The reciprocal influence of body and mind considered, as it affects the great questions of education, phrenology, materialism, moral advancement ..

Front matter

i e^iT E ;l ) STATE S OF AMERICA .

THE

RECIPROCAL INFLUENCE

Chapter I

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF THE SUBJECT. Page 1

Argument. — Necessity for attending first to the natural healthy agency of the organ of mind, upon its mental manifestations, before we can understand the deviations from its physiological condition. Mind, as exhibited in man, has no means of receiving notices from without, or of communicating its own actions, except through a material medium : — this medium is the brain — so that the operations of mind may be influenced by the health or disease of the body generally, and by original peculiarities of the brain : but the mind, soul, or spiritual principle is the supreme governor. The little attention bestowed upon this important subject arises probably from our ignorance of the immediate agency of mind. The primary object of this investigation is to study the varied phenomena of mind, as manifested through its organ : — thus the inquiry becomes strictly an inductive one, in which we trace how spiritual emotion and external impression are distinctly characterized by the organ through which they are given out or received. Influence of these views upon the objects and prospects of education : — the brain requires cultivation to render it a fit instrument for mental developement. Distinction between mental and organic life ; — the latter fulfils its functions without education. Each individual among men possesses a natural character conferred by physical temperament, which cannot be wholly obliterated by any effort of presiding mind, but which, on the contrary, gives a tinge to all its actions : — this natural character may, however, be controlled by, and therefore demands the exercise of, moral principle, so as to render the mind always superior to the impulse of bodily passion.

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Chapter II. Reciprocity Of Bodily And Mental Influence Applied

to education. — Page 8.

Argument. — Education must proceed : — importance of giving it a right direction under sanction of the highest moral principle, and also of clearty appreciating its subject, in the compound nature of man, in order that principle- may be judiciously and successfully inwrought into the character : — present rapid progress of mental developement fostered by public opinion. The constantly widening sphere of the advances of mind over matter chiefly dependent upon the laws of habit and association, and increasingly-graduated exertions, which, originating with the former, are permanently enstamped upon the latter, and renders it capable of fulfilling the behests of the governing principle. Man's power of acquisition limited : — he does not fulfil the design of his creation, and is under the power of some perverting agency, the multiform effects of which, unless controlled or superseded by moral and religious motive, are variously shown in different individuals, according to the more or less perfect state of -the organ of mind, and its original peculiarities. Importance of attending to the health, and cultivating the growth of the brain, concurrently with the moral and intellectual education, that it may perform its legitimate functions as the obedient servant of mind, and thus promote the free agency of man. Powerful influence of opinion upon man's conduct : — advantage to be taken of the stimulus it has afforded to education, by giving the latter a beneficial direction. To this end, individual peculiarity is to be studied, and encouraged or repressed according to its good or evil tendency. Man is a free agent, and minutely responsible for all his actions ; but his free agency may be impaired by defective or neglected education, without diminishing his accountability. Paramount importance of early education of the brain : — quiescence, and excessive employment of that organ equally dangerous : — illustrations, and cautions on this subject : — progression being the physiological law of man's nature, can only be accomplished adequately by graduallyincreased exertion of the brain. Sympathetic association of the brain with other organs and functions of the body, particularly with the stomach — cruel abuse of this organ — its proper subjection to the brain, as the organ of intellectual and moral manifestation. The

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success of education depends upon the adaptation of its means to the individual differences of the organ of mind, and these are not to be discovered by any arbitrary laws of physiognomy, phrenology, &c. &c, but by the rational study of character. Education incomplete, unless based upon the sanctions of revealed religion, and the prejudices of the young must be secured in favour of religion and virtue. -What is genius ? — A state dependent upon an unknown and peculiar condition of the cerebral organ.

Chapter III. On Phrenology In Connexion With The General

subject. — Page 43.

