and, when compared with the above, it is less objectionable, because less specious, and consequently less injurious. Flattery alone is the greatest pretension of the latter, while his contemporaries Prepare an opiate baneful to the soul." REVIEW. ALEXIS. Lectures on Physiology, Zoology, and the Natural History of Man, &c. (Continued from col. 674.) Mr. Lawrence is not entirely free from inconsistency: how his exertions to establish an implicit faith in his own opinions correspond with the following passage, we submit entirely to the judgment of our readers. "The increasing light of reason has destroyed many of these remnants of ignorance and barbarism: but much remains to be done, before the final accomplishment of the grand purpose, which, however delayed, cannot be ultimately defeated;-I mean the complete emancipation of the mind, the destruction of all creeds and articles of faith, and the establishment of full freedom and belief." p. 90. This Quixotic æra, which he contemplates with such satisfaction, the approach of which he hails with such ecstasy, would leave him a solitary believer in his own doctrines; and he emulates but little, that superior wisdom, in whose image he was created, and which does nothing in vain, in writing such a ponderous and laborious volume, to no one purpose, according to his own avowed expectation. We are really sorry to be severe or hypercritical upon one of Mr. Lawrence's talents and abilities; but when he would, with a certain sophistry, and pomposity of language, persuade us out of our senses, cannot resist our feelings and indig nation. we Mr. Lawrence, after examining the various degrees of organization which obtain throughout animated nature, in which he finds some more simple, some more complex; then concludes: "That as organization is reduced, life is reduced; exactly as the organic parts are diminished in number and simplified, the vital phenomena become fewer and more simple, and each function ends where the respective organ ceases." p. 97. 1 Again he says:→ "The same kind of facts, the same reason→ ing, the same sort of evidence, altogether, which shew digestion to be the function of the alimentary canal, the motion of the muscles, and various secretions of their respective glands; prove that sensation, perception, memory, judgment, reason, thought, in a word, all the manifestations called mental or intellectual, are the animal functions of their appropriate apparatus, the central organ of the ner vous system. No difficulty nor obscurity belongs to the latter case, which does not equally affect all the former instances: no kind of ovidence connects the living processes with the material instruments in the one, which does not apply just as clearly and forcibly to the other. "Shall I be told, that thought is inconsistent with matter, that we cannot conceive how medullary substance can perceive, rememher, judge, reason. I acknowledge we are entirely ignorant how the parts of the brain accomplish these purposes;-as we are, how the liver secretes bile, how the muscles contract, or how any other living purpose is effected; as we are, how heavy bodies are attracted to the earth, how iron is drawn to the magnet, or how two salts decompose each other. If we go beyond this, and come to inquire how the mechanism by which these things are effected, we shall find every thing around us equally mysterious, equally incomprehensive; from the stone which falls to the earth, to the comet traversing the heavens; from the thread attracted by amber or sealing wax, to the revolutions of planets in their orbits; from the formation of a maggot in putrid flesh, or a mite in cheese, to the formation of a Newton or a Franklin." p. 980. an Lawrence gratuitously assumes Here it will be observed, that Mr. analogy between bile and thought, perception, memory, judgment, and reason-in a word, between the mental manifestations, and the inert material results of animal assimilation. But though Mr. Lawrence may have fully satisfied himself of the reality of such analogy, it yet remains that he satisfy us and the world at large upon this point, before we can assent-nay, before we can even entertain the queswhich shews digestion to be the func tion;-what, the same sort of evidence tion of the alimentary canal, shews thought to be the function of the brain! of the alimentary canal, is acknowabsurd! That digestion is the function ledged, assented to, nay even demonstrated, by all anatomists and physiologists if it be equally clear, equally evident, that judgment, &c. be the function of the reason, perception, brain; why has not the proposition been as perspicuously demonstrated, as universally assented to? Why has it hitherto been not merely doubted, but actually denied? Was it that Mr. Lawrence might have the glory, the honour, and credit, of enlightening our feeble and glimmering understandings upon this clear, this almost self-evident matter? He appears quite indignant at the idea that thought is inconsistent with matter; but no apprehension from his indignation shall deter us from asserting and repeating it, that thought is inconsistent with matter; and still farther, that matter exhibits no one property analogous to thought; nor shall we believe the contrary, till Mr. Lawrence establishes the fact upon widely different grounds from those upon which he has attempted it. But even should he succeed, will he have arrived any nearer his purpose? Can he shew thought to be a production from the brain, as bile may be shown to be from the liver, or digestion to be the result of the function of the alimentary canal? Until he can accomplish this object, it is in vain for him to argue, it is in vain for him to labour, he cannot establish his hypothesis: and, in the end, "that there is not an immaterial immortal soul," would not follow as a necessary consequence. Mr. Lawrence, with a flippancy very