THE HUMAN