Argument. — Phrenology not of practical importance in the present discussion, provided that the organ, whether single or multiple, be held in entire subjection to the presiding mind ; but as truth is invaluable, the question merits consideration as a scientific inquiry ; truth, therefore, should be the single object of our investigation, and the errors and follies of the votaries of phrenology should be separated from the doctrine. Phrenology not fully borne out by observation : — its doctrines here defined do not necessarily lead to materialism or irresponsibility, but, as frequently held, they possess a demoralising tendency, 'and form a stronghold of Socialism. Tendency of phrenology a proper object of scientific inquiry ; and its being shown to militate against truth derived from other sources, and to conduct to moral error, is a valid argument against its accuracy. The lower . animals possess mind in differing degrees, always manifested through the brain, its appointed organ ; the organisation of each exquisitely fitted to their respective destinies. But man possesses a spiritual principle superadded to animal mind ; his brain, therefore, is more developed; but the function of mind is not to be confounded with its- organ ; neither is the activity or integrity of the former dependent upon the size of the latter. Instinct is knowledge imparted prior to education : — man has few instincts compared with the lower animals, because of his intellectual and spiritual endowments. Brain is equally and essentially requisite to exhibit the highest reach of thought in man, as to manifest the automatic actions of mere instinct. Peculiarities of spiritual expression not dependent upon the quantum of brain, nor upon any demonstrable property of nervous fibre ; perfection of sensation and

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high mental developement not necessarily coincident, neither great bodily and mental power ; aptitude for thought in every form is the result of some undefinable peculiarities of cerebral fibre. Original differences of mental constitution exist from infancy, yet are not traceable to organisation only ; the converse is likewise true ; and both may be modified by education. Slow developement of intellectual and moral faculties as compared with that of sensation and passion, a proof of some perverting change having passed upon the brain as the organ of mind. A variety of spiritual, vital, physical, and medicinal agencies shown to operate upon the brain, and to produce changes of mental manifestation. Though no attribute of mind is manifested without the intervention of the brain and nervous system, yet itis as illogical to infer the necessity for its atomic division into many special organs for the developement of each faculty, as to assert that the sentient principle resides in the extremity of each nerve. Review of the arguments for and against the phrenological hypothesis, and its pretensions shown to be of a very doubtful nature, if not utterly untenable.

Chapter IV

ON MATERIALISM : ITS REAL BEARING, AND THE PRESENT DISCUSSION SHOWN TO HAVE NO TENDENCY TO THIS DOC- TRINE.— Page 85.

Argument. — The preceding views neither tend to materialism nor to a mysterious spiritual agency insusceptible of proof. The former objection examined; the charge, if true, equally applicable to a single undivided, as to a plural compounded, brain. Daily experience proves the manifestations of mind to be influenced by different states of the body, but especially of the brain; yet this known, and vitally-important fact, is too much unheeded. Injury to the brain does affect the manifestations of mind ; the contrary supposition shown to be erroneous. The organic medium, the brain, is not to be confounded with the originating spiritual principle ; and as the instrument of thought and feeling, it is now imperfect, and exhibits its perverted and debased tendencies. The integrity of the brain and nervous system indispensable to secure perfection of mental expression, consequently every degree of deviation from primordial excellence will give a corresponding tinge to spiritual manifestation, and will more especially exert its

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influence on the function of volition. Distinction between the mere act of wishing and mental volition. The question of the materiality of the soul, not so all-important as has been generally considered' provided there be always a recognized and essential distinction between the spiritual soul and its mere organ, the brain. Immortality not necessarily dependent upon immateriality, though we believe the soul to be immaterial, because it is destitute of any of the Mown properties of matter, and is a principle superadded to, not inherent in, brain, being found only in man, because he alone is a moral and religious creature. The immateriality of the soul not more incomprehensible or mysterious than the commonest physiological and physical phenomena. Some of the principal objections examined, and found to lead to absurd conclusions, while the immaterial doctrine alone fulfils the conditions of the strictest inductive philosophy. Animal mind not to be confounded with the superadded moral principle in man. Fallacy of the attempt to prove thought and animal desire as originating from the same sources, whereas they are essentially distinct. Moral motive cannot originate from the structure upon which it acts ; and as this organic structure is similar in its nature to that of other animals, it can only be regarded as a distinct, independent, and controlling principle. Other objections stated, and refuted ; their absurdity. Since the manifestations of mind do not originate in the brain, it follows that the destruction of the soul is not necessarily coincident with the dissolution of the body. The scriptural revelation of the resurrection of the body, and future expansion and perfection of mind, perfectly coincides with the researches of modern science, and with sound metaphysical investigation. These views are by no means extravagant, but the result of sober deduction. Analogous illustrations from the transformations of vegetable, insect, and animal life ; the properties of chemical compounds are generally essentially different from their simpler elements, and arise from their new combination — analogies bearing on the subject in discussion^ Other objections against the immateriality of the soul examined. Personal identity not dependent upon any material condition, but resulting exclusively from the immaterial spirit, and is, in fact, its own consciousness of continued existence. The doctrine of the immateriality of the soul does not deprive it of active properties, but ascribes to it the most energetic powers, while it demonstrates the absence of material properties : it is, therefore, not subject to the laws of matter, and can only act in obedience to certain spiritual laws, originally constituted by an all- wise Creator. Ignorance of