little creditable in a philosopher, would have us believe, that unless we concede to the brain the function of thought, it is an useless piece of furniture in the animal economy. Well! what then? Providence has operated in vain. We really wish he had been open to conviction from such kind of arguments himself. "In opposition to these views, it has been contended, that thought is not an act of the brain, but of an immaterial substance, residing in, or connected with, it. This large and curious structure, which in the human subject receives one-fifth of all the blood sent from the heart, which is so peculiarly and delicately organized, nicely enveloped in successive membranes, and securely lodged in a solid bony case, is left almost without an office, being merely allowed to be capable of sensation. It has, indeed, the easiest lot in the animal economy, it is better fed, clothed, and lodged, than any other part, and has less to do. But its office, only one remove above a sinecure, is not a very honourable one: it is a kind of porter, entrusted to open the door and introduce new comers to the master of the house, who takes upon himself the entire charge of receiving, entertaining, and employIng them." p. 98 and 99, office of the brain, under any circumstances, can resemble a sinecureeven upon the metaphorical duty ironically assigned to it by Mr. Lawrence, We are inclined to think the office of porter to a master, who is in the habit of seeing so much company, far from being an idle one. Indeed, upon the same principles, upon a parity of reasoning, the office of the stomach, of the liver, of the mouth, &c. might each be ranked as sinecure porterships to the heart. But Mr. Lawrence stops at nothing to decoy his hearers; he seems perfectly aware, and has taken ample advantage, of the strength and sup port which a bad cause, and untenable doctrines, acquire from timely effusions of ridicule. Of this description, we should take the following statement, and with such view, no doubt, has it been offered. "Sir Everard Home, with the assistance of Mr. Bauer and his microscope, has shewn US a man eight days old from the time of concep tion, about as broad, and a little longer, thin a pin's head. He satisfied himself that the brain of this homunculus was discernible. Could the immaterial mind have been connected with it at this time? or was the tenement too small for so ethereal a lodger? At the full period of utero-gestation it is difficult to trace any vestiges of mind; and the belierin the dark, on the precise time at which the ers in its separate existence have left us quite spiritual guest arrives in his corporeal dwelling, the interesting and important moment of amalgamation or combination of the earthly dust and the ethereal essence.' p. 100. Now, to say the least of this, it is treating a subject of the highest moment and importance, with an unbe coming degree of levity.-In fact, Mr. of one, who, to borrow money from a Lawrence here strongly reminds us friend, invites him to his table, and powerfully plies him with its delicacies, in the expectation that every bumper will add an additional hundred to the weight of his obligation; thus Mr. Lawrence, with a levity and humour peculiarly his own, would first intoxicate our understandings, and, having effected this, would then beguile us out of our senses. That we are unable to explain this matter, is neither proof nor argument against the fact. Mr. Lawrence himself cannot explain the theory of conception and labour, nor can he throw any great light on this important process; but what would he say to any Really we cannot conceive how the one who would hence deny any such brain, it must reside in it either as a whole, or else in some particular part of it. It does not reside in it as a whole, because large masses of the brain have been destroyed and lost, without at all affecting the reason, Neither does it reside in any particular part, because every individual portion of the brain has, in successive instances, been the seat of disease, which has terminated in its total destruction, thing as conception and parturition,would assert that the whole was a mere delusion, and altogether unneAcessary towards our existence. It is certain that before conception, neither brain, homunculus, nor ethereal essence, existed; but that after conception, some of them at least become inhabitants of the uterus. Now, we ask Mr. Lawrence, why the ethereal essence could not take up its abode in its animal habitation at the moment--therefore it evidently follows from of conception, or at any subsequent period, and gradually increase in energy and perfection, as its habitation became more developed, and adapted to the exercise of its functions? Mr. Lawrence's last effort, while considering the functions of the brain, consists in contrasting the mental manifestations in man, with those in other animals; and he boldly asserts that they are not only analogous, but in the ratio of their medullary development. such facts, as thought is not a function of the brain, either as a whole, or of any particular part, that it cannot be a function of it at all. But farther it appears, that the mind can influence this thought, arrest, nay actually destroy the vital manifestations, and suspend the organic functions, even of the brain itself. "A letter is brought to a man, (says Mr. Kennell,) containing some afflicting intelligence. He casts his eyes upon the contents, What is the cause of this sudden affection? and drops down without sense or motion. It may be said that the vessels have collapsed, that the brain is consequently disordered, and that loss of sense is the natural consequence. But let us take one step backward, and enquire what is the cause of the disorder itself, the effects of which are thus visible? It is produced by a sheet of white paper, distin"When the mules feel themselves in