Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-26
FOR THE LITERARY CADET.
CENTIGRADE PHRENCMETE.R

! This is an instrument lately introduced int o
some of our seminaries of learning. and il is
SAID, the use of which warrants the c.pccta-
ton, that those iDstitutiohs, which have adopt
ed 1t, will take the lead in the ma, ch OF mind.
Who was the inventor Of this wonder-working
instrument, Ia not in our power 70 say; but xe
assuredly believe, that his clam % tic honour
and admiration of tho Literary and scientific
world. is as great as that of any one ~ ho ever
exercised the inventive power. We shall not
attempt a minute dcscriptio Of this piece Of
mechanism, but glance a. such partypf il as
are the most striking and curious, itSsises, and
some of the effects by j; produced.
! II is constructed of paper, such as Is mos,
commonly used for writing; JooiScop - probl-
bly, the best; the shape wares ACCORDING 20 tho
taste and convenience Of me person who uses
II; attached TO IL is q scale, marked with vari-
GUS tombincti tions of figures expressive Of tho
different degree of qualities to be ascertaincd.
There is something singular aprertaining to the
cen'igradc 2hrcnometcr. While tho instru-
.ments belonging TO philosophical apparatuscs,
arc made to apply 10 matter, in its great varic-
ty of forms, combinations, properties and cir
cnmsIanccs, this is useful only in its applica-
tion to mind; and, as its etymology indicates.
is used TO measure the intellect of man. BY
the application of this novel instrument, the
specific gravity of mind is asccrtamcd; the
strength Of its energies developcd; and tho
moral qualities detected. Tho process of
measurement is simple, and yet not easily un-
derstood, except by those who have peculiar
knowledge Of the intellectual phenomena. 1t
is supposed, and we arc inclined to give crc-
deneo 10 the supposition, that 10 become an
adept, spice of phrenology is nccessary-H
is known. however, respecting these mental
experiments, that in order 10 arrive at accurate
ef frati
as the standard or data.
There are some facts in conncyon with tho
operations Of the centigrade phrcnometer, that
appear curious and striking TO an attentive OBJ
server. When heterogeneous mass of mind,
is submitted TO experiment, there is a strong
elcrvescencc, accompanied with considcra-
bic degree Of hcat, and not unfroquently, a
dhnnulion OF the mass, in consequence Of tho
escape OF a portion too refined aud subtle TO
bear the action Of tho instrument. EbuIlition
very gcacrally attends, and sometimes il is so
violent, that nearly the whole mass vents itself
upon the wight, who seeks to crafty his curl
oslty, or too excessive love Of novelty. After
mind has undergone the expcrime nts, the
passions are seen 10 rise and become darker.
the affections to prccipitate, forming turbid
and acrimonio IS residuum, and tl!e faculties 10
become tlnged with apathy and recklessncss
These arc only few of the phenomena rem
dered visible; many of them are scarcely per-
cepfible by the senses; but enough have aire fyly
been described to give some idea Of the agen-
cles OF this singular invention. l. il thought
Dy the philosophers, that somc'hing of this
tnd has long been a desideratum in our COL
ieges and scminaries Of learning
iEasmuch as the use of this instrument. is
caicula cd to produce on nd the above
elects, and also to cmbit,er the feelings. en-
gender onmIty, i'll will and hatred; and besides.
to al'enate the affections; it undoubtedly is
ga consummation dovoutly TO be wished" in
all those institutions, where it is the business
TO teach the young idea how to shoot 1T
gives full latitude TO the qualification Of those
little partialitics, likes and dislikcs, which
sprng from the circumstances of condition,
friends and personal considerations. As il Is
easily constructed, attended with very little ex-
pcnse, and productive of such great advan-
tagcs, it cannot be deemed otherwise than an
important acquisition 10 tho interests of men,
tai discipline and Improvement.