Part 1

Chapter 13,002 wordsPublic domain

PHRENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTER

__________________________

Given

NOTICE.

It is recommended to use in the annexed table the numerals, from one to eight, commencing in the column headed Very Small. It will then exhibit the _relative_ developements of the organs in the head of the _individual examined_.

PRACTICAL PHRENOLOGY SIMPLIFIED.

THEODORE FOSTER.

PHILADELPHIA: ORRIN ROGERS, 67 SOUTH SECOND STREET. 1838.

Entered according to Act of Congress, A. D. 1838, by Theodore Foster, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

E. G. DORSEY, PRINTER, LIBRARY STREET.

CONTENTS.

_Domestic Propensities_, 1 Amativeness, _ib._ Philoprogenitiveness, 5 Adhesiveness, 8 Inhabitiveness, 11 Concentrativeness, 13

_Selfish Propensities_, 16 Combativeness, _ib._ Destructiveness, 19 Secretiveness, 22 Acquisitiveness, 26 Alimentiveness, 30

_Selfish Sentiments_, 34 Firmness, _ib._ Self-esteem, 37 Love of Approbation, 43 Cautiousness, 46

_Moral Sentiments_, 49 Conscientiousness, _ib._ Veneration, 53 Benevolence, 56 Hope, 59 Marvellousness, 62

_Intellectual Sentiments_, 65 Ideality, _ib._ Constructiveness, 68 Imitation, 69 Mirthfulness, 72

_Observing Faculties_, 75 Individuality, _ib._ Form, 78 Size, 80 Weight, 81 Colour, 83 Order, 85 Calculation, 87 Locality, 90 Eventuality, 92 Time, 95 Tune, 96 Language, 98

_Reflective Faculties_, 101 Causality, _ib._ Comparison, 103

_Temperaments_, 107

PREFACE.

The present volume is designed to exhibit the subject of Practical Phrenology in as clear and as perspicuous a light as its nature will admit. To this purpose the author has aimed to divest it of all extraneous matter, and at the same time to avoid all unnecessary conciseness. The learner will here find a comprehensive view of the functions of each organ, with their different effects on the character when in various stages of developement, and also when compounded with each other.

The author presents few claims to originality. In a few instances he has even adopted the language of others where it presented itself in a felicitous manner--his aim being to make a good book rather than to add to his own reputation.

It is but proper here to state that the work has passed through the press without the benefit of the author’s personal inspection--an affection of the eyes rendering this service impossible. But for this it might have received many _retouches_, which, if they did not add materially to its _value_, might have improved its appearance.

DOMESTIC PROPENSITIES.

1. AMATIVENESS.

This organ produces the sexual passion, and imparts to its possessor a desire for the happiness of the opposite sex. In society it does much to promote general kindliness of feeling, and urbanity of manners.

Predominant.--One in whom this organ predominates, will incline to be libidinous, licentious and lustful. If his moral organs are very large, particularly Firmness and Conscientiousness, he may restrain the outward expression of this feeling; but it will, nevertheless, be powerful, and at times overwhelming. If long deprived of the society of the other sex, he will feel lonesome and disconsolate.

Large.--With large Amativeness and Adhesiveness, an individual will be exceedingly attached to the society of the other sex; and will be capable of readily ingratiating himself into their favour. If with these organs large, and small Firmness and Conscientiousness, although his love will be intense and fervid, yet he will be apt to be capricious and fickle in his attachments. He will be inclined rather to seek the favour of the sex generally, than to limit his regard to a single object. If Adhesiveness, Inhabitiveness and Philoprogenitiveness are large, he will be induced to marry early, but if Adhesiveness, Philoprogenitiveness, and Conscientiousness are small, he will be inclined to gratify this feeling without reference to the laws of morality. With Self-esteem, Firmness, and Secretiveness large, although he may love intensely, yet he will not allow his passion to predominate over him; if disappointed, he will not be subdued, but manifest to the spectator the appearance of unconcern. With such a combination, he will, in all cases, feel much more intensely than his expressions will imply. If Mirthfulness is large, and Conscientiousness and Ideality small, he will be liable to joke, and be fond of licentious allusions.

