The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and PhysiologyFowler, O. S. (Orson Squire)
Science
The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology
Fowler, O. S. (Orson Squire)
Phrenology
SIZE of head and organs, other things being equal, is the great
phrenological condition. Though tape measurements, taken around the head,
from Individuality to Philoprogenitiveness, give some idea of the size of
brain, the fact that some heads are round, others long, some low, and
others high, so modifies these measurements that they do not convey any
very correct idea of the actual quantity of brain. Yet these measurements
range somewhat as follows. Least size of adults compatible with fair
talents, 20-1/4; 20-3/4 to 21-1/4, moderate; 21-1/4 to 22, average; 22 to
22-3/4, full; 22-3/4 to 23-3/4, large; above 23-3/4, very large. Female
heads, 1/2 to 3/4 below these averages.
LARGE.--One having a large sized brain, with activity _average_, will
_possess_ considerable energy of intellect and feeling, yet seldom
manifest it, unless it is brought out by some powerful stimulus, and will
be rather too indolent to exert, especially his _intellect_: with activity
_full_, will be endowed with an uncommon amount of the mental power, and
be capable of doing a good deal, yet require considerable to awaken him to
that vigorous effort of mind of which he is capable; if his powers are not
called out by circumstances, and his organs of practical intellect are
only average or full, he may pass through life without attracting notice,
or manifesting more than an ordinary share of talent: but if the
perceptive faculties are strong, or very strong, and his natural powers
put in vigorous requisition, he will manifest a vigor and energy of
intellect and feeling quite above mediocrity; be adequate to undertakings
which demand originality of mind and force of character, yet, after all,
be rather indolent: with activity _great, or very great_, will combine
great _power_ of mind with great activity; exercise a commanding influence
over those minds with which he comes in contact; when he enjoys, will
enjoy intensely, and when he suffers, suffer equally so; be susceptible of
strong excitement, and, with the organs of the propelling powers, and of
practical intellect, large or very large, will possess all the mental
capabilities for conducting a large business; for rising to eminence, if
not to pre-eminence; and discover great force of character and power of
intellect and feeling: with activity _moderate_, when powerfully excited,
will evince considerable energy of intellect and feeling, yet be too
indolent and too sluggish to do much; lack clearness and force of idea,
and intenseness of feeling; unless literally driven to it, will not be
likely to be much or to do much, and yet actually _possess_ more vigor of
mind, and energy of feeling, than he will manifest; with activity small,
or very small, will border upon idiocy.
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