The two first sections do not seem to require much explanation. They will be especially devoted to the elucidation and improvement of the science of Phrenology and its practical applications. But cases and papers relating to the structure and functions of the nervous system in general, whether in a state of health or disease, will not be considered as beyond our proper sphere; and disquisitions on ethical subjects, by others, will be held admissible, even when they are discussed without direct reference to organization; although we should certainly much prefer to have the physical conditions kept closely in view.

In our "NOTICES OF Books," we shall not hesitate to step beyond the range of phrenological literature, when works on any other subject will afford us the opportunity of illustrating some fact or principle of Phrenology, or for pointing out some useful application of the science. Comments upon works not written by phrenologists will thus from time to time find place here, especially if such works in any way relate to mental philosophy, or serve to illustrate the progress or peculiarities of mind. All works on the philosophy of mind, or on ethics, that may be sent to us for notice, shall be placed in the hands of persons whom we deem competent to express a correct and impartial opinion on their merits, and be noticed accordingly. We do not, let it be remembered, restrict ourselves to works which professedly adopt the cranioscopical department of phrenology, although the strictly phrenological treatises will be held entitled to earlier notice whenever a preference becomes unavoidable.

The "SHORT COMMUNICATIONS" are designed to be a miscellaneous assemblage of such hints, suggestions, observations, criticisms, and prospective or retrospective notes, as occur to the minds of our correspondents, and which it may appear desirable to put on permanent record, or to bring into temporary notice, although singly too brief or too incomplete for putting forward in a more formal manner. To these we may add occasional extracts from published works, illustrative of mental philosophy. It is trusted that some useful ideas may thus be communicated from mind to mind, such as may at least have the good effect of stimulating readers to observe and investigate points which might not otherwise have obtained their attention. This section has already been introduced into some of our later Numbers; and referring to these for examples, we invite such communications from all quarters, expressed as briefly as possible; though without positively engaging to print everything that may be sent, lest the introduction of more important subjects should be thus interfered with.

"NOTES ON OPINIONS" is the title adopted to express an

occasional section, intended to receive quotations of such opinions put forth by writers, or current in society, as are connected with phrenology, or which may admit of illustration on phrenological grounds, whether by way of confirmation or refutation. If we reflect how greatly the current maxims and opinions of society have varied from age to age, and how utterly discordant with each other are the ideas and beliefs of men in our own day, in relation to subjects connected with mind and morals, there will seem to be ample ground here for the application of general reasoning and phrenological tests. And this will also be the proper section, under which to introduce any comments that we may deem it advisable to make upon isolated opinions put forth against Phrenology. In reference to this section, we must forewarn our friends that it may be expected to consist chiefly of notes in dissent, notes of assent being seldom called for; and that when we select a particular passage from any work, in order to oppose or qualify an opinion of its author, the difference of our own, on a single point, must not be construed as implying any general censure or disrespect. Some persons are so wondrously sensitive, that if another differ from them in a single idea, they will instantly take fire at the supposed disrespect to their judgment; wholly overlooking ninety and nine other points in which there may be full concord.

"INTELLIGENCE" will embrace miscellaneous notices respecting the diffusion of Phrenology, proceedings of Phrenological Societies, lectures, discussions, and any other local or personal news touching the science or its supporters, or otherwise interesting to phrenologists. Obituaries, with brief biographical notices of persons who have been distinguished as phrenologists, will be acceptable records from those whose opportunities may enable them to draw up such notices with accuracy. We do not mean fulsome eulogies, but plain and matter-of-fact statements. It is usual for the editors of journals devoted to other subjects thus to record the services of men who have attained to celebrity and usefulness in their own branches of science, and they who devote their time and talents to Phrenology are certainly entitled to the same respect. Moreover, a philosophical biography is a display of the mental qualities of the individual, and thus the shortest biographical notice ought in fact to be a phrenological analysis of character. As we are not possessed of the power of ubiquity, we must rely on the good-will of our correspondents for the chief supply of local and personal news.

We have further to remind our friends, that a public journal of this description is necessarily the united work of several individuals; that no one person can be held answerable for the correctness of every alleged fact or opinion put forth in it; and

still less can the general body of phrenologists be held thus responsible for its contents. Though we shall be averse to giving an editorial sanction to any of those peculiar and unsettled views likely to cause discord amongst phrenologists properly so called, yet being supporters of John Bull's habitual demand for "fair play," we shall certainly not refuse to receive and print the opinions of our friends, merely because we ourselves, or some others, may happen to dissent therefrom. At the same time, we reserve the right of expressing our nonacquiescence in the views of any correspondent, in whatever form is agreeable to ourselves. Reference may be made to the "Notice to Correspondents," on the cover of this Number, for directions how to address communications to us; and we may at the same time request attention to the regulations there mentioned.