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the nature and essence of spiritual existence no valid argument against its reality. Exposure of arguments against this doctrine, founded upon the most unwarrantable and gratuitous assumptions. Mind is discoverable by its effects alone, — and its origin and operation, however mysterious, are not more inscrutable than physical agency, in any, and in all its diversified forms. The assertion of a perceptible motion about the brain in thought is not founded in fact; and even if it were true, it would not militate against the theory of an immaterial and governing precipient. Renewed cautions against confounding organ and function. Proofs of an independent presiding spirit, derived from certain mental processes — intellectual, moral, and religious. The same truth proved by the total or partial absence of these properties, in reverie, dreaming, intoxication, delirium, &c, in which the self-actings of organic and animal excitement are alone manifested. And again, in extreme cases of religious conversion, and in the ordinary processes of education. The possession of a greater number and higher range of instincts in animals generally over man, an argument in favour of his being endowed with a superadded and compensating principle, the immaterial soul, by which he attains knowledge and reason. This still further proved by the universal existence of individual consciousness of an interior self; the le moi of sceptical, the soul of christian, philosophers ; — and again, the consciousness that the dissolution of the body is not coincident with the extinction of the indwelling spirit; and, lastly, the instinctive desire after immortality— a feeling essentially distinct from the love of life possessed by man in common with other animals. Some mistakes relative to the progressive developement of mind, as connected with the growth of the body. The anomalously wretched condition of man, in the midst of a creation, where good so immensely preponderates, indicates that some awfully perverting cause has interfered with regard to him j and, also, in order to vindicate the revealed character of God, the necessity for some other state of existence after the dissolution of the body, and the separation of the spirit from its present material tenement. Existing mental phenomena, and especially the obstacles in the way of intellectual advancement, another proof of the immateriality of mind ; so also the moral condition of man ; the tendency to evil rather than good is a point of deviation from original design, and demonstrates the necessity of future existence under widely- different circumstances. Some remarks on the peculiar nature of man, showing the necessity for a future state, and the consequent immateriality and immortality of the soul.

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Chapter V

ON THE ESSENTIAL LAW OF PROGRESSION ENSTAMPED UPON THE CHARACTER OF INTELLECTUAL MAN. Page 164.

Argument. — Increasing attention bestowed upon the subject of education; its resulting display of augmented intelligence; from the constitution of the human mind this will be progressive. Has not been productive of unmixed good; it will be useful or mischievous, in proportion as those who preside over its agency are imbued with just opinions of its immediate object and ultimate destination. Necessity for taking enlarged views of the object, as well as of the subject of mental developement. Man is not to be treated as an automaton, or a simple animal, or a purely spiritual being ; the manifestations of his mind can only be recognized through the medium of bodily organization, and are liable to a variety of modifications dependent thereon : but the organic medium must never be confounded with the interior spiritual essence. The desideratum is to carry onward the developement and expansion of every mental faculty, consistently with due attention to the health of the body, and with a view to the ultimate restoration of man to his high and holy origin. Importance of attentively watching and directing the successive developement of passion, intellect, and moral and religious feeling, in pursuance of this design. Mental improvement should always have reference to the final developement of spiritual life : and to this end, the affections must be studied ; and their manifesting organs, which are subjected to the common law of animal life, must be exercised and improved. Constant amelioration and progressive improvement to be sedulously pursued, and this mental growth possesses a reproductive agency, infinitely more operative than the analogous powers of animal and vegetable life. This object can only be fully accomplished by the education of principle, which must be everywhere pre-eminent, and therefore can be found only in religion, or the pure precepts and motives of genuine Christianity. Happiness and pleasure are not identical : the former will be possessed in largest measure by him who has the most expanded intellect, applied to the benefit of his fellow men, and devoted to the service of his Maker. Reason, imagination, and experience, are inadequate to guide men to the sure attainment of real happiness, unless combined with, and controlled by, religious

