Etherology

Front matter

PHRENOLOGICAL BUST.

See Page 164.

ETHEBOLOGT;

Section II

Ignorance of the Ancients concerning the causes of Etherean Phenomena — Witchcraft — Divination — Magic — ■• Discoveries which led to a Scientific Knowledge of Etheropathy — Van Helmot— -Mesmer — -His Career — D'Eslon — Adverse Report of the French Commissioners — Foissac and the Academy of Medicine — Their favorable report —Gall— La Place.

Section XII. Etheropathy, Continued

Abnormal Sleep—Manifestations of Uncommon Strength- Conferring Power on Medicine, Water, &c. — Reading Character — Discoveries in Phrenology and Physiology by Fowler, Buchanan and Sunderland.

CONTENTS. Vll

SECTION X1I1.

Buchanan — Caldwell's Letter — Buchanan's Discoveries — His " Catalogue of Organs."

Appendix

EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION 331

Resolutions passed at Union College — Horsford's Report adopted by the Albany Phrenological Society — Lectures at Albany — Resolutions adopted, &c. — Lectures in Hudson — Resolutions adopted.

ERRATA.

Page 40, 15th line from top, for sensation read veneration, " " 19th " " f 'or principals read priestesses. I have sometimes used the word etherium when 1 meant motions of etherium.

Preface

While hundreds, and perhaps thousands, are engaged in repeating old experiments, and trying* new ones in Mesmerism and Clairvoyance, no successful attempt has hitherto been made to explain the phenomena upon scientific principles, and to show their consistency with previously known truth.

In philosophy facts are useful only as far as they lead to a true theory , and a theory is only a method of showing the true relation which exists among the facts.

When a theory is, or seems to be, well established, any fact which appears to militate against it is apt to be disputed, or received with caution and credulity. For this reason mankind have been disposed to oppose new discoveries and innovations which render a change necessary in their theories, creeds, opinions or habits. It is not because they are unfriendly to improvement, but because they doubt the reality of the discovery, or the real practical importance and utility of the proposed change. It rather demonstrates their love of truth, for they, like St. Paul, verily believe that they are doing their duty by resisting the introduction of error. But if the new truth can be made to harmonise with the old opinions, it is then cordially received into the

X PREFACE.

family of admitted facts, which go to constitute our favorite theories. The facts of a science may be compared to the scattered and broken, bones of a skeleton, while a theory is the method by which they can be put together and proved to belong all of them to one animal.

The facts in mesmerism call to mind a collection of strange bones once found in England, which apparently belonged to animals of a different kind from any that had ever been known to exist on earth. Some very learned and sagacious men at first denied the existence of the bones ; but when they were dragged to light, and protruded before them so that they could no longer avoid acknowledging their existence, they declared that such enormous limbs must have a supernatural origin, and that they were undoubtedly the bones of fallen angels ! Upon further examination by scientific men, it was found that they were bones of whales, and other marine animals, that had been ages ago " in the deep bosom of the ocean buried," and that the place had been afterwards raised to eminence, like classic Delos, upon the shoulders of an ambitious and aspiring volcano.

The facts in mesmerism are exceedingly numerous, and some of them of a most wonderful and monstrous character. They have been denied again and again, even by those who have witnessed them ; and when admitted to be true they have also been accounted for by referring them to a supernatural origin ; but the

PREFACE. XI

time has come when these facts should, like the facts in Geology, Chemistry and Astronomy, be wrested from the hands of superstition, mystery and quackery, and moulded into symmetrical forms of scientific beauty. This is a most difficult and laborious task, and any one who undertakes it may fairly claim some indulgence for the imperfections of his performance. I am desirous to do for mesmerism what my friends claim that f have done for phrenology — to reduce it to a scientific system.

In the year 1834 I commenced lecturing upon Phrenology, but did not otherwise publish my peculiar views of this science until 1839, when my u New System of Phrenology" was laid before the public. That work contained a new classification and arrangement of the Phreno-organs, a new system of Phreno- Physiognomy, a new doctrine of hereditary resemblance, and several newly discovered Phreno-Organs. That these things were not essentially new no one has attempted to show, but their truth was denied by every author who had previously committed himself by advocating different doctrines upon these subjects.