dan-guished by a few black marks. But no one ger, they stop, turning their heads to the right and to the left; the motion of their ears seems to indicate that they reflect on the decision they ought to take,' p. 102. "We cannot deny," he says, " to animals, all participation in rational endowments, with out shatting our eyes to the most obvious facts;-to indications of reasoning, which the unprejudiced observation of mankind has not failed to recognize and appreciate. would be absurd enough to suppose, that it was the effect of the paper alone, or of the characters inscribed upon it, unless those characters conveyed some meaning to the understanding. It is thought, then, which so suddenly agitates and disturbs the brain, and makes its vessels to collapse. From this influence of thought upon the external organ; circumstance alone, we discover the amazing of that thought which we can neither hear, nor see, nor touch, which yet produces an affection of the brain fully equal to a blow, a pressure, or any sensible injury. Now this very that the brain does not produce it; while the action of thought upon the brain, clearly shews mutual influence which they possess over each other, as clearly shews that there is a strong connection between them. But it is carefully to be remembered, that connection is not identity." p. 94 and 95. Mr. Lawrence, we suppose, means this as a compliment; and we feel obliged that he did not go to the last extremity, and make us asses at once. Can he really be serious, when he thus indirectly insinuates, that a mule resembles man in intellectual powers? Such erroneous assertions acquire only importance by attempts at their refutation. Are animals capable of improvement, or of making the smallest advance in knowledge? Such as was the first generation, such is the present, and such will each succeed- Has Mr. Lawrence, in his physioloing one be, till the cessation of exist- gical researches, discovered any pheence. Nor has any succeeding gene-nomenon of this kind among the inferation even profited-even benefited, in the least, by the experience of that which has preceded it. But reason is an attribute by which we are capable of improvement, from the knowledge and experience of others. No one (not even Mr. Lawrence himself) will be hardy enough to assert, that animals possess any such faculty. In fine, if thought be a function of the rior animals, any which has been suddenly paralyzed by any melancholy intelligence the death of a dear friend-or near relation-or which has lost its small amount of understanding and become deranged under similar circumstances? We believe we may, without fear of contradiction, answer this question for him. He has not. Here then we are confessedly present ed with a wide difference-a most marked distinction-between the intellect of man and brutes. Mr. Lawrence asserts, that in almost all cases of insanity, the ture of the brain is diseased. So far as regards these statements, we can only say, they are not fact. Their truth is not found to be corroborated by experience. Moral treatstruc-ment, in a very great proportion of cases, is found to be the only treatment serviceable; and it is found in a great number of instances, that neither moral nor active medical measures avail any thing. But this is not generally the case with the diseases of other organs. It must be allowed, that the diseases of other organs are often mistaken, and hence vigorous medical treatment may often seem to be inefficacious; whereas, were it judiciously selected, and rightly applied, it would probably prove beneficial. "I have examined, after death, the heads of many insane persons, and have hardly seen a single brain which did not exhibit obvious marks of disease; in recent cases, loaded vessels, increased serous secretions; in all instances of longer duration, unequivocal signs of present or past increased action; blood vessels apparently more numerous, membranes thickened and opaque, depositions of coagulable lymph, forming adhesions or adventitious membranes; watery effusions, even abscesses: add to this, that the insane often become paralytic, or are suddenly cut off by apoplexy." p. 105 and 106. Mr. Lawrence's experience here differs from Hasland" Of thirtyseven dissections, made at Bethlem Hospital, the structure of the brain was, in eleven cases, firmer than usual; in six it was softer; and in the remaining twenty it was natural." See Quarterly Review, No. 22. But taking it even according to Mr. Lawrence's own statement, the argument will turn against himself. He admits that, "sometimes the mental phenomena are disturbed without any visible deviation from the healthy structure of the brain; as digestion or biliary secretion may be impaired or altered, without any recognizable change of structure in the stomach or liver. The brain, like other parts of this complicated machine, may be diseased sympathetically; and we see it recover." As Mr. Lawrence has not defined functional disorder, we must leave the reader to form his own judgment upon it; we will, however, take upon ourselves to assert, that Mr. Lawrence never observed any derangement in the functions of a part, without a similar or corresponding derangement, either of the vessels of the part or its nerves. There is, moreover, one remarkable peculiarity attending insanity, and with which we shall now present our readers. It is an extraordinary fact in the history of mania, that maniacs, while confined, conduct themselves in a perfectly rational way; and so completely do they conceal the actual and real state of their intellect, as to deceive the most experienced and skilful medical practitioners; and thes succeed in removing those restraints imposed on them by law: but no sooner do they obtain their liberty, than they become guilty of every extravagance. It will be found in many cases of insanity, that the maniacs, while under coercion, act rationally, but when this is removed, they commit every excess dependent on mental infirmity. Will Mr. Lawrence say, that coercion restores and preserves the healthy structure of the brain, but that liberty disorganizes it again? These are facts, which, though they immaterial may fail in establishing an thinking essence, yet we think fully Mr. Lawrence's hypocontrovert thesis. (To be concluded in our next.) REVIEW-A Spiritual Guardian for Youth; being the substance of Sermons delivered at the early Morning Lecture, in the Summer of 1821, in Albion Chapel, Moorgate. 