Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-07-29
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
NUMBER 1.

NUMBER 1.
Mr.. EDIToR,-In no age Of the tile world has
man made greater progress in knowledge than the
present. Every day records some new improve
ment. The old sciences which our fathers regarded
as mysteries, accessible only to few, have become
familiar to the many; and new are continual
ly sprlnging into existence. Phrenology and Mes
merism have had their day, and Humbuggery,
which lies at the foundation of both, will before
long be reduced TO regular SYSTEM and its profess
sors be rewarded with the usual honors A niche
in the temple of Fame ought to be reserved for the
man who shall one day discover and arrange its
principles, as Newton did those OF Astronomy
This new science is already attracting great deal
of public attention. 1t occupies many columns in
our most popular journals and finds lack Of sup
porters wherever its merits are discussed.
! have thought that some service might be rem
dered those, who may condescend to read what
may write, by devoting one paper to this important
subject, to point out its value in practical life, and
show how its principles may be applied to various
avoca,ions. hope my gay friends will not com
plain OF SO serious topic. which, however little it
may contribute to their entertainment, is neverthc
less worthy of their respectful consideration.
A knowledge OF some of the branches Of the sci
ence of Humbuggery is absolutely essential TO sue
cess In almost every employment i'm which men u
sually engage. man can more do business at
the present day without it, than cobbler can dis
pensc with his awl, or a painter with his Brush
It's demand is universal. Let us suppose youth
Just licensed TO practice at the bar. His ambition
Is to bear away the honors of his profession, and fl
nally to repose in the evening of life and after
brilliant career, on the bench. He is learned in
Coke and Blackstone; he is quick, witty and elo-
quent but he must not depend upon these qualities
alone Humbuggery can teach him how to pry in
to mems affairs, to foster their quarrels and pene
trate their purses He must make il his constant
study TO discover the weaknesses and jealousies of
his clients, the court and the jury; and this will
enable him to manage his with credit to him
self and satisfaction TO his employers. The medi-
cal man also may derive great advantage from an
early acquaintance with ii. Indeed there is no EN-
poyment In which ii may be more useful and it is
subject OF regret that professional pride has so lone
prevented them from generally awaiting themselves
oft, whilst qlackerS has been allowed to monopo-
ze its advantages To succeed in medical prac-
tlce, nothing more is necessary than adroi of
the principles of this SCIENCE together with certain
degree Of credulity the part OF the patient which
Is seldom absent In an ordinary case. lam credibly
informed by some of lis most successful professors
that the student, who Is learned in this department
or knowledge, Is not under the necessity to study
the ancient languages, or the old sciences OF Anato
my and Chemistry, 10 so great an extent former
y and that some practitioners have even dispensed
with them altogether As 10 the clerical prUies-
been found not to have hearing upon their respect
able calling. The history of the Romish church
affords numerous proofs, that however severe upon
GaIleo Tor his prolane researches, more len;ent
course has ever been pursued towards the teachers
OF Humbuggery and certain recent developments at
I'reves seem TO promise still more favorable no
tice from modern dgnitaries.
| would recommend to some friend of the science
who may be disposed TO distinguish himself in its
annals, TO collect into series OF volumes, those
mastery papers contained in the advertising col
umns of our public journals A richer contribution
TO human knowledge could not be made, and the
compiler might confidently expect enviable re
ward. would also suggest that the Professors of
Humbuggery III thlscouniry would form themselves
into an Academy, for the purpose of enhancing the
dignity and promoting the advancement OF their
science. Our Universities and COLLEGES also
should immediately create, if they have not already
done so, special chair for this subject. If these
suggestions should be adopted, have no doubt that
its beneficial bearing upon all the great interests OF
society will soon BIO made manifest The questions
Of the tariff and free trade will be finally settled ;
the present difficulties with Mexico satisfactorily
adjusted and the correct rule for Interpreting the
federal constitution mathematicaly defined even
entertain the hope that the question of abolition so
long the source to country Of bitter and poisonous
streams, may be solved to the satisfaction of
the fanatics on both sides.
| will conclude this paper with a request that
newspapers in which the subject of vermfugcs has
not yet received the attention it deserves. would
hereafter dedicate at least column to that impor-
tant matter. The interest and taste of the public
absolutely demand it, and continued neglect will
certainly entltle them to special notice from my
pen. LOVINGTON.