that prejudice has unfortunately taken possession of the minds of manyespecially of those whose associations naturally lead them to contemplate all novel subjects from religious points of view. The vision of this class is too apt to be obscured by blinding mysticisms, or enslaving creeds, while the spirit of inquiry is either drowned in conservatism, or crushed by bigotry. Now, our examination of the fact-based theories of Phrenology, has convinced us that there is nothing in its truths with which Christianity need dread either association or conflict-if, indeed, Truth should ever be dreaded,—but their tendency, if properly comprehended and applied, would be to strengthen the purposes of the earnest believer, while aiding him, most advantageously, in the regulation of his life; and all this in perfect conformity with the holier aids of that Divine influence, of which every unperverted soul must be gratefully conscious. Of the practical utility of Phrenology, in every-day life, we might proceed to speak with the assurance of those who have put its principles to the test; but we prefer to express what we feel farther called upon to say, in a series of brief resolves, to which the foregoing is merely designed as a preamble. Therefore, be it

Resolved, That, in parting with Mr. Fowler, as a public teacher, we owe it to him to declare that his lectures have been highly satisfactory, because replete with sound instruction, while delivered in a manner at once pleasing and impressive.

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Resolved, That the spirit of inquiry, which has characterized those in attendance, would alone be sufficient to satisfy us that good has been effected, had we not more tangible evidence of progress, in the frequent instances of conversion on the part of the hitherto skeptical.

Resolved, That it is our wish, hereby publicly expressed, that Mr. Fowler may find it convenient to return to this interesting field of labor, at some not far distant period.

"Resolved, That it is advisable and expedient to found a phrenological society in Baltimore, for the purpose of developing and cherishing the truths of this science, and promoting that spirit of free inquiry, which should be the PRACTICE as well as the boast of our people—the aim of which is universal truth, its end universal good."

During the course, one feature of peculiar interest, not merely on its own account, but as perhaps containing the germ of what may yet eventuate in results of very considerable moment, will be found in the following resolutions:

"THE PHRENOLOGICAL LECTURES.-The interest in the lectures on Phrenology, by L. N. Fowler, now in course of delivery in this city, is increasing steadily, as we are pleased to report. The following proceedings, which were had at the Odd Fellows' Hall, on Wednesday evening, and ordered to be published, will indicate the lively interest felt in the moral bearings of this science, by those who have attended Mr. Fowler's lectures, and thus rendered themselves capable of passing judgment:—

"Whereas, the science of Phrenology, in the hands of L. N. Fowler, of New York, has received a fresh impetus in Baltimore, in the addition of a large number of intelligent ladies and gentlemen to its former friends, as the natural result of his lectures; and believing that a large number of the religious community are under erroneous impressions as regards the science, and its moral tendencies; therefore

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Resolved, That Mr. Fowler is hereby unanimously requested, by his class, to deliver two lectures, in this Hall, on Sunday, the 14th inst., one at eleven o'clock, A. M., the other at half past seven, P. M., on the Moral Nature of Man, as recognized by Science.

Resolved, That a collection be taken up at the close of each lecture, the proceeds to be applied to defraying the expenses of the room, and the balance, if any, to the suffering people of Ireland.

"The novelty of this movement, apart from the laudable disposition of the proceeds proposed, will, we think, be likely to call together a large congregation."

O. S. FOWLER, Editor of the Phrenological Journal:

DEAR SIR-Perhaps it may be unknown, and therefore be an interesting fact to many of the readers of your valuable periodical, that the IDEA, to which the science of Phrenology owes its existence, was entertained by at least ONE MAN, and published by him, OVER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY YEARS AGO. Dr. Gall, I believe, has the credit of the discovery, and ought to have it, as it is not probable he had received his idea from any obsolete author.

The person I refer to, as having the honor to be the FIRST discoverer, was one of the most celebrated men of his time, both as a literary and scientific writer; having published many works on theology, natural history, natural philosophy, medicine, and antiquities. His name and titles were DR. WALTER CHARLETON, Physician to Charles II., and President of the College of Physicians in London. The work to which I would call the attention of your readers, is called "A Brief Discourse concerning the Different Wits of Men." In this work, he lays down his IDEA, and by the aid of it fills his work with some very beautiful and strikingly accurate sketches of the human character. Even to a disbeliever in Phrenology, they would afford delight and instruction, besides giving many new ideas, (a rare commodity in these days.) But to a phrenologist they will be exceedingly valuable, for more reasons than I can mention here, but from what I have said must appear obvious to you.

If you will give this communication a place in your “Journal," you will not only gratify many of your readers, but oblige

Your most obedient servant,

GEORGE F. BACON.

N. B. To those that cannot procure the work named above, on account of its rarity and cost, I would respectfully refer to No. 5 of Chambers' “ Cyclopædia of English Literature," (page 409,) where there are two of the best extracts from this work. I saw them in that work, and was reminded of the existence of the book, and its object. Thinking it might be the means of a farther investigation of the subject, I instantly sat down and wrote you this communication, which I hope your readers will excuse, as far as the literary part of it is concerned, but pay deep attention to the fact mentioned therein. G. F. B.