Moderate.--With a moderate developement of this organ, an individual will take great pleasure in the society of ladies, whose taste and feelings coincide with his own. If his Moral Sentiments and Intellect are large, he will be averse to the society of the merely volatile and frivolous. If Ideality and Love of Approbation are large, he will be attracted by the company of the gay and fashionable. If Ideality and Intellect generally, are large, he will be disgusted with vulgarity and libidinous allusions. His passion will be deep, but not lasting, and with a moderate amount of controlling organs he can restrain it at will.

Small.--When this organ is small, an individual will be distant and reserved towards females. If Adhesiveness is large, he may be attached to the society of a select few; but the connexion will be of a strictly Platonic character. He will be unable to feel the peculiar pleasures of female society. If Adhesiveness and Philoprogenitiveness are large, he may be disposed to a matrimonial alliance; but if these organs are small, he will be decidedly averse to such a connexion. If one with Moral Sentiments moderate, and Destructiveness and Self-esteem large, under the influence of the aforementioned combination, were to marry, the connexion would be necessarily an unfortunate one; his attachment could not outlive the vicissitudes attending the marriage state, and would inevitably degenerate into disdain and aversion. He would, notwithstanding, be a fond parent, though his affection would be capricious and ill regulated. With Adhesiveness, Conscientiousness, Veneration, and Benevolence large, an individual’s regard for the wife of his choice, if fortunate in his selection, will increase with time; the strength of his superior sentiments more than supplying the want of animal passion.

2. PHILOPROGENITIVENESS.

The legitimate office of this organ is to produce love for one’s own offspring. It produces, however, in the breast of its possessor an affection for children indiscriminately; for the feeble and helpless; for pets--as dogs, horses, cats, &c., and even for inanimate objects. It has an influence in producing general kindliness of disposition. A peculiarity of its character consists in its inspiring its possessor to love with the fondest affection the child that is the most helpless, and even the one that has caused the greatest solicitude and brought down on its parent the deepest disgrace.

Predominant.--An individual in whom this organ predominates has a constant hankering for the society of children. If without them himself, he views the deprivation as a great misfortune, and if his circumstances are favourable, will be likely to adopt one, for the purpose of exhausting the energy of this feeling upon it. He will be likewise much attached to pets, as horses and dogs.

Large.--Those who possess this organ large, betray it in every look and motion when in company with children. They take the greatest delight in their society, and enter into their little troubles and enjoyments with the greatest zeal. They readily enlist their confidence, and can easily control them. If deprived of their society, they will exhaust their attachment upon some pet animal which they will frequently fondle. When Combativeness, Destructiveness and Philoprogenitiveness are large, an individual will punish children severely when they annoy him, notwithstanding his great affection for them. If Self-esteem and Combativeness are small, he will be liable to humour his children and allow them improper indulgences. With Combativeness and Destructiveness large, he will be apt to be capricious in his feelings towards children, at one time humoring them, and at another petulant and cross.

Moderate.--With Philoprogenitiveness moderate, a person will be attached to his own children to a good degree, and may take some interest in others after they begin to lose their infantile character. This feeling, however, will not be durable. He will readily tire of children when they annoy him. The death of a child will be a poignant affliction to him, but it will be soon forgotten. If Destructiveness and Self-esteem are large, he will be liable to punish them with severity for trivial offences.

Small.--With this organ small, a person will be exceedingly annoyed by children. If a parent, he will consign the care of them to menials. In all his intercourse with company, he will betray a marked indifference to their society. If ever induced to amuse them, his awkwardness will betray itself to the most casual observer. If Benevolence is large, he will take all needful care of them; but if Secretiveness and Destructiveness are large, he will delight to torment and teaze them.

