3 NOVEMBER 1838, Page 19

An Examination of Phrenology, by 'THOMAS ShWALL, M.D. This little

book is an American publication ; and comprises, in two lectures, some succinct arguments in opposition to phrenology, based upon the most convincing species of argument, anatomical facts. He deities, from human and comparative anatomy, that there is any relation between the volume of the brain and the powers of the mind ; fur, not to pause upon other instances, monkies would excel man. He asserts that by accidental injuries, the parts of the brain conceived by phrenologists essential to certain mental functions, have been destroyed, without any visible loss of those qualities in the sufferer. From the varying thickness of the bones of the skull in various individuals, Dr. SEWALL holds that the volume of the brain in the living subject cannot be ascertained by observatton or measurement, owing to osseous peculiarities or external integuments : he also maintains that the development of the difkrent organs or parts of the brain cannot be detected on the living head. It is not for us to compose such great strifes, tespecially as the phrenologists are never backward in saying their say : let it suffice on our parts to have intreduced Dr. SEWALL to the lists.