The following is from the "Long-Islander," Huntington, of May 14th:-PHRENOLOGY.-MR. D. P. BUTLER, of New York, is spending a few days in this village, enlightening our citizens on the subject of Phrenology, and purposes to deliver a full course of Lectures. These Lectures have thus far been well attended, the audience evincing by their attention that they appreciated his ability to explain and apply the principles of this science.-His examinations give general satisfaction.

ONWARD.-The following is one among numerous similar communications which are daily being sent from all parts of the country, showing the increasing desire to obtain information on this truly divine science, which is destined to harmonize and humanize mankind ::

Huntington, N. Y., May 12th, 1847. FRIEND WELLS-A few lines to let you know of my welfare, and an order for books. Arrived here in due time. Lectured for the first time last evening to a crowded house and at a short notice. Met with a kind and general reception. Signs favorable. Have had many pressing invitations to lecture in several other places, already. Shall probably continue my lectures through this

week and next in this place. Expect to form two classes-one of ladies and another of gentlemen last of this week. The people seem to be measurably awake to the beauty, truth, and importance of this glorious science. The mist of ignorance, bigotry, and superstition, which has so long shrouded the mental vision of men, is beginning to break, and the rich fields of truth, simplicity, beauty, improvement, and immortality are already seen in the distance. How long! O how long before the imprisoned, yet immortal mind of man will assert its liberty, shake off these shackles, and inherit the possessions to which God has made him an heir! D. P. BUTLER.

P. S. The above is inserted without the consent or knowledge of the writer.

THE LAW OF KINDNESS APPLIED TO PRISONERS. Every practical test of our cardinal doctrine that kind treatment is far more promotive of prison discipline and improvement than to treat them as brutes, should be "chronicled," so that, though the New York Observer may never see" it, yet that the PEOPLE may. The following, from the Tribune, “chronicles" the "results" of superceding force by kindness.

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"A few years since the Ohio Penitentiary was under the care of men who deemed it necessary and proper to rule with a rod of iron. Fear was the emotion they appealed to and operated upon generally. The lash was often in requisition, and corporeal punishment was witnessed every day. The more these instrumentalities were used, the more they became necessary. A change finally took place in the management of the Institution. A new Directory and a new Warden (grieved by the sights they were constrained to witness under such regulation,) resolved to try a different course. Gen. Patterson, the late Warden, has the honor of having introduced this change of government. He persevered in his labors through several years, gradually improving the condition of the convicts, and bringing them to a higher degree of subordination. The convicts, who were under him, speak of him kindly on all occasions.

"The successor of Gen. Patterson, an estimable citizen of the north part of the State, Lauren Dewey, Esq., determined to improve, if possible, upon the labors of his predecessor. He has gathered around him assistants who have in their hearts much of the milk of human kindness. The new Directory approves and seconds his labors, and as the result of these labors of love, the subordination is more perfect than ever before, the lash is very rarely used, the convicts are rarely reported, an air of cheerful alacrity characterizes the operations of the various shops and all the movements of those who are compelled to pay the penalties of their crimes within the walls of the Ohio Penitentiary. "There are, at this time, about five hundred convicts in the Penitentiary. Their labor yields to the State a surplus of $16,000 or $18,000 annually. They receive an abundance of substantial food, and enjoy good health. On the Sabbath they all attend religious services in the Chapel. Their religious instruction is under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Findley, one of the pioneer missionaries of the Methodist Church in the West- -an old veteran of more than sixty winters, who is robust and vigorous, and whose heart overflows with love to poor weak humanity. His tearful appeals have had their effect, too, and many of his charge do right from religious principle. There is a choir connected with the congregation that meets regularly for practice before service on Sabbath. During service the effect is almost electric when those five hundred voices peal forth their sacred songs. With tears streaming from their eyes have I heard these unfortunate men confessing their gratitude for the blessed lessons they had been taught in the Penitentiary.

"There is connected, also, with the Penitentiary a Sabbath School. Nearly one-fifth of the convicts are permitted to avail themselves of its benefits.

The instructions there given by Christians of the city who attend for the purpose, exert an important, all-powerful influence for good upon the minds of the convicts. Superadded to all this, there is an excellent library of several hundred volumes, secured mainly through the influence of the present Warden and Chaplain. The former Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Mills, laid the foundation. The convicts rejoice in the benefits of this library, and speak of it with grateful emotions. They all have Bibles in the cells, also. They are permitted to write, within stated periods, to their friends and relatives, and receive as many letters as are sent to them, when containing nothing improper. At a meeting held a few Sabbaths since, in the Chapel, and in reply to a question propounded, about fifty of them acknowledged that they had learned to read since they entered the prison.

"Temperance addresses are occasionally delivered in the Chapel of the Peni tentiary. Messrs. Tipton and Galloway recently addressed the inmates. The question was put, How many committed the crimes of which they stand convicted, owing to the use, and while under the influence, of intoxicating drinks.' More than four hundred arose on their feet. Seventy or eighty admitted that they had been engaged in vending or making liquor. Nearly every one declared, by rising, his purpose to abstain entirely from the use of intoxicating drink, as a beverage, the rest of his days!

