The Sun.
London, England, 1870-04-02 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sm,—ln a review upon the late Sir William
Hamilton, of Edinburgh, published in the Edinburgh
Review, for January, 1870, I find the following pas-
sage :—" So toleraLt.was Sir W. of all opinions that
I may say Phrenology was the only doctrine he could
not tolerate. He had studied it with care, and
mastered very completely the anatomy of the bi
result was, he bad come to look on Phrenology
as a mischievous humbug." However, notwithstand-
ing this dictum, Sir W. stated, "Before you set aside
the science of the mesmerist, you ought to read the
evidence in favour given by all the gr:atest autho-
rities in Germany." 1 believe that your neighbour,
Dr. Donovan, would suggest that this charitable
opinion should have been extended to phrenological
science also, according to the evidence of Mr. George
Combo and of others. A notable instance of its
verity has occurred, recently, in the case of
the miserable criminal Mobbs, executed for murder.
The critic in the Edinburgh Review proceeds to state,
" This comprehensive method of inquiry brought
him deep into the literature of witchcraft, sorcery,
necromancy, alchemy, astrology, and all the o!d
superstitious sciences, of which there are, we suppose,
no living devotees." Posibly the wish in this in-
stance may have originated the opinion ; but so far
as phrenology and astrological science are concerned,
it is an erroneous opinion, even as far as Britain is
concerned, and still more so with respect to America,
as I have shown, and as I could prove, if called upon
to do so, clearly. A notable instance of the truth of
the old astrological principle is now before the
world,. with respect to Spain and Ireland, influenced,
or supposed to be so, resp2ctively by the signs
Sagittarius and Taurus. In the former case the
planet Saturn, true to his character, is causing woe,
as astrologists maintain, and will do so even more
until the end of this year; while the " benefit Jove,"
long in Taurus and not leaving it until June, -will
leave behind him a mark of improvement and peace,
secular and religious.—l am, Sir, yours obediently,
CHR. COOKE.

London, 30th March, 1870.

DISAPPEARANCE AT SANDRINGHANt

Some excitement has been caused by Mr. Partridge, the
agent of Mr. Le Strange, of Hunstanton Hall, and of
Mr. Lee Warner, of Walsingham Abbey, mysteriously
disappearing with his books and papers.

Rear-Admiral Lord Frederick Kerr and five more
captains Lave applied for permission to retire.

The installation of the Marquis of Salisbury as
Chancellor at Oxford will take place at the encomia, or
commemoration of founders and benefactors, which falls this
year on Tune 22.

The Hanging Committee of the forthcoming Royal
Academy Exhibition will consist of Messrs. C. Landseer in
the place of Mr. Sant (as formerly announced), Hook, and
Elmore.

Captain Seymour, having been promoted to flag
rank, will have to vacate the post of private secretary to the
First Lord.

The Court Circular says that the Adelphi Theatre
will shortly be closed for complete internal structural
alteration.

M. Felix will commence his fourth season of
French plays on Wednesday, April 20, at the Princess's
T heatre.

The Army and Navy Gazette hears it credibly
stated that the Treasury has never had any application
before it for the increhse of the Generals' List, and con -
sequvntly it has not decided against the making of the forty-
five now generals, as recommended, in order to compensate
officers for supersession.