3. ADHESIVENESS.

This organ furnishes the instinct of social attachment. Towards the object of its regard it excites the purest feelings of affection. It is not satisfied with loving, it must also be loved, and requires for its healthy existence a constant exchange of pure and radiant affection. It diffuses its influence over the whole character of the man, and tends to render him kind, amiable, and affectionate. It leads to the love of company, and of social intercourse. While it is the germ of many virtues, it is to be feared; in the present state of society, it is likewise productive of many vices.

Predominant.--With Adhesiveness predominant, an individual is pre-eminently qualified to enjoy friendship, and will be miserable without it. He will often feel the yearnings of affection coming over him with all the intensity of a passion. His most vivid enjoyments are experienced in the society of his friends. He readily recognises the existence of a similar feeling in another, and, if circumstances are favourable, they soon become intimate.

Large.--One having Adhesiveness large, is eminently social and affectionate. With large Moral organs, will make great sacrifices to render his friends service, and will esteem the pleasures of friendship as one of the chief sources of enjoyment. With Combativeness and Destructiveness large, and Self-esteem moderate, will resent an aggression upon a friend which he would not notice upon himself. If Self-esteem is large, with Combativeness and Destructiveness large, he will easily get angry with his friends, but will be readily conciliated. With Benevolence and Love of Approbation large, is exceedingly liberal and forward among friends; will do his utmost to please and gratify them; earnestly desire their approbation; and will be exceedingly sensitive to their reproaches. With Firmness and Conscientiousness small, will be capricious in his attachments. With Secretiveness and Self-esteem large, he will not fully express the feelings which he experiences, and will thus leave the impression that his affection is less than it really is.

Moderate.--One having Adhesiveness moderate, may be strongly attached to friends, but his friendships will be readily severed. He may be companionable, and with large Benevolence will be generous and good-hearted, but he will still lack that strong feeling of sympathy without which friendship is but a name.

Small.--With Adhesiveness small, an individual will be unsocial, cold-hearted and selfish. If his moral organs predominate over self-esteem, he may be companionable, but he will be nearly wanting in the attributes of character ascribed to this organ.

4. INHABITIVENESS.

This organ produces home-sickness, and causes a feeling of regret to take possession of the mind when leaving a place in which one has long resided. It is the first element of patriotism. It produces a desire to locate and reside in a particular place, and adds much to the strength of family attachments.

Predominant.--One in whom Inhabitiveness predominates, is pre-eminently attached to any place with which he has become familiar. It causes him much pain to leave it, and he returns to it with eagerness.

Large.--One having inhabitiveness large, will experience the most poignant sensations of regret at leaving a place with which he has become familiar. Even a particular house, garden, office or room, has for him peculiar gratifications. With large Locality, will take delight in travelling, but will be constantly harassed by thoughts of home. This is more especially the case if Concentrativeness is large. If Self-esteem and Veneration are large, he will be eminently patriotic, and will defend his country from aspersions with as much vigour as himself. Veneration being large, he will experience the profoundest feelings of respect and regard for the memory of the departed worthies of its history; and with large Individuality, Eventuality, &c., he will take great delight in reading the history of his own country, and of conversing upon its character and institutions. If long absent from home, he is constantly curious, and eagerly seeks every means of being informed concerning it. The peculiarities of the different places in which he has resided often occur to him with feelings of the most vivid pleasure.

Moderate.--One in whom Inhabitiveness is moderate, will not change his residence without regret, yet soon becomes reconciled to a new location. If long absent from his country, Self-esteem being small, he will become expatriated in feeling, and identify himself wholly with the country in which he resides.

Small.--When Inhabitiveness is small, the individual will be constantly prompted to change his place of residence. Unless this feeling is counteracted by the strength of other organs, he cannot get familiarized with a place without becoming dissatisfied and restless.