"Thus, you perceive, Mr. Editor, that moral and religious influences, and the potent law of kindness, are at work, and have asserted their power in one of our Western Prisons. The results are the same as those we have witnessed and noticed in the East. They always have been and will be the same under all circumstances. I would that this truth might be fully appreciated throughout our land and in all our Penitentiaries. Humanity would have less occasion to weep, and crime would be diminished."

The following letter was recently communicated by Professor Upham to the Anglo-Saxon, a paper devoted to the spelling reform, published in this city. NEW HAMPTON, April 8, 1847.

DEAR SIR-Permit me, through you, to request that my name may be enrolled on the list of the American Phonographic Society. My attention was first directed to Phonography by observing the facility and verbal accuracy with which one of my pupils, by its aid, was accustomed to take down my archælogical lectures. I immediately resigned my chair to him, for the time being, and sat at his feet as pupil. His course of exercises is not quite completed, and I have been able to devote only fragments of time stolen from other pressing duties; hence, as you will readily perceive, I do not Phonographize "currente calamo," or in more biblical phrase, with the pen of a ready writer. Nevertheless, I think I see my way clear to entire success, and to great practical benefit. Allow me, dear sir, to say to you personally, that the work in which you have so zealously engaged is, in my humble opinion, a great and good one, and must succeed beyond even your own most sanguine expectations. Both branches of it, Phonography and Phonotypy, are pregnant with blessings to the millions. How does every new achievement afford new proof that the slumber of ages is over forever, and the race is rising like a refreshed giant to universal reform ! Yours respectfully, JAMES UPHAM.

WHY WILL YOU DIE?-A Treatise on the Causes and Prevention of PREMATURE DEATH. By Professor Lugol, Physician to the National Hospital of France. The author of this work is a man of deep research, and has recorded his own observations on the causes and prevention of this most terrible of all diseases, Scrofula, which has carried off millions before they had reached the age of a single year. A more detailed notice of this work will hereafter be given. Pp. 270, 12mo., mailable. Price 50 cents.

EVIDENCE CONCLUSIVE.

MR. EDITOR-Truth is mighty and will prevail. All the milk-and-water lucubrations of ten thousand "Ladies' Repositories" could not alter my faith in the truth of Phrenology or Mesmerism. I have received the most satisfactory demonstration; and thereby being assured of the unalterable truth of our doctrines, I cannot help smiling at the fanaticism of unbelief which these selfconstituted critics are daily manifesting. The evidences upon which my faith rest cannot be affected by all their sophistry. I once received a wound upon the head immediately over the organ of Combativeness, and for twenty-four hours this feeling was excited in an extraordinary manner. The fire of the eye, the energy of spirit, were most decided. Upon eating a hearty dinner this exhilaration ceased. Again in order to prove the truth or falsehood of Mesmerism, I did not decry it as a humbug, as these cavillers are pleased to do, well knowing that I was not capable of judging before I investigated it, but keeping in mind the adage that "seeing is believing," I proceeded to examine the subject in what I supposed to be a reasonable manner. Obtaining the consent of a young man to be operated upon, I took the necessary steps, and soon put him into the mesmeric sleep. "How do you know he was asleep?" asks the caviller. Thus do I know it. There was no one in the room but the subject and myself; I went behind him, and by the silent exercise of my will, caused him to raise his arm and lower it repeatedly. The manner of this action was the same exactly as that of raising and lowering, by my own volition, my own arm. What can sophistry bring forth to withstand such evidence as this?-it is experimental and conclusive. But, like the Pharisees of old, the opponents of Phrenology have prejudged the subject in their characteristic selfconceit, and now are fearful lest the people should discover that they have misled them. "Let the galled jades wince, our withers are unwrung."

Yours, &c.,

H.

"FASCINATION, OR THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHARMING: illustrating the Principles of Life in their connection with Spirit and Matter." By John B. Newman, M. D.

It is certainly a remarkable fact in the history of Animal Magnetism, that nearly if not quite all its present supporters and advocates were once its decided opponents. The revelations it presents seem at first sight so strange and unnatural as to utterly exclude belief, and require instant rejection; and thousands of times has this result occurred, when but a mere glance has been bestowed upon the matter. But every now and then circumstances occur to induce in some a closer degree of attention; it is more carefully examined, and the necessary consequence is a perfect conviction of its truth.

Newnham, an English surgeon of some celebrity, was requested to expose its humbug and trickery; and with that intent he began his researches: he soon found more than he had ever imagined; the current changed, and another book in its favor was given to the public. The experience of Newnham has been, in some sort, that of all its advocates; and especially so with the author of the present work. He had a patient under his care, upon whom many others as well as himself had exhausted the resources of medicine in vain attempts to procure relief. As a last resort, he bethought himself of Mesmerism: to his astonishment the pain ceased, and by continuing the remedy, a perfect cure was effected. He had long before this perused the writings of Mesmerizers, and considered their various hypotheses, and found them so untenable as to utterly doubt the fact of their being any reality in the whole matter.