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principle. This dominant principle must not depend for support upon the maxims of expediency, nor upon the hope of any selfish enjoyment, however refined, but upon a system of duty, a faithful obedience to the declared will of God. Religion alone is able to give preponderance to man's better tendencies, and to ensure progressive amelioration. Human perfection consists in the resemblance of man to the moral attributes of his Maker and Designer. Man, as he now exists, the only anomalous imperfection with which we are acquainted. He must be taught to imitate the divine perfections, and these being marked by regularity, beauty, and utility, his mental and moral developement should be similarly characterised. Definition and explanation of these attributes, and the necessity for their entire combination to form the character of human perfection. Obstacles arising from the union of mind with matter — from the influence of society — from individual idiosyncracies — and from inadequate methods of instruction. Importance of mental developement in its bearing upon religious belief. The faculty of the will considered ; mistaken views generally entertained ; it is, when unimpaired, the result of sound judgment and correct reasoning j and therefore perfectly free to choose, but liable to be influenced in its decisions by the condition of the brain and nervous system. Paramount importance of the will in the spiritual economy of man : rules for the guidance of this faculty, and cautions to be observed in its developement and cultivation. The will is influenced to action by motives j these must appeal to the understanding and the conscience, enlightened by, and dependent upon, religious principle. In man's present fallen and probationary condition, the design of the Almighty Creator is very manifest, viz. uniform progression towards moral good, and this must form the first object of the good man's desire. Rigid discipline is to be enforced in early life, without impairing the decision of character ; it must teach the power to choose, the obligation to obey. Importance of distinguishing the effects of idiosyncracy and education in the formation of habits of mind, and of rightly adapting the mode of treatment accordingly. Regularity of exercise indispensable to success. Too great excitation to be carefully avoided, on account of its consequent disastrous re-action. Benevolence of feeling will strengthen intellectual capacity. The faculty of imagination requires careful developement, since it exercises a peculiar influence upon the moral manifestations of mind. Application of the principle of progressive improvement to the christian character ; its perfection is personal purity, and entire conformity to the will of

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God. Peculiar difficulties in this christian progression, from the perverted and corrupted state of man ; his responsibility not therefore lessened, since the way of access to original holiness is revealed to him in the pages of revelation, with the unconditional promise of the Holy Spirit to instruct, to guide, to strengthen, and support him in the pursuit of all truth. Importance of the faculty of imitation in the formation of character ; the Christian must avail himself of this truth, and apply it to its fullest extent, by continual reference to the perfect example of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; and therefore his conduct through life will be prominently characterised by consistency, beauty, and utility. Injury occasioned to religion by a neglect of these principles on the part of its professors ; cautions and directions on this subject ; — on the mannerism of the Christian, and on the mode of communicating religious truth : finally, habitual self-examination indispensable to the Christian.

Chapter VI

ON THE THEORY OF LIFE ; THE UNPHILOSOPHICAL NATURE OF THE INFIDEL VIEWS CONNECTED WITH THIS HIDDEN

subject. — Page 235.

Argument. — Unsatisfactory knowledge as to what constitutes life; its influence upon mental phenomena. Life is a principle superadded to, and united with, matter ; but, like many other first principles, is only cognisable by its effects. It is not the " sum total of functions," since it exists in the absence of sensible phenomena; and it is called forth on the application of the appropriate stimuli : suspended animation from drowning, &c. Neither is life the result of organisation, nor constituted by its own functions. Examination of Sir C. Morgan's hypotheses and inferences — shown to be unfounded in fact, and unphilosophical and unchristian in application. The origin of evil is enveloped in mystery, but beneficence clearly characterises the works of the Almighty, especially those with which we are best acquainted. Inquiry into the phenomena of life, as exhibited in its origin ; this origin, when traced to its source, is found to be derived from the immediate fiat of the Creator, and is lost in the mysteries of creation. The successive developement of vital function traced in vegetables, animals, and man, in his several stages of growth. The assertion, that the moral

