New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-05-08
IrcTTrprs IN MENTAL, SCIENCE BY Rev @. s.
Wr.vrp iamn M 2za EoHers Wells

WEAVER. iamo. pp 2z5. Fowlers Wells
1t is no objection to the science OF phre-
nology. that it does not decide the questions which
have SO long been the subjects of dispute among
metaphyscians. Avoiding the abstract discus
eions which relate to the foundation oil knowledge,
the nature of moral distinctions, the limits OF he
absolute and relative, the origin of existence, and
the like, it deals in popular explanations OF unde-
niable facts 1t does not profess for instance, to
anayze the process of reasoning. 1t throws no
light on the respective claims of intuition and de-
dnction. 1t says nothing with regard to the va
lidity of logic. But, assuming the fact that one
man reasons well aud another reasons ll-that
one mans thoughts come by jerks and spasms,
and anothers in close linked sequence,-It points
out theAorganic conditions Of those different men,
tai traits, illustrating and sustaining them by
a large induction Of facts. So of other forms of
intellectual character-and Of passional as well.
Now in this field, he must be bold man to deny
that phrenology has done eminent service to sci
epce. 1t has, in fact, opened a new field OF in
quirv. and cultivated it at the same time with re-
markable success. One signal triumph which it
has achieved. is the introduction of its nomencla-
ture into popular language. You can hardly pick
to pieces the character Of your friend without
avaiing Yourself of the distinctions and the terms
of phrenology. Even traditional science has re-
Taxed the severity of her brow and vouchsafes
kind recognition to the technics OF system,
on which it once turned up its nose with dainty
contempt. The influence of phrenology on tue
education of the people can scarcely be overrated.
II brings down many of the most reconcile ar
cana of science to the common level, with true
democratic audacity. In connection with the
system of organic laws, which have received their
most lucid interpretations from the teachers oil
phrenology, it has deeply impressed its stamp on
the modes of thinking among the most reflective
classes of our population. 1t is in harmony with
the national character-practlcal, not too pro-
found, based on obvious facts, and available for
the daily uses of life. A more abstract philosophy
cal method would hardly obtain currency, at least
for the present, among the American people
With this view of the position of chronology,
we are able to give friendly welcome to tn: vol
ume before us, which undertakes to explain the
science of the human mind on chronological prn-
ciples 1t treats the subject in popular manner
-abounds in pointed ilustrations-and happily
applies doctrines to the interests OF education,
self-discipline, and social habits The various fac
ulties, sentiments and propensties, which form the
subject matter of phrenoogy, are described with
remarkable cearness, and often with great novelty
of illustration. The language of the writer Is al
ways condensed, pithy, and effective. Without
superseding the more elaborate treatiscs OF Spur
zheim, Combe and other chronological works,
this volume is well adapted to the American
public, and can scarcely fail to command a wide
Giro ulation.
THE NAVAL DRY DOCKS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Norton
In this elegant volume, which has been
prepared with an elaborate completeness Of
finish by the Engineer-in- Chief of the United
States Navy, we have an historical description
embracing the fullest details, of the Granite Dry
Dock at the New-York Navy Yard, the Floating
Sectional Dry Dock, Philadelphia and the Float
ing Balance Dry Dock, Portsmouth, together with
the mode of constructing and working the Dry
Docks at the principal naval stations of the Uni
ted States. The statistics of these great public
works, in addition to the engineering descriptions,
are given at length, comprising statement OF the
materials and their cost, the contract prices for
the various kinds of machinery, the expenditures
for labor the names of the ont ractors and great
amount of valuable information every point
ating to the construction of the Docks. The
volume is splenddly illustrated by twenty-four
engravings on steel.
No work has ever been issued from the American
press that is more suited to crafty the national
PRIDE 1t presents an imposing view of Amer-
can enterprise and skill applied to the construc
tion OF our public works, which gives cheering
evidence of the progress of mechanical industry
and engineering resources in this country.
The manner in which this volume is got
up deserves more than passing word of common
dalton. RTaling the best specimens of London
Typography, its match for frmness and beauty Of
paper brilliancy of type, and accuracy of execu-
ton has never issued from the Newly ork Press.
The printers, Baker, Goodwin & Co., are entitled
to the highest credit for the professional skill with
which they have devoted all the resources Of their
art to bring out important national work in a
style worthy of its intrinsic character The engra-
wings by Ormsby are highly finished productions.
Ii is rarely that scientific work is illustrated with
much magnifcence. Nor should we forget
the binding, which is of the most sumptuous char
acter, uniting an appropriate richness of ornament
with solidity Of workmanship.
We understand that it is the intention Of Gen.
Stuart to publish volume, similar to the present
one, annually, until series shall be completed
embracing the Naval and Mail Steamers the
Railroads, the Canals, the Water-works, and
other great public constructions in the United
States.
The plan is which must command the inter-
est OF every friend Of internal improvements, of
cry American patriot, of every lover of scientific
progress. We rejoice that the work has fallen
into such competent hands, as those of the present
auth IIa hnsS