Mr. George Combe had just arrived in this country at the time when the work was issued. It was generally understood that the mantle of the illustrious Spurzheim had fallen in an especial manner upon him; and I was therefore desirous to receive his sanction of the new doctrines which I had advanced. But before I had an opportunity to make his acquaintance;

Xll PREFACE.

I learned that he considered the New System as dangerous to his own personal ambition, and that on this ground he apposed it, not by fact or argument, but by his influence with his friends. He avoided mentioning it in his lectures and writings, and when the subject was urged upon his attention by some one who thought my doctrines correct, he seemed to be exceedingly annoyed and irritated. Under these circumstances I declined his acquaintance, and determined to appeal to the scientific public. I was then engaged in lecturing in Pittsburg, Penn.; and being informed by a correspondent that Mr. Combe was to lecture in Albany, I immediately proceeded to that city and gave a course of lectures, in which I stated to the highly respectable audience that attended, the grounds of the difference between the two systems. At the conclusion of my course I was gratified to find my system had made a favorable impression, the evidence of which may be found in the proceedings and resolutions recorded in the appendix to this work.

I then proceeded to the city of New- York, where I delivered a very successful course of lectures. In the meantime Mr. Combe gave his lectures in Albany, and at their conclusion a Phrenological Society was formed, and Mr. Combe's collection of plaster casts of heads purchased for illustrations. The relative merits of the two systems became the subject of much discussion, and I was invited to return to Albany and repeat my lectures. I consented, and finding that the

PREFACE. Xlll

influence of Combe, Caldwell and Fowler was all united to create a state of public opinion unfavorable to what I deemed the cause of truth, I was desirous to provoke a discussion which would give me an opportunity to vindicate myself. I therefore addressed a letter to the President of the Phrenological Society, requesting the appointment of a committee composed of their most competent members, to investigate and determine the relative merits of the two systems. The committee seemed to be actuated only by the spirit of truth; and accordingly, after a laborious investigation, and after corresponding with Combe, Caldwell, Haskins, and other distinguished authors, they made a unanimous report in my favor. This report produced a very powerful sensation. It consists of twenty-eight pages, drawn up in a masterly manner by the chairman, Professor E. N. Horsford, and laid before the Society for their consideration. Professor Dean, (author of several very able works on Phrenology,) read an argument of thirty pages in opposition to the report. One of his adherents read another of about equal length. At the same time the American Phrenological Journal arrived in the city, thirteen pages of which were occupied with a very hostile review of my book, written by Dr. Caldwell, of Kentucky, a gentleman of great ability, and the author of several works upon this subject.

Professor Horsford replied to the objections and arguments which had been adduced, and in the face of

the whole array of eloquence, authorities and prejudice, succeeded in obtaining for his report the sanction of a large majority of the Society, after it had been six months under their inspection, and the ingenuity of the most able critics in the country exhausted upon it. It is worthy of remark that when the investigation commenced not one of the committee approved of my views.

This Report was all that I could wish. Two thousand copies were printed, and it was widely circulated. It was sent to every one who was supposed to take especial interest in the subject — but up to the present time no one has attempted to controvert its positions, or deny the correctness of its conclusions.

If any one inquires why all phrenological authors and lecturers did not at once adopt this system, or else show its imperfections, I can only answer by referring to the history of other improvements. Human nature always exhibits the same traits under similar circumstances.

When the Albany Report was sent by the Chairman to a periodical which professed to be a Phrenological Journal, the editor was not permitted to notice it, such was the hostility of the proprietor to the new system. I will not comment upon these facts, but content myself by making them known. In the meantime, the public generally, and all those who (not being themselves authors, nor the dependents

PREFACE. XV

of authors) , were disinterested and independent, without a single exception within my knowledge, have admitted the correctness of the Report, and the superiority of the new system.

