The History of Phrenology on the Web (http://www.historyofphrenology.org.uk/)
 
By John van Wyhe
Last modified 24.2.2002

J. Barber, An Address Delivered Before the Boston Phrenological Societ on the Evening of its Organization at the Masonic Temple, Dec. 31, 1832 Boston, 1833.

Vice-President Barber

We are met, Gentlemen, on this occasion, for the purpose of consummating the formation of a Phrenological Society, by the submission of the final draft of the constitution, and the choice of officers. I presume, from the tenor of the former, that our object is, primarily, to examine the fundamental data of Phrenology; in other words, the doctrine maintained by phrenologists, of the coincidence of certain external manifestations on the cranium, with the intellectual faculties and predominating moral tendencies of individuals.
Secondly, we propose to admit within the scope of our inquiries, whatever relates to human welfare, under the general term of Anthropology: the means of improving education, of bettering the condition of prison discipline, of regulating punishment with a view to reformation of criminals, and the lessening the number of crimes; of determining the value and advisable extent of eleemosynary establishments, of simplifying the principles of political economy and morals, and thus giving them greater certainty. I conceive that inquiries on these and kindred subjects, naturally fall among the objects to be, finally, considered by a Phrenological Society.
As, however, our views on other subjects of Anthropology cannot fail to be greatly modified by the truth or falsehood of Phrenology, I venture strenuously to recommend, that it be .our first object to obtain the evidence necessary to determine on its pretensions.
The time of our meeting, Gentlemen, on this last day of the year, has, as you know, a special reference, being the birthday of Dr. Spurzheim, one of the founders of Phrenology, as well as the accomplished advocate of the science. To his recent visit and labors amongst us, the existence of our Society is directly owing. In the midst of us he delivered his latest testimony in its favor; a testimony to which death has now to bestow upon it a more than common interest.
As respects himself, he died, as it is enviable for such as are prepared, to die; in the very midst of his labors, whilst eagerly engaged in the explanation and defense of favorite doctrines, to which his life had been devoted, and which he deemed in the highest degree momentous to human happines.
I presume none of us would wish to evade the admission, that our organization as a Society, is attributable to the impression' we received from his lectures; an impression, strengthened on my part, by the perusal of several of his works, published since his death, which have placed his name under the sanction and safeguard of immortality. They contain a body of truth, worthy the earnest consideration of the age, and appear to me to place their author, for comprehension, originality, good sense, discrimination; and benevolence, in proud competition with the most celebrated founders of moral sects. In these remarks I allude particularly to his "Catechism of the Natural Laws", and the "Treatise on Education."
I will not, on this occasion, indulge in the expression of feelings prompted by personal regard, and the recollection of the friendly and improving intercourse I had the honor and happiness to enjoy with this enlightened and amiable man--nor will I dwell on the painful emotions which its sudden and unexpected cessation occasioned, and with which I watched his progress to the gates of death. Confident, that if he could be heard from that state of pure intelligence and perfect happiness on which I humbly hope he has entered, he would request us to abstract ourselves from personal feelings and regrets to the objects of his own enthusiastic labors, I will at once call your attention to the points I propose to discuss. I have thought the most suitable may be,--the claims of Phrenology as a subject of inquiry-the proper method of investigating its evidence --the duties arising from a conviction of its truth or falsehood.
The Importance of Phrenology cannot be viewed in the same light by those who are not in possession of the proofs it has to offer, as by those who are perfectly satisfied of their validity. I propose to consider its claims as an inquirer, not as a convert."

....

1. "In joining this society, I take it for granted, that all the means necessary to determine on the truth or illusiveness of phrenology, will be provided, and that every facility will be afforded for acquiring a thorough knowledge of it. I need not dwell on the importance of anatomy in every physiological investigation. The society should provide for a thorough system of instruction in the anatomy of the brain, spinal marrow, and nerves of the senses; 

2. The society should provide for thorough instruction in the anatomy of the cranium "within and without together with the external coverings;"

3.  "In demonstrating the cranium, the places of the respective organs, assigned by phrenologists, and their boundaries, should be pointed out. These should also be shewn on the brain itself, and their position should be always indicated in connexion with the sutures eminences and depressions of the different bones, which have received anatomical designations. In this way our members will become familiar with the exact seat of the organs, and be able to determine their relative size, when they approach them in the living head;"

4.  "Dr. Spurzheim dwelt much on the importance of considering the general shape of the head, apart from isolated prominences, or depressions. With reference to this object, the society should spare no pains in obtaining a well selected assortment of national skulls. The history of nations may thus be studied in direct connexion with organization, and in this way, as it seems to me, the truth of phrenology in its general outlines, be at once verified, or disproved. The society should lose no opportunity of laying military and naval officers, captains of merchant ships, and travelers, under contribution in this respect, or of obtaining supernumerary specimens, with which sister societies may be disposed to favor us. Casts already in existence, and which, in the opinion of experienced phrenologists, may be necessary fully to verify the data of the science, should be procured and deposited in the  museum;"

5. The museum should be assigned curators and they should be instructed in "best methods of taking casts, or busts, in order to enable the society, at any time to procure accurate ones of criminals, or of distinguished individuals in any line, who may be willing to submit to the operation. To procure such should be a constant object with the society;"