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constitution varies with the physical structure, possesses only a semblance of truth ; its erroneous tendency exposed, and the true relation between these states pointed out. The principle of life is not the determining cause of the phenomena manifested in the world, but the commissioned agent of a superintending Ruler. Examination of the chemical, mechanical, mathematical, and doctrinal theories of life, showing their insufficiency to explain its phenomena. Nervous inflnence, though indispensable to the continuance of the animal functions, is not life, but one of its effects. The phenomena of life are only explicable or intelligible by calling in the aid of a new and peculiar property, inseparable from itself, and which is, in fact, one of nature's primordial laws. Influence of life on the manifestations of mind ; man possesses spiritual as well as animal life, in the characteristics of which there is an essential difference; the latter being perfect from its origin, whilst the former is continually progressive, and survives and is immeasurably expanded after the extinction of its animal companion. Distinction between sensation and passion, as the direct or reflex action to and from the brain, the organ of spiritual manifestation. Influence of the passions upon animal life generally, and upon some of the interior organs in particular ; their reflex morbid or healthy action on the brain, and through it upon the manifestations of mind. Excessive mental emotion is directly or remotely subversive of animal life; and this destructive influence is specially exerted upon the heart. Mode of operation described, illustrated, and explained. Immense influence of sympathetic action, mental or physical, upon the integrity of the animal frame. Constitutional predisposition to be controlled by mental principle and christian motive. Individuality of character mainly dependent upon the degree of subjection of the appetites and passions to the presiding mind. Observations on approaching dissolution, particularly shown by the decay of the senses ; prolongation of the sense of taste, — state of the brain in approaching death; exposition of erroneous notions entertained relative to the expansion of spiritual manifestation, as life is terminating ; the grand source of error consists in confounding mind itself with its manifestations : the brain is not exempted from the general physiological laws of organic decay. Further inquiry into the immediate causes of death; these may be accelerated or retarded by the neglect or providence of the individual. The organs of interior life are not directly acted upon by the passions, but secondarily, through the medium of the brain and nervous system. Examination of Bichat's opposite hypothesis ; and the heart shown

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not to be the seat of emotion. The preceding views illustrated by the influence of the brain upon the lungs in the function of respiration. All the other bodily functions are also intermediately dependent upon the brain for their integrity, upon which they likewise reflect the influence of their morbid irritations respectively. Organic death, not necessarily the termination of existence. The mind of man is here understood as a distinct principle, superadded to animal mind, and over this spiritual principle death has no power beyond that of suspending its present manifestations. The phenomena of death afford no argument for the destructibility of mind ; still less so, when viewed by the light of moral and christian philosophy. Moral inferences to be drawn from the preceding conside rations.

Chapter VII

ON THE MENTAL PROPERTIES ; THEIR HEALTHFUL TENDEN- CIES AND DISORDERED INFLUENCE. Page 294.

Argument. — Necessity of distinguishing between the manifestations of mind in the lower animals, and those which belong only to man, who exclusively possesses the superadded principle : the former being purely cerebral, the latter, however modified, still resulting from the responsible moral being. Great difference consists in the possession of thought by man, and its absence in brutes. Distinction between the memory of the two classes, and the results of information received through the senses ; the one producing instinctive, the other reasoning action, — the latter, too, having respect to the laws of a moral governor. Thought is liable to disordered manifestations ; — influence of sleep upon thought. The hypothesis of Sir C. Morgan, in respect of relative sensibility, shown to be unnecessary, unphilosophical, absurd, and opposed to facts. Real position of the brain, as the medium of mental manifestation ; it is the servant of mind, therefore most untrue to assert that the brain has no definite function, and is wholly supererogatory : by our views it is ennobled, and the mental principle is endued with immortality. Objections answered; that every part of the brain has been found disorganised; — conservative efforts of nature to carry on her functions under difficulties ; — the brain in itself is not highly sensitive; — difference of natural appearance in the brain, and difficulty of distinguishing such difference, especially since we