When the doctrines of Phreno-Magnetism and Neurology were announced, and were making converts by thousands, and multitudes of new organs were daily discovered by these means, so that my favorite science was threatened with an overwhelming inundation, I was forced to take up. this subject in earnest. Almost every friend I met asked my opinion of the new doctrines and new organs, and seemed surprised at my skepticism. This has led me to the determination of publishing this volume, that I may thus at once justify myself, and vindicate what seem to me the true principles of phrenology. If I am mistaken in any of the positions which I have assumed, there will doubtless be enough to correct me, and I shall acknowledge the correction with gratitude. I have several times given the substance of this work in public lectures — and the approbation with which it has been received, especially at West Point and at Union College* far surpassed my most sanguine hopes. The plan which I have adopted for this work is, to present first a brief outline or summary of the whole, comprised in a few pages, and then to take up each important topic and treat it separately. It appears to

* See Appendix, p. 331, 348.

XVI PREFACE.

me that this method will assist both the understanding and the memory of the reader.

In regard to other authors, I have made use of their language wherever I adopted their ideas, provided I found them suitably expressed, and in such cases I have given all due credit. Wherever I differ from others, I have quoted their expressions sufficiently to do justice to their real meaning, and then freely and frankly given my own opinion, and exposed what appeared to me to be their errors. There has been so many new doctrines advanced within a short time, both on the subject of Phrenology and Mesmerism, that I must necessarily assume the office of a critic in speaking of the performances of others. I am aware that I shall be liable to the charge of arrogance ; but at the present time, scarcely two Phrenologians nor Mesmerologists can be found who agree ; any one, therefore, who treats upon both these subjects at once, with the design of producing an harmonious system, must seem to assume that he is wiser than l11 others, and capable of filling the chair of grand-master of the fraternity. No modesty of expression, nor respectfulness of style can shield him from this imputation. Under these circumstances I have deemed it best to " speak right straight on," regardless of the apparent egotism, and to " utter my thoughts" with entire independence of every thing but truth and justice.

J. STANLEY GRIMES,

Lansingburgh, Rensselaer Co.,N. Y.

ETHEROLOGY;

OR,

THE PHILOSOPHY OF MESMERISM.

Section I Synopsis Of Etherology

1. All the known phenomena of the universe may be referred to three general principles, viz. : matter, motion, and consciousness. Every thing that we know is a modification of one or all of these three.

2. One portion of matter cannot influence another, nor can one mind influence another, but through the instrumentality of motion.

3. One thing cannot influence another with which it is not in contact, unless there is some material substance existing or passing between every portion of the space which separates them ; — that is, no motion can be communicated from one body, nor from one mind to another, unless there is a material connection ; — therefore, when one does influence another, there is necessarily a material connection, through the medium of which motion is communicated.

4. Fact. The planets influence each other and the earth. Fact. Philosophers agree that the (so called) ponderable

matter of the atmosphere does not extend more than eightymiles above the earth's surface.

Fact. Heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and gravitation, operate in an exhausted receiver, as well as elsewhere.

Fact. One mind sometimes influences another independently of ordinary sensation or muscular motion, without contact or perceptible connection.

Inference. There is a material substance occupying space, which connects the planets and the earth, and which communicates light, heat, electricity, gravitation, and mental emotion, from one body to another, and from one mind to another.

Name. I shall denominate this substance Etherium.

5. Definition. Etherium is an exceedingly subtile and elastic substance. Its constituent atoms are inconceivably small. It sometimes exists in a separate state, and sometimes it exists in combination with ponderable substances ; sometimes it is comparatively at rest, and sometimes in motion. When it comes in contact with ponderable matter, it is capable of receiving or of communicating motion.

The phenomena of heat, light, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, muscular motion, and mesmerism, are only the results of different motions and modus operandi of etherium.

6. Motion has but two attributes, viz : quantity and direction. The origin of motion, like the origin of matter, is beyond the sphere of human knowledge. We see motion communicated from one thing to another, but we know not " whence it cometh nor whither it goeth ;" and we can never know, unless we can " by searching find out God." We only know motion by its effects upon matter, and, from observing these effects, philosophers have discovered certain general rules which they denominate the laws of motion.

