,” “The New Education,” “Intelligent Public Opinion” and future publications.
The “Journal of Man” will be published at $1.00 per annum, in advance, in monthly numbers of thirty-two pages, beginning in February, 1887. Subscriptions should be sent, not in money, but by postal order, to the editor, Dr. J. R. Buchanan, 6 James Street, Boston. Advertisements inserted at the usual rates. Agents wanted.
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