6. "The examination of the heads of criminals, of children of extraordinary ability and character, of the insane, of idiots, or persons committing suicide, and of those born with the absence of one or more of the senses" should be a constant object of the society as "among the best means of verifying phrenology;"

7. In our attempts to understand the organization of the head, we should proceed gradually. The regions should first be understood, and our efforts be confined to ascertaining the truth of the general doctrine connected with them. Then the inquirer should proceed to the particular organs--and, thence to the consideration of some of the leading combinations as found in the heads of men distinguished in particular pursuits, as mathematicians, musicians, painters, mechanics, 6c. This will be the only method of avoiding failure and discouragement in our early attempts to decypher the oracles of phrenology;"

8. "Our members should be invited to communicate freely the results of individual inquiry and observation, and a record should at once be opened for such as are deemed important;"

9. "Dr. Spurzheim thought that the comparative anatomy of the brain should never be lost sight of as a means of verifying phrenology
. Our opportunities for examining the brains of animals may not be as extensive as are supplied in Europe, particularly in France, where comparative anatomy is cultivated with ardor; but many may be found everywhere by the earnest inquirer into nature, and should be carefully turned to account. The crania of different tribes of animals then, should be obtained as extensively as possible, in making our collection;"

10.  "If the result of our investigation be conviction of the truth of phrenology, a very wide and interesting field of labor will be presented to the members of our society. In the first place it will be our duty to incite the public, by every means in our power, to a serious consideration of its claims. It has been said, that phrenology can never be made useful. If the science be true, I must dissent altogether from such an opinion. An accurate knowledge of the functions of the brain, and of the manifestations by which they are indicated in particular cases, is knowledge of the human mind, and a much more specific knowledge than can be attained independent of physiology. It would be vain to reason with persons, who, granting such a knowledge attainable, deny its utility. To make known the claims of phrenology, then would be our first duty, if convinced of its truth . . Our society, if convinced that the principles of phrenology have their foundation in nature, will, I repeat, be bound by every consideration of duty and of honor to proclaim their opinion; and in that case, I trust no individual amongst us will hesitate or falter. In that.case too, we shall find ourselves at once engaged in the application of the data of this new science to many branches of anthropology. I think the principle of calling into exercise the activity of our individual members should prevail with us throughout, both in investigating the science, and, supposing its claims to appear satisfactory, in its subsequent application to different branches of knowledge;"

11. "Let every member, as far as possible, be invited to take a part according to his particular talents, taste, occupation, or profession. A division of labor in this way, will be of the utmost importance, both in maintaining our interest and energy in the pursuit, and in making known the truth. One may be employed in demonstrating the anatomy. Another in exhibiting the physiological proofs. A third may take the metaphysical department, inquiring into the application of the principles of phrenology to the mental powers. Others may be employed in considering its application to education. The comparative influence of education, and of native powers in directing to particular pursuits, in insuring success in the, and in the establishment of the moral character, is a curious and important subject, and one by no means exhausted. :his subject should be considered with reference to different grades of mind. It is manifest, there are powers which shape their own ends, as the magnet amongst a thousand substances attracts the particles of its kindred metal. Again, in moral goodness, there are those who are a law unto themselves. but there are others, constituting the middle classes in intellect and morals, to whom education is of greater importance. These are mere hints. It is of course impossible, on this occasion, to descend far into the subject. The Divine may inquire into the harmony existing between the moral and intellectual laws, and the sublime lessons and glorious hopes of Christianity. Popular essays, founded on phrenology, would have all the interest of novelty, and, descending to the details of private manners, and social habitudes, might be fraught with practical lessons, coming immediately home to men's business and bosoms. Vanity, pride, luxury, thefollies and the vices of the time, which have defied other correctives, might feel the force of a new mode of assault, and something be gained by the additional impulse thus employed against them;" and,

12.  "Let us not be deterred from a sober Investigation of the subject by attacks ingeniously devised to act upon the pride of intellect; by the appellation of second-rate men, or third rate men, or even fourth-rate men, enthusiasts, gatherers of worthless fruit from the minor twigs of the tree of knowledge, and so forth. These epithets are often employed by the selfish and superficial, in order to intimate that they cannot be deserved by themselves. It is no uncommon thing to see ridicule sitting in the  solemn chair of decision, laughing like an idiot at the phantoms of its own creation.
	Some will be indisposed to hazard an intellectual name by joining us. They attend lectures on phrenology as an amusement, or at most, because stray crumbs worth picking up, may be expected occasionally to fall, or because the ingenuity of the lecturer may invite them to spend in this way an idle hour. Others, who feel curiosity and interest on the subject, cannot without hazard to private interests become active members of a phrenological society. !zany who are not with us will not be against us. I am disposed to believe that few persons have decided with themselves that phrenolor,y is not true. However this may be, we have associated for a specific object--we choose to act independently--we are strictly inquirers--we neither sue for, nor shun associates. Let this be our course as a society. Let us honestly declare that phrenology comes so commended to us, that we feel inclined to examine its claims, and having done so, let us fearlessly and conscientiously report accordingly."

From: John van Wyhe, The History of Phrenology on the Web (http://www.historyofphrenology.org.uk/)