7. It is a law of motion, that when two bodies are both perfectly elastic, and both move in the same direction, in the same right line, — if one moves more rapidly, and overtakes and strikes the other, both will continue afterwards to move in the same direction with equal rapidity, the sum of the two motions being the same that it was before ; for what is lost by one is gained by the other.

If they move with equal force from opposite directions, and come in contact, they will rebound, and both move in contrary directions with equal velocities. If one of the opposing bodies is of inferior force, it will, after contact, tend to conform in its direction to that of the superior force, to a degree equal to its inferiority.

8. If two bodies come in contact which are both destitute of elasticity, neither will rebound ; if the forces are unequal, the motion after contact will be equal to the difference ; but if they are equal, both will lose all tendency to continue their former motion. These laws of motion apply to all known bodies, and aid us in solving many of the operations of etherium ; since this substance is composed of atoms, or exceedingly minute elastic bodies, which move in right lines to produce the phenomena of light, heat, elasticity, gravitation, and mesmerism.

9. There are two equal and antagonistic forces in nature, the origin of both of which is unknown. They are sometimes denominated centripetal and centrifugal forces, sometimes attraction and repulsion, and sometimes positive and negative forces. These two forces being equal, balance each other continually, except when other forces interfere to destroy the balance ; — then both these forces move, though in opposite directions, until both are again antagonized and balanced.

These two forces are communicated by means of etherium, and all the positive and negative phenomena are produced by the disturbance of the balance of antagonistic columns of etherium. There are many reasons for concluding that even muscular motion and sensation are referable to this cause.

10. The phenomena of sensation and muscular motion, both voluntary and involuntary, are produced by the motions of etherium, communicated from certain external objects to certain internal organs or points in the nervous system, and from these points back again to the external objects.

1 1 . There are two distinct classes of motions in man and all other animals, viz. : Voluntary and Involuntary. The involuntary motions are produced by currents of etherium communicated from the surfaces of the heart, stomach, and other involuntary muscular organs, to certain different points in the nervous system, denominated ganglions, and from these ganglionic points back again to the heart, stomach, etc. ; thus completing a circuit which exactly resembles that of a galvanic apparatus.

12. The voluntary motions are produced by currents of etherium, communicated from different external objects to one point in the medulla oblongata, which point may be denominated the organ of Consciousness ; and, from that conscious point, back again, through the nerves, to external objects, completing another circuit, which, in every essential, is precisely like those of the involuntary system, with this exception, that the central point of the voluntary system is endowed with Consciousness, but the central points of the involuntary system are not so endowed.

13. The external senses are avenues through which etherium is permitted, constitutionally, to pass to the phreno-organs of the brain ; and the phreno-organs are avenues through which the etheriuni from the senses and from the blood is modified and transmitted to the organ of Consciousness, and from thence, through the motor nerves, to the muscles ; and, as the muscles make some resistance, motion is the consequence. After the etherium has produced motion, it passes to the external world, and mingles with the general mass of etherium.

14. The organ of consciousness is thus the central headquarters, where all external impressions terminate, and whence all voluntary movements emanate. It is the starting point and termination of the circuit.

15. In performing this circuit the motions of the etherium are peculiarly modified in each successive avenue or stage through which it is obliged to pass, and this modification is undoubtedly regulated by the laws of motion already mentioned.

First. Etherium is modified by each external object from which it emanates ; for there is no doubt that every object imparts its own peculiar characters, in some degree at least, to the etherium which it is continually receiving and emitting : this doctrine is a part of the modern theory of heat, light, and magnetism, and it applies equally to those emanations which produce sound, odor, savor, &c.

Second. Etherium is modified again by the intervening medium through which it passes from external objects to the external organs of sense ; thus, light is refracted and otherwise modified in passing through air, vapor, water, glass, &c, so also is sound modified by the varying density, rarity or elasticity of the medium through which its etherium is propagated ; and the same is true of odors and savors, — for all these sensations unquestionably depend upon currents of etherium.

Third. It is modified also by the structure and condition of the external organs of the senses through which it enters, — as the external eye, ear, and nose.

