Mr. Combe’s Second Course of Lectures.—In our last number, we gave a particular account of the reception of Mr. Combe’s first course of lectures in this city. The second course (then in a state of progress) was completed on the evening of April 6th, at the Musical Fund Hall. A very large audience was in attendance. After the close of the lecture, and Mr. Combe had retired, on motion, Dr. Wylie, professor of ancient languages in the University of Pennsylvania, was called to the chair, and Dr. M’Clellan, professor of surgery in the Jefferson Medical College of this city, was appointed secretary.

The chairman addressed the audience in a few brief remarks upon the propriety of making some expression of the satisfaction which the very numerous class had derived from Mr. Combe’s lectures. On motion, the following resolutions, offered by Thomas Fisher, Esq., were unanimously adopted:—

Thus have closed two most interesting and valuable courses of lectures on phrenology in this city. Their reception has been of the most gratifying character. Some may be disposed to think that their influence will be of transitory effect, and that the interest will soon subside. But if such should be the fact, it would be an anomaly in the history of the science. Its principles have thus far proved too true, and too important, to share such a fate. And they have fallen, we believe, into too many and too able hands in this city to be so soon forgotten or easily neglected. The interest in the subject has resulted, not from idle curiosity, nor the mere excitement of feeling, but from the sober and deliberate exercise of the intellect. And wherever the truth of such principles is firmly lodged, there it will live, and its effects will be felt and seen.

We cannot but express a strong desire that Mr. Combe will favour the citizens of Philadelphia with another course of lectures during the ensuing winter.

Lectures of Rev. J. A. Warne.—This gentleman has just closed in this city, a course of six lectures upon the “Aspects of Phrenology on Revelation.” This department of the science appropriately belongs to the clergy. It is peculiarly their duty to investigate the moral and religious bearings of every science, but more especially of one that professes to unfold the laws of mind. And it would seem, that if any class of persons ought to be thoroughly acquainted with such a subject, it is the clergy. For their various duties lead them to deal almost constantly with mind, and, of all others, they should understand its laws.

We are therefore gratified in seeing one of this profession engaged in discussing the merits of phrenology, and showing that its principles are not only not inconsistent, but in striking harmony with the truths of Christianity. Mr. Warne is favourably known to the public as the author of a chapter on the harmony between phrenology and revelation, appended to a Boston edition of “Combe’s Constitution of Man.” These lectures have been attended by an audience, very respectable both as to numbers and character. The subjects of the different lectures were handled in an able manner. That our readers may better understand their nature, we give below the leading topics discussed.

It was the object of the lecturer to show, that phrenology does not teach materialism, nor fatalism, nor infidelity, either atheistical or deistical; but that, on the contrary, it furnishes arguments refutatory of each of these errors, and even affords advantages in assailing them, not elsewhere found; that this science does not deny or destroy human accountability, or teach the irresistibility of motives, but demonstrates man to be a free agent, by proving him to possess all the conditions of liberty—viz. will, plurality of motives, and power over the instruments of voluntary action; and, consequently, he is and must be accountable for his conduct.

The lecturer proceeded also to show, that the Scriptures agree with phrenology in classifying the faculties of man into moral sentiments, intellectual faculties, and animal feelings; that they invest, as phrenology does, the moral sentiments with the dominion; that they recognise and address the respective faculties which phrenology has ascertained to belong to our nature; and that the principles of this science are in harmony with the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, such as human depravity, indwelling sin, regeneration, &c.

This is, to some extent, new ground, and as far as our knowledge extends, no person in Europe, or in this country, has devoted so much attention to this part of the science as Mr. W. And we are gratified in being able to state, that he intends to prosecute the investigation of this subject, as his other duties may permit, for some years.

Dr. Elder’s Address.—We lately received a copy of an address, delivered before the Penn Institute of Pittsburgh, Pa., February 28th, 1839, by William Elder. It is truly encouraging to find so many friends and advocates of our new science. It is now becoming the theme of many public addresses and lectures, as well as leading articles in our regular periodicals. There are also some who make a free use of its principles, and very advantageously too, without employing its technical language, or even giving due credit to the science. It is a fact, that whenever and wherever truth on any subject is presented, in harmony with the principles of phrenology, it will appear clearer, more consistent and convincing to every mind, and consequently will be more powerful in its effects. It is as certain as any mathematical demonstration can be, that if phrenology is a true interpretation of human nature, that all truth connected with mind, and presented in harmony with the laws of its correct interpretation, must touch a cord that will vibrate in every person, though perhaps feebler in some than in others. We have known many individuals very much pleased, and even captivated by a certain production or performance, and to affirm repeatedly that the subject was never discussed before so clearly and satisfactory to their minds; but when they were afterwards informed that it was treated upon strictly phrenological principles, they are much surprised, and sometimes seem mortified. How true, in spite of prejudice and opposition, is the Latin proverb—“Magna est Veritas et prÆvalebit.”

But to return to Dr. Elder’s address. We have perused it with much interest. It appears that this address was delivered before an association of young men, formed for mutual improvement. The principal object of the author was to unfold the great laws of mind, a knowledge of which is so important to mental and moral improvement. A subject more appropriate to the occasion could not well have been selected; and how far the author succeeded in accomplishing his object, we shall take pleasure in giving our readers an opportunity to judge for themselves, by presenting several extracts in the next number of the Journal.

The article promised in our last, on the “Elementary Principles of Phrenology,” is necessarily deferred till the next number.