5. CONCENTRATIVENESS.

This organ imparts the power of continuity of thought. It also aids in enabling its possessor to continue the action of the organs generally.

Predominant.--One having Concentrativeness predominant, with Causality large, will be much subject to absence of mind. He will be quite unable to attend to more than one thing at a time, and will be generally prolix in conversation.

Large.--With large Concentrativeness, an individual will be much disturbed if more than one thing claim attention at once; has a strong inclination after taking up a subject to pursue it till he has completed it. In conversation he will be much distracted if it is desultory in its character. If a writer, his compositions will exhibit a sustained unity of expression throughout.

Moderate.--One with Concentrativeness moderate, is inclined to pursue a subject or train of thought, but can be easily diverted from it. If Causality and Intellect generally are moderate, is neither inclined to pursue a study to its termination, nor is he able to pass rapidly to another. With nervous temperament he will possess great versatility of attention.

Small.--With Concentrativeness small, an individual will be quite unable to devote his attention for any length of time to a single study or subject. In ordinary conversation, he will fly from one subject to another, without order or arrangement. His friends, even if strongly attached to them, will not be long thought of at a time. His antipathies will be readily assuaged. He will possess great vivacity of disposition.

SELFISH PROPENSITIES.

1. COMBATIVENESS.

This organ gives the desire to oppose, resist and overcome. It renders its possessor able to encounter difficulties, and to be bold and strenuous in his opposition. If not properly regulated, it leads to a desire to contradict and quarrel for the sake of opposition. It gives vigour and zeal to the pugilist and warrior.

Predominant.--When this organ predominates, the individual will be bold, disputatious and quarrelsome. In an encounter he will never be satisfied till he has obtained the mastery. He will display great nerve and determination in whatever he undertakes. With Self-esteem large, and Conscientiousness and Benevolence small, he will be extremely quarrelsome and overbearing.

Large.--With Self-esteem large, the individual will be pre-eminently bold and enterprising. If Firmness is small, he will be wavering in his views; but if Firmness is large, he will add perseverance to courage, and never give up a point while a reasonable hope of success remains. If with this combination, and Moral Sentiments small, he will be litigious and quarrelsome. If Destructiveness is small, he will be fond of disputing, but will avoid giving pain. If Destructiveness is large, and Benevolence small, he will be vindictive and cruel, and will ever be disposed to vindicate his own importance, regardless of circumstances or the rights of others. If Love of Approbation, Benevolence, Veneration and Conscientiousness are large, he will avoid all low contentions, and will direct the action of this organ to the maintenance of right and the enforcement of just opinion.

Moderate.--One with moderate Combativeness, will forbear in a contention as long as Self-esteem will allow. If his temperament is active, he may be irritable and passionate, but upon the whole, will be peaceable. If his religious feelings are strong, notwithstanding his usual distaste for opposition, he will contend strenuously for the rights of his church, and cheerfully encounter reproach for its sake. If Acquisitiveness is large, and Self-esteem small, he will allow himself to be insulted with impunity, but will resist every attack upon his property.

Small.--With Combativeness small, an individual’s character will be mild and peaceable. He will rather submit to oppression than make the requisite exertion to defend his rights. Above every thing else he will desire peace. With Self-esteem small, he will be eminently deficient in presence of mind in times of danger. He will quail under opposition, and with Cautiousness large, will be timid and cowardly. With Destructiveness large, and Benevolence small, he will be harsh and severe where there is no resentment to be feared. With Acquisitiveness large, he will be fond of acquiring by slow accumulations, rather than by bold speculations. With Domestic Feelings large, he will avoid the turbulent scenes of life, and seek refuge in quiet and retirement.

2. DESTRUCTIVENESS.

This organ produces the propensity to exterminate and destroy. It incites the murderer to his act of crime. It renders its possessor harsh, cruel, and indifferent to the feelings of others, and is an active element in the minds of all warriors, sportsmen and pugilists.