Fourth. Etherium is modified by the structure and size and condition of the nerves through which it passes from the external organs of sense to the phreno-organs, — as the optic, the auditory, the gustatory, &c.

Fifth. It is modified by the phreno-organs.

Sixth. By the organ of consciousness.

Seventh. By the nerves of motion through which it passes from consciousness to the muscles.

Eighth. By the muscles.

Ninth. By the surrounding objects to which it passes after it has been expended upon the muscles. All these different and successive avenues constitute the circuit,

16. The phreno-organs not only modify and transmit the etherium which they receive from the nerves of sensation, but they also receive a large quantity of etherium from the blood, and transmit it, through consciousness, to the muscles. It would seem, indeed, that the senses merely admit as much etherium as will serve to excite the phreno-organs to discharge their accumulations through the motor nerves and muscles.

17. The modification of motion which each phreno-organ produces in the etherium which passes through it, is peculiar to itself and different in each one from that of every other. This is proved by the fact that the consciousness produced by each organ is peculiar to itself, so that we can distinguish between the consciousness produced by any one organ, and that produced by any other. Thus, Destructiveness and Cautiousness, and Kindness and Color, produce greatly different states of consciousness, and such as are easily distinguished from each other.

18. Consciousness is produced in the same manner in all other animals as in man. All animals have a central organ of Consciousness, but some classes of animals have a greater number of modifying avenues ; that is, they have a greater number of senses and phreno-organs, through which etherium enters to effect consciousness. Some classes of animals also, have a greater number of avenues, (nerves of motion,) through which etherium passes from the central organ of Consciousness. It is this difference in the number and kind of avenues to and from Consciousness which is at the foundation of the science of Comparative Phrenology.

19. In animals of the same class, — in man, for instance — the number and kind of avenues, to and from consciousness, is the same in every individual, except in cases of deformity. But even in the same class, whether we compare different men, or different avenues in the same man, there is an essential difference in the size, the capacity, the calibre, the condition, the strength and perfection, of the avenues to and from Consciousness. It is the difference in these respects which is the basis of Practical Phrenology, as applied to mankind.

20. There is a class of organs or fibres, which may be denominated inter-phreno senses ; the office of which is to convey currents of etherium from the organ of consciousness to the several phreno-organs ; so that each phreno-organ may act or not, in any given case, according to the condition of Consciousness.

When any phreno-organ acts, it necessarily produces consciousness before it produces muscular motion ; and, as every phreno-organ is in communication with Consciousness, by means of the inter-phreno senses, each organ will, of course, be excited according to the impression it receives from Consciousness . The idea may be expressed thus : Whenever Consciousness is impressed by one phreno-organ, it radiates the impression to all the other phreno-organs. I do not, however, pretend that the inter-phreno-senses have been demonstrated by experiment, or anatomy ; (unless the diverging fibres discovered by Spurzheim perform this office ;) my notions on this subject are founded on reason rather than observation. I consider them as legitimate inferences from admitted facts.

21. The quantity of etherium evolved from the blood to carry on the operations of the constitution, is in proportion to the quantity of oxygen which combines in the lungs with the food from the stomach. The quantity of the action of any animal is in proportion to the amount of oxygen consumed.

22. As a general proposition, the larger the lungs, compared with the stomach, in man, or any animal, ceteris paribus, the more concentrated is the food chosen, and the more rapid is the digestion and secretion. On the contrary, the smaller the lungs, compared with the stomach, the coarser and less concentrated is the food, and the slower it is digested. The reason is this : the oxygen unites with the food in definite proportions, so that when the lungs are small and the stomach large, the lungs must work rapidly to supply oxygen to the food, or else the digestion will be slow. When the lungs are large and the stomach small, the stomach must work rapidly to supply food to the oxygen.

23. If an ordinary sized stomach and lungs be supplied with a moderate quantity of rather coarse and unconcentrated food, the etherium will be generated slowly, and the operations of mind and body will be moderate. But if, with the same lungs and stomach, a concentrated and stimulating kind of food be used which saturates all the oxygen which the lungs can supply, the quantity of etherium generated in a given time will be much greater, and the operations of body and mind will be proportionably vigorous and energetic.