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know not the nature of the ultimate cerebral fibre ; but these difficulties are not greater than those which belong to the hypothesis terminating in organisation only : — these difficulties exposed, — therefore inquiries pushed beyond organisation are not chimerical ; nor the hope at some future day to become acquainted with this unexplored territory. Nature of mind beyond our power of investigation ; but we may study the function of brain, the connecting link between mind and matter. Hypothesis of Sir C. Morgan considered, that thought consists in organic movements, and is therefore subject to the laws of matter; answer to this supposition, and proofs that thought does not consist in organic movements — that it is not obedient to the laws of matter, and that there are greater difficulties in this hypothesis, than in the simpler, juster theory of governing mind directing cerebral organisation. Observations on the senses ; their developement in inverse proportion to the employment of reason ; yet the senses are the grand inlet to knowledge. Reason for this arrangement : the senses are necessary to the conservation of animal life, but their acumen is more than supplied by reason, and spiritual predominates over animal life. The senses may pervert, but do not watch over and guide the operations of mind, which is superior to them. Much mental power and action often co-exist without the cognisance of the senses ; examples of this law. What is sensation ? How and where produced ? Causes operating to sophisticate the reports of the senses : influence upon organic life, and reasons for this great difference. Time, and frequency of employment, diminish the intensity of impression ; — changes effected by advancing years ; — diminishing acuteness of feeling, increased range of intellect, and certain and final disenchantment from the influence of sense. Impressions made on the senses, how conveyed to the spiritual mind, without which they have no rational or moral result. Objections urged against this communication from the crossing and interlacing of notices on tUfeir way ; this objection answered and illustrated by the transmission of the rays of light. Perception is said not to reside in the brain, because of muscular movements after dissolution;— fallacy of this argument, and explanation of the facts. Mental and moral consequences of perception; — these arise from the primordial law of the Creator. Defective states of perception, errors, hallucinations, &c. — whence arising. Conscience — its legitimate and perverted agency — remorse distinguished from repentance. Natural religion, — reflection — proper influence — morbid states of. Memory, what is it ? it is not wholly mental, not simple attention

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independent of the will. Distinction between physical and spiritual memory ; loss of memory — causes — forgetfulness — abstraction — absence of mind, when the brain does not receive adequate impressions. Sensorial torpor — its fearfulness — impressions made, but not attended to — a kind of dream— involuntary thought — a state very closely allied to insanity. Deepening shades of cerebral disorder, and important cautions as to the treatment of this state. Partial loss of memory explained. Imagination — its healthy functions— its liability to extravagance. Reverie, to be safely indulged, must be controlled by judgment. Its great influence upon disorder — its tendency to monomania — agency upon other forms of malady ; it may be rendered the means of destroying or prolonging life. Will — already noticed (Chap. V., on Progression, &c). Man's moral responsibility rests on the exercise of this faculty — his power to choose, and to refuse. When dependent on reason only, it is feeble, and requires for its strength the aid of passion. Prevalence of evil, and natural preference for evil. Tyranny of organic suggestions. Difference between the volition of brutes, and the will of man ; the one impulsive, the other reflective : the one animal suggestion, the other spiritual government. Necessity for cultivating the desire to do good, and to aid it with the motives of benevolence to man, and love to God. Objections answered, and examples given. Reasons for greater complexity of nervous, than of the arterial systems. Influence of presiding mind. Particular providence, doctrine of. Circumstances which modify the manifestations of mind, bodily and mental, to be more particularly noticed (Chap. X.) hereafter. Dispute between the advocates of free will and necessity. Important distinction between will and inclination ; frequent mistakes on this subject, by confounding the wish with the will. Necessity for self-denial : this position denied by the ultra-spiritualist, and by the infidel: how these extremes meet, for both destroy moral accountability, and both by the similar error, of affirming man's utter helplessness. Necessity fofr the subjugation of passion to principle: distinction between repentance, and the loathing consequent upon organic satiety ; the one is moral change, the other, animal exhaustion. But " mental phenomena are governed by the laws of organised action." This conclusion shown to be unphilosophical, as also the assertion, that brain, is " mind itself ;" all these difficulties swept away by the truth, that it is the exponent of mind. Objection answered, that attention is not a " mental faculty, but a peculiar condition of the cerebral organ. The same reasoning applicable to the phenomena of spontaneous