1 vol. By the Rev. Alex. Fletcher, Minister of the Scot's Secession Church. London: Ogles & Co. 1822. "The effect of medical treatment," he observes, "completely corroborates these views. Indeed, they who talk of, and believe in, diseases of the mind, are too wise to put their trust in mental remedies. Arguments, syllogisms, discourses, sermons, have never yet restored any patient; the moral pharmacopoeia is quite inefficient, and no real benefit can be conferred, without vigorous medical treatment, which is as efficacious in these affec- THE title of this work, and the name tions as in the diseases of any other or- of the individual by whom it is writgans." ten, will, with many, be a sufficient 1 recommendation. Mr. Fletcher has than the speculative notions of the long been known to the religious pub-greatest of philosophers-than the lic as one of the best friends to the youth of this metropolis; and while we thank him for his exertions in the cause of morality and religion, we sincerely hope that those exertions will be abundantly rewarded, in a manner that will make him satisfied that he has not "laboured in vain, nor spent his strength for nought." ardour inspired by party feeling in theology or in politics; in short, more worthy of encouragement than all the other pursuits of men throughout the wide expanse of the creation. It will scarcely be necessary for us to enter into a long review or analysis of this production. The subjects treated of are of the most important nature; and though many ideas have already appeared in numerous instances (indeed we know not that they can be too often repeated) yet the manner in which they are introduced cannot but command something more than respect. The work is well calculated to make young persons think upon their ways, and to produce a beneficial effect on their conduct; and we most cordially recommend parents and guardians to place it in the hands of those who are committed to their We think that Mr. Fletcher is peculiarly fitted for the instruction of the rising generation. It has been a matter of pleasure to us, to listen to some of his addresses to his youthful friends, to observe the earnestness and affection with which he laboured to impress upon their minds the importance of "the one thing needful," -to mark his manner and style when thus engaged, (the best, we might venture to say, it is possible for him to choose ;)-and to see the effect his instructions have had upon his youth-care, being full of wholesome truths, ful auditory. This must be to him a source of pleasure, and must encourage him to proceed in his labours; for beloved as he is by the children under his care or tuition, especially in his Sunday school, it is natural to suppose that the precepts he inculcates, will have their proper effect in leading them to that course of life, which it is his aim to impress upon their minds. The work before us, we doubt not, will be productive of as much benefit to the class of persons for whom it is intended, as any which has come under our observation for some months. The style is simple and affecting, and marked throughout with that extreme solicitude, so characteristic of its author. The object of the work is thus concisely stated: "Satan it is who has rendered the writing of this book necessary. He wishes you ruin, I wish you salvation. He has formed schemes to accomplish his wishes, and I have adopted measures to accomplish mine. It is his object to conduct you to hell, it is mine to lead you to heaven; it is his to degrade your immortal nature, it is mine to exalt it; it is his to conform you more completely to his own likeness, it is mine to conform you to the image of God; it is his to entail upon you unceasing misery, but it is mine to confer upon you unfading bliss." and written in a manner that cannot fail to captivate the youthful heart. We cannot refrain from giving the last paragraph in the volume, as strikingly exemplifying the truth of our remark, relating to the sincerity which shews itself throughout the work. It would be next to impossible for an individual to write it, who did not feel all its force; and we almost fancy we might have seen the tears rolling down the cheeks of this author while he was engaged in committing it to paper.— ing of the Father, the blessing of the Son, the Farewell, my young friends! The blessblessing of the Spirit, one God, rest upon you! I leave you with reluctance; may God never, never, never leave you, nor forsake you! As I have advanced, my anxiety for you has increased. Like the dying father surrounded by his offspring, lay you down at mercy's feet. Holy Spirit, may the eye of mercy look on these youths! may the heart of mercy pity them! may the arms of mercy encompass them. In the building of mercy may they dwell for ever, and the triumphs of mercy may they celebrate for ever, with songs of loudest, sweetest, praise! God the Father, Son, and Spirit, hear my prayer: accept my offering! Amen and Amen!" REVIEW-Songs of Zion; being Imitations of Psalms. By James Montgomery. Longman & Co. London. pp. 153. 5s. 1822. Such is the avowed object of the work; an object more worthy of encouragement than the mighty moving IT is a heart-cheering and consolatory bodies of the mechanist or engineer-employment, to turn from the perusal |