24. The blood goes from the lungs to the heart charged with oxygen, and from the heart to the innumerable arterial extremities or capillaries ; and it is in passing through these minute capillary tubes that the chemical process takes place, which produces the motions of etherium on which life and thought depend.

25. Etherium,evolvedby the decomposition of the blood in the capillaries of the brain, passes through the voluntary motor nerves to the voluntary muscles, producing voluntary motion. It enters the ganglions and passes to the involuntary muscles, and produces involuntary motion. The blood also furnishes etherium to the muscular and other tissues to enable them to transmit sensations to the ganglions and brain, and thus to solicit motion in return for sensation.

26. The perfection and energy with which etherium is evolved from the blood in the capillaries, and imparted to the nerves, depends upon the health and condition of the minute structure of the capillaries in which the operation is performed. This again depends upon the climate, habits, food, health and appetite of the individual. These are circumstances difficult to define, and still more difficult to estimate.

27. All the etherium evolved by the blood is divided between the voluntary and involuntary organs ; or, in other words, it is divided between the brain and its dependencies, and the ganglions and their dependencies. The share allot-

2* ted to each is in proportion to their relative quantities of muscular motion and functional action.

28. The involuntary motions are continued without interruption from the commencement of life until its termination ; in fact, they constitute life. But the voluntary motions are suspended in man about one third of the time : in some classes of animals more, in others less. During this regular suspension of voluntary motion we are said to sleep.

29. The reason of this suspension, or sleep, is founded upon economy. It is not necessary for us to keep awake twenty-four hours, for we can perform all our duties in less time ; accordingly, there is not sufficient etherium evolved during twenty-fourhours to supply both the voluntary and involuntary systems during the whole of that time.

30. If the involuntary motions are suspended, we die. If the voluntary, we sleep. If both continue till the etherium is exhausted, we die ; as there is not sufficient etherium generated to supply both systems continually.

31. The material, (carbon and hydrogen,) which combines with oxygen to produce motions of etherium, is all generated and secreted by the involuntary organs, and as much is used by them as they need ; the surplus is expended through the voluntary organs, the intercommunication which exists between the voluntary and involuntary systems allowing of this arrangement.

32. The predominant influence of the involuntary system which enables it thus to monopolize all the etherium during sleep,doubtless depends upon the superior energy of the impressions upon the involuntary senses compared with those of the voluntary senses ; or, in other words, upon the superior force of the currents of etherium which the involuntary senses send to the ganglions to excite them to send motions in return. For if the voluntary senses are impressed in an extraordinary manner, sleep is delayed and the voluntary system gains a temporary triumph.

33. There is an accumulation of nutritious substance in certain reservoirs during sleep, which is ready to combine with oxygen and evolve etherium when we awake. This surplus, accumulated during sleep, is generally equal to the deficit produced while awake.

34. In order to illustrate this subject, let us consider the voluntary and involuntary muscles of man as two machines, A and B, moved by one galvanic battery (which is supplied with acid, made from alcohol combined with oxygen — let the oxygen enter by one passage, and the alcohol by another, and let them meet in a common passage, just as the air in the lungs meets the food from the stomach — so let them meet and unite, and form acid). Let the size and number of plates to the battery, and the amount of alcohol, be limited to generate an amount of etherium equal in force to 8 lbs. per hour. Now let A use 6 and B 3 lbs. per hour. Let A go continually, and B only when there is a spare surplus. Have the connection of A and B such, that B cannot start unless there is an accumulated surplus of acid, equal to 16 lbs. of force. Now set it in operation, and A will go continually, but B will alternately rest (sleep) 8 hours and move 16. A separate contrivance might be made to carry away the oxide and replace it by an equivalent of metalic paste, thus representing absorption and assimilation. Another contrivance could, by means of several magnets influencing B and causing it to increase or diminish its motion, represent the influence of the external world upon man. Here, then, we should have the representation of a galvanic animal, without Consciousness ; one that sleeps regularly 8 hours out of 24, because there is not etherium enough generated to keep both its systems in operation a longer time.