In the chapter on _Combativeness_, we meet with the very sensible and necessary observation that we must not consider the possession of particular and instinctive propensities, as acquitting us of responsibility in the indulgence of culpable actions. On the contrary it is the perversion of our faculties which causes the greatest misery we endure, and for which (having the free exercise of _reason_) we are accountable to God. {287} The following is quoted from _Edinensis, vol. iv._ "All the faculties are considered capable of producing actions which are good, and it is not to be admitted that any one of them is essentially, and in itself _evil_--but if given way to beyond a certain degree, all of them (with the sole exception of _Conscientiousness_) may lead to results which are improper, injurious, or culpable." The words annexed occur at page 102. "Anatomy decides that the brain, notwithstanding the softness of its consistence, _gives shape to the cranium_, as the crustaceous tenement of the crab is adjusted to the animal that inhabits it. An exception is made to this rule when disease or ill-treatment injure the skull." And again at page 159. "By appealing to Nature herself, it can scarcely be doubted that certain forms of the head denote particular talents or dispositions; and anatomists find that _the surface of the brain_ presents the same appearance in shape which the skull exhibits during life. Idiocy is invariably the consequence of the brain being too small, while in such heads the animal propensities are generally very full." To this may be added the opinion of Gall, that a skull which is large, which is elevated or high above the ears, and in which the head is well developed and thrown forward, so as to be nearly perpendicular with its base, may be presumed to lodge a brain of greater power (whatever may be its propensities) than a skull deficient in such proportion. MAHMOUD. _Mahmoud. New-York. Published by Harper and Brothers._