Select discourses on the functions of the nervous system : in opposition to phrenology, materialism, and atheism : to which is prefixed a lecture on the diversities of the human character arising from physiological peculiarities / by John Augustine Smith.

  • Smith, John Augustine, 1782-1865.
Date:
1840
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Select discourses on the functions of the nervous system : in opposition to phrenology, materialism, and atheism : to which is prefixed a lecture on the diversities of the human character arising from physiological peculiarities / by John Augustine Smith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    most degrading vices, or soar to the highest excellence of which our nature is capable. Next to these come those in whom the action of the lungs is unmodified by the influence of the brain. San- guineness of disposition, without energy of character or vigor of intellect, distinguishes such persons. Of all human beings, they seem to me to be the happiest. Perpetually engaged in some pursuit to which they are enthusiastically devoted, they pass their lives, confident that they are on the eve of attaining the object of their wishes. They are never damped by disappointment; but if foiled for the hundredth time, they begin anew with redoubled ardor, convinced that they have discov- ered the cause of their former failures, and that now they shall certainly succeed. No matter how frivolous the rest of the world may consider their schemes, they themselves esteem them of great importance ; and whether they are collecting shells, stones, flowers, or insects, they are as much in earnest, as if engaged in the most profound and useful inquiries. Their confi- dence of ultimate success gives them great advantages over philosophers, who have usually much of distrust mingled with their hopes. Doubt, these speculators never know. Is wealth their object ? however poverty stricken in reality, the mines of Potosi are ever present to their view, and as they think, just within their grasp. Is celebrity their aim ? however contemned by the pre- sent generation, posterity they are sure, will more justly appreciate their merit, and award them the exalted niche in the temple of fame, so certainly their due. Occa- sionally, these persons are versatile in their schemes,