Bray was an ardent phrenologist, and in 1832 published a work on _The Education of the Feelings_, based on phrenological principles. In 1841 appeared his main work, _The Philosophy of Necessity_; this was followed several years later by a somewhat similar work, _On Force, its Mental and Moral Correlates_. His philosophy was summarized in a volume published in 1871, which was entitled _A Manual of Anthropology_. He also wrote pamphlets on "Illusion and Delusion," "The Reign of Law," "Toleration," and "Christianity." In his work on necessity he promulgated very many of those ideas which have formed so prominent a part of the philosophy of George Eliot. The dominion of law, the reign of necessity, experience as the foundation of knowledge, humanity as an organism that develops a larger life for man by the aid of experience and tradition,--these are among the doctrines of the book. There is every reason for believing that in the teachings of Charles Bray, Marian Evans found many of the main elements of her philosophy, and with his aid her opinions were largely shaped. Mrs. Bray was also a woman of large intelligence, and of a mind freely open to new theories. She wrote a _Physiology for Schools_ and a school-book on _Duties to Animals_, which have been well received by the public and used as text books in the schools of the Midland counties. In 1882 she published a little book on the _Elements of Morality_, consisting of a series of easy lessons for Unitarian Sunday schools and for home teaching. To the Brays, Marian Evans owed much in the way of sympathy, culture and direct influence. Perhaps more than any other persons they gave tone and direction to her mind. One who knew them has said, "Besides being a practical as well as theoretical philanthropist, Mr. Bray was also a courageous impugner of the dogmas which form the basis of the popular theology. Mrs. Bray shared in this general largeness of thought, while perhaps more in sympathy with the fairer aspects of Christianity."