dispute between Dr. Milligan and the Phrenologist is the relationship existing between the outer table and subjacent diploe on the one hand, with the inner or vitreous table, as it is termed in the passage just quoted, on the other. A genuine specimen of the Phrenological tribe exhibits so much versatility in argument, such an extraordinary facility in changing the grounds of his position upon all occasions in which THE SCIENCE seems to be in danger, that we really hesitate to place our index upon any one opinion as a certain and indubitable tenet of the sect. We believe, however, that, although every Phrenologist is constantly differing from every other, and each one not unfrequently differing from himself, we shall express the general views of the majority of these singularly curious philosophers, when we say that the external table of the skull in the thickness of its own substance, conjoined with the expansion of the subjacent diploe, 'bears such a relationship to the internal table, as to render it possible to ascertain the configuration of individual portions of brain, by the external configuration of corresponding portions of the exterior table. Now it is here that Dr. Milligan meets the Phrenologist, by shewing that the causes which act in the developement of the external table, and consequently of its irregularities of surface, are alike independent of the brain and of the inner table of the skull; at the same time, that those which are concerned in the production of the diploe, with its variations in expansion, seem to be, in part at least, equally unconnected either with the brain or with the more solid portions of its bony coverings. "A single glance of the eye," he observes, "or a touch of the finger, evinces that, in many places where the brain recedes, the outer table projects; in others, as in the orbit, behind the mastoid process, behind the condyloid process, and behind the foramen magnum, where the outer table recedes, the brain on the contrary projects.""As the inner table everywhere adheres closely to the brain, whilst at some points the outer table recedes two inches from it, and in others, approaches within a quarter of a line, it is evidently not modified by the only interjacent body, the internal table, so as to bear in its expanded parts any certain or fixed relation to the brain within. Taking these two facts together, they afford an unanswerable demonstration of the fallacy of the averment, that augmented developements of the external table, correspond to internal developements of the surface of the brain, or of the organs marked thereon, at their pleasure, by writers on phrenology." The author's views of the formation of the outer table and its projections are detailed at length in the following passage :"Considered in relation to the brain, the membranes, the inner table, and the diploe itself, the outer table presents no other definite organization beyond that of an irregular envelope, which is in some places as thin as a wafer, in others thicker than all the rest of the cranium. But, if we view it from without, we find that every particle of its surface is adapted to some purpose which it has to answer in combination with the soft parts with which it is in contact. Many processes are levers for the muscles; others are merely scabrous surfaces for their insertion; others are condyles for joints; others, organs of hearing; others, organs of fixation; others, of protection; and all this in direct reference to the organs in contact, but without the least relation, that can be discovered, to the encephalon. Hence we are forced to conclude that its projections solely originate under the influence, and for the completion of functions that are all external to the cranium; and the same thing must necessarily be inferred of the external table, which is merely their substratum."

The diploe or intermediate cancellated structure, he considers to be merely a cellular tissue connecting the two tables of the cranium, and chiefly destined to increase the elasticity of the whole.

We must not conclude our remarks without some allusion to the author's views of the formation of the frontal sinuses. These are the cavities formed in the frontal bone immediately above the orbits, and are situated precisely in the spot where some of the most important organs of the phrenological systems are placed. The irregularity in their developement and the causes assigned by the author as conducing to their formation, for a statement of which, however, our limits compel us to refer to the paper itself, must necessarily throw great doubts upon the theories of the advocates of this pseudo-science, even were we disposed to allow the invariability of the facts to which they so constantly profess to appeal. We will, however, remark, that according to Dr. Milligan, the evolution of the frontal sinus does not commence till the seventh year, although, at this age, the brain is stated by the best anatomists to have attained its full size. The difference in developement of the exterior portion of the cranium observed at this age, and at that of twenty-one, by which time the frontal sinus usually attains its complete growth, is very considerable, and the phrenological indications consequently very different, although the developement of the brain itself, which these indications are supposed to point out, may not have varied in the smallest perceptible point.

In conclusion, we must remark that the conciseness of Dr. Milligan's observations renders abridgment almost impossible, while the closeness of his reasonings, and the indubitable facts upon which they are founded, are certainly calculated to make a very strong impression against the doctrines which he opposes. Upon one point we feel inclined to pass our verdict of censure; and that is, the technicality of the language in which the paper is written, and we beg to remind all writers upon scientific subjects, that although reviewers are expected to be acquainted with the abstruse terminology in which they appear to deem it a necessary part of their vocation to involve, we might have said to disguise, their sentiments, yet, if it be wished to make subjects of science generally acceptable to his Majesty's lieges, the language in which they are stated should be such as his Majesty's lieges may be expected to comprehend.

The consideration of some of the other papers contained in these admirable volumes will be resumed on a future occasion. Those relating to topography and statistics will occupy our attention at an early opportunity.

C. R.

MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION.

THE needless sigh, the idly wasted tear
I ask not, wish not, stranger! want not here.
What once I was availeth naught to thee;
What now I am, poor trembler! wouldst thou see,
Profane the tomb, the shrouded maze unfold,
And in that form thy future self behold,

Brace up thy nerves! with sober judgment gaze,
Then go reflect and oh! reform thy ways.

S. **

Fig. 1. Primary Aspect of the Luminous Arch, September 29, 1828. Fig. 2. Luminous Arch, complete.

Fig. 3. Commencement of the Aurora Borealis, October 12, 1833.

ON THE CONNEXION OF

METEOROLOGICAL APPEARANCES

WITH

CHANGES IN THE TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER,

With more especial reference to the Aurora Borealis.

Read at the Annual Meeting of the Worcestershire Natural History Society, by Edwin Lees, Secretary of the Meteorological Committee.

"And through the evening sky far gleams the Northern Light!'
CHATTERTON.

As Secretary of the Meteorological Committee of this Society, it became my duty to draw up the Annual Report of its proceedings, and in doing this I necessarily adverted to some remarkable meteorological appearances, that had been visible in the autumn of 1833, and more especially to a very vivid Aurora Borealis, that presented itself on the evening of October 12th, last, with its precursor a splendid luminous arch. It was considered by the Council that these facts were curious and important enough to form a topic for separate discussion, and as it may have the effect of directing your attention more particularly to the aspect of the Heavens, when

"Silent from the north

A blaze of meteors shoots :".

I shall briefly mention the splendid phenomena that preceded and accompanied our late extraordinarily mild weather, when frost and snow were almost entirely unknown, and the primroses and violets of April were scattered profusely upon the lap of January; while the gardens displayed a ceaseless train of beauties in their bright parterres. Thus beguiled by the smiles of Flora, old Winter was detained from his usual visitation, and consequently displayed his testy humour in the severe and unexpected frosts of April.

A very remarkable flight of falling stars was seen between 10, p. m., and midnight on the evening of August 10th, about midway between Worcester and Great Malvern. They resembled the

* I think it right to observe that in complying with the wish of the editor of "the Analyst," I am only furnishing a very incomplete paper. As such, these cursory observations must be considered; they were drawn up currente calamo, and my avocations will not at present allow of my entering more fully into details. If, however, abler observers should have their attention directed to the point by anything I have stated, the object I had in view will be obtained. Author.

NO. I.

F