The long expected and long promised work upon this subject cannot be published now, for it requires an amount of elaborate research and criticism to bring the new discoveries en rapport with the investigations of more than a hundred physiologists and anatomists, whose labors should not be overlooked in a complete or systematic work uniting anatomy to psychology.
Under these circumstances it is necessary and practicable, since my “System of Anthropology” has been entirely out of the market for thirty years, to present a concise exposition of cerebral psychology and physiology, to satisfy those who perceive the inadequacy of the Gallian system, and who are aware that my discoveries have thoroughly revolutionized as well as enlarged cerebral science, rendering the old term phrenology inadequate to express its present status.
I propose therefore to publish in the successive numbers of this Journal a concise “Synopsis of Cerebral Science,” giving as concisely as possible the outlines of that vast theme, in so clear and practical a manner that each reader can test its truth in nature by examining character, correcting the errors of phrenology, demonstrating the science by his own experiments, and applying its principles in the treatment of disease, in experimental investigation, in education, self-culture, and elocution. This may satisfy the urgent present demand, until time shall permit a satisfactory work, containing the illustrations and proofs, the important modern discoveries in cerebral anatomy and vivisecting experiments, as well as the vast and interesting philosophy into which we are led by cerebral science. The March number will contain the first instalment, and its publication will be continued through the volume.
Music.
The claims of music were never so thoroughly presented as in the “New Education,” in which it was shown that music was the most effective of all agents for the cultivation of man’s higher nature, and the elevation of the world from its purgatory of selfishness, poverty, and crime. This idea was most fully realized by Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, who has spent a considerable amount in promoting the currency and use of music, especially of a religious character.
The idea that music should exercise a world redeeming power, and promote all social advancement, must appear strange, when first mentioned to those who are familiar only with fashionable operatic performances and the heartless style of vocal and instrumental music in vogue at the centres of musical education, which is robbed as thoroughly as possible of all ethical life, all soul inspiring power.
There is music, however, which sways our noblest emotions, which can bring smiles to the face or tears to the eyes, hope to the dejected or courage to the timid,—which can rouse the strongest impulses of love and duty. The musical reformer who shall change the tide of popular music from its present low channels to that higher sphere of sweet and noble sentiments, will be far more than a Wagner,—aye, more than a Luther.
Dr. Talcott, Superintendent of the Middleton, N. Y., State Asylum of the Insane, has introduced music into all of the wards of his institution with excellent results, judging from his last annual report, from which the following is extracted. “It is said, that before Moses dwelt upon the banks of the Nile, the Egyptians erected temples and altars for the treatment of the insane; and, among the most notable measures for the accomplishment of the cure of lunatics, music took an exalted rank. There can be no doubt that music exercises a potent influence in producing calm and restfulness in minds which are disturbed by cerebral diseases. Musical instruments have been provided in nearly every ward, and the results have been most favorable. Even turbulent patients will subside when the pleasures of music are afforded to them. One of the most effective attendants we ever had upon our disturbed wards was a good musician. After his work was done, he would sit down among his patients, and play upon the violin. Immediately the most excited persons in the ward would group themselves about him, and listen with profound attention so long as he continued to play for them. Where good music can be provided for the turbulent insane, there exists but little necessity for restraint of a physical nature.”