We have entered thus far into explanations, in consequence of wishing this Journal to be viewed rather as the literary voice of phrenologists than as a mere "speculation" on the part of its conductors; and we must yet advert to some private considerations, such as journalists do not usually intrude upon the public, but which we have felt called upon to mention in two or three former Numbers, to account for alleged defects in our publication. The peculiar position of Phrenology, as a very controversial subject, and one which is only now beginning to receive the countenance of the "Great in Science and Literature," has hitherto been a serious impediment to the circulation. of this Journal. For many years it was carried on at a considerable pecuniary loss annually, and a debt has thus accumulated which there is very small prospect of discharging. The proprietors of the Work preferred to suffer this pecuniary loss, rather than to cease a publication which they esteemed-and undoubtedly with correctness - of much benefit to the cause of Phrenology. The circulation has latterly much increased; but on account of the debt above alluded to, there can be no probability of any pecuniary advantage to the parties now engaged in conducting the Work, and responsible for its expences. We make this explanation, in order that our own motives may not be misconstrued, when we earnestly call on our well-wishers to assist the circulation of this Journal by all proper means in their power. If we devote our time to it without remuneration, and take upon ourselves all the pecuniary risks and liabilities, from a sincere conviction of the vast importance of the science advocated, and the beneficial consequences to mankind ultimately to result from its diffusion, we may certainly expect to be acquitted of merely selfish motives, while urging phrenologists to exert themselves in giving effect to our labours, by aiding to diffuse

them. A true science of mind is of the highest possible importance to the interests of civilised man. Why, then, should not every public library and news-room be supplied with a journal devoted to it? Why should not every true phrenologist use his best exertions, each in his own sphere, to effect this? Why should not a copy be regularly taken by those phrenologists to whom the trifling annual cost is no obstacle? We are no friends to forced circulation; nor do we wish that our Journal should be purchased by those who would only lay it on the book-shelf unread. What we do desire is, that it should be brought into notice, and rendered serviceable to others, by being placed before persons likely to receive advantage from its pages, and to become interested in the science to which it relates; and whilst we number amongst our supporters and contributors most of the ablest phrenologists of Britain, whose own private works are in the highest esteem, there is no presumption in saying that our pages cannot be unworthy of perusal.

Lastly, in evidence of past services, and to give the encou ragement of past success as an inducement to future exertions, we call attention to the undeniable fact that Phrenology has already greatly advanced in public estimation, notwithstanding the many efforts formerly made to arrest its progress; that it is still advancing with sure steps, and gives full earnest of continuing to advance with an accelerating speed. By the exertions of phrenologists, it may now be urged onward at a greatly increased rate. We wish to aid them in their efforts, and we beg of them to aid us in turn. Phrenologists have no longer to contend against public contempt or hostility. The time for this has gone by, never to return. A clear knowledge of the subject, combined with a judicious and unobtrusive use of that knowledge, will be found to ensure for its possessor the respect, and usually also the good-will, of those with whom he associates. A phrenologist will still occasionally meet with persons, even some few persons of intellectual eminence, who pretend to despise his science. Let such pretended contempt be disregarded. It is unreal. It is impossible that it should be otherwise than unreal, unless when the offspring of utter ignorance of the subject. The pretence is just a mask assumed to hide dislike and jealousy. A well-trained, well-informed phrenologist, as such, never is despised by those who know him. He has a vantage-ground in his knowledge, from which he cannot be dislodged. It is a power which he can make instantly and forcibly felt by those who resist it. How, then, is it possible, that a science which gives him this power,-which is this power,-can be really contemned by those who feel its pressure against themselves? There is an absurdity in the idea, mere drivelling in the asser

tion of it. We have, indeed, seen a few-a very few-professed phrenologists, who were evidently despised by some of their self-esteeming acquaintances; but even here Phrenology seemed to have a redeeming power, for the individuals would probably have been still less respected, had they wanted the advantage given by only an imperfect knowledge of the science. As to the personal impression made by competent phrenologists, in general society, we are inclined to believe that so far from being less than it ought to be, it is in some sense greater than what should be. Many persons are now disposed to give phrenologists credit for a deeper insight into character, a far more accurate appreciation of motives and talents, than can truly be made. Hence the number of pretenders to Phrenology rapidly increases. Deceptive persons, who deem the reputation of ability and knowledge useful to their professional or other interests, often make undue pretensions to phrenological skill, where they believe their auditors little acquainted with the subject. Why should this be done, if it be not felt by them that such knowledge draws respect from others, and so far elevates its supposed possessor in their eyes? We recommend the timid and the approbative-those who fear openly to avow their convictions to attend to such indications of the feelings of society; and they will soon reach the conclusion of being more likely to advance than to recede in the estimation of others, if making a straightforward and confident declaration of their own convictions on the subject. The independent phrenologist needs not such encouragement; but he observes these signs with interest, as being so many proofs that his science speeds and prospers. It is vain to point to A., B., or C.,-men known or unknown, and say that they refuse credence. What matters it if a thousand recusants can be named? The fault is their own. The loss is their own. We can do without them. We may find enough of the willing, to dispense with the unwilling, though joyfully welcoming all. We repeat, without fear of confutation, that where a competent and judicious phrenologist is found, fearless to defend and ready to explain his science; there Phrenology neither will nor can be contemned. That our own exertions, as journalists, may assist in increasing the numbers of such competent phrenologists, is our first and most earnest wish. Hitherto this Journal has been of much service in such respect: may it continue to be so!