Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. THE VARIOUS DEGREES OF PERFECTION IN WHICH THE FACULTIES OF THE UNDERSTANDING ARE POSSESSED BY DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS. We are taught by the comparative anatomy of man and of the lower animals, that the superior endowments of different orders of the animal creation are connected with certain peculiarities or additions of nervous structure. Certain endowments being imparted to each species of animal, the manifestation of the endowment, in each individual of the species, depends on the development of certain portions of nervous substance in the individual. As we ascend in the scale, independent of other differences, the brain acquires more and more development and complication; and it is so far from necessary to attempt to prove, that it would be most unphilosophical to doubt, that it is the organ of the manifestation of thought. That it is the central seat of sensation and of the will, both of which are transmitted by nervous prolongations, seems to be equally well established. That it is also the temple of the emotions, passions, and affections, is highly probable, though not very easily proved. Supposing every individual, at the first moment of existence, to be endowed by the Deity with an equal gift of mind, which is not, I think, a matter admitting of dispute; the manifestation of the mind must depend upon, and be modified by the development of the brain in each individual. The same intellectual light may be given to all; but in some obscured by a gross organization, and in others, more happily organized, shining forth more brightly. Itself out of the reach of physical injury, it works by physical instruments; and the exactness of its operations depends on the growth, maturity, integrity, and vigour of its instruments, which...
