This organ produces credulity of mind. It predisposes to believe
without sufficient testimony, and delights in contemplating the
strange and wonderful. It has been supposed, that this organ is given
to enable the mind to believe in those passages in Revelation, in
which supernatural performances are related, and that consequently
it increases the zeal and fervour of the devout and religious. Its
more general manifestations, are to give a fondness for supernatural
stories, and a love of the strange, the new and the marvellous, and
sometimes leads to a desire to visit mysterious and unfrequented
countries.
Predominant.--With Marvellousness predominant, one will be exceedingly
credulous and visionary in all his views. He will readily take for
granted whatever is told him of a wonderful character. He will
disregard simple causes, and be disposed to account for any thing a
little unusual by a forced and unnatural conclusion.
Large.--With Marvellousness large, and Veneration large, a person,
if religious, will be eminently devout and superstitious. He will
readily believe in special providences, divine agency, &c. With
large Eventuality and Ideality, will be passionately fond of reading
marvellous accounts, hair-breadth escapes, &c. With large Cautiousness,
and small Causality, will be afraid of ghosts, and will profess often
to see apparitions.
Moderate.--With but a moderate developement of this organ, and with
large Causality and Comparison, one will be rather sceptical in his
views, requiring much proof before his assent can be gained, yet at the
same time, will keep his mind open to conviction, and will be willing
to give subjects a considerate examination. If Causality is small,
he will often adopt principles upon insufficient grounds; and with
Ideality large, will be exceedingly fond of marvellous tales, and of
fictitious excitement of a mysterious character.
Small.--With Marvellousness small, one will be exceedingly incredulous
and sceptical. It will be impossible for him to believe any thing
but what is susceptible of the clearest demonstration. With Ideality
moderate or small, he will have great aversion to marvellous stories
and fictitious works generally. With Veneration small, he may be
religious, but his mind will be peculiar. He will not submit to the
teaching of any man, and will form his creed from the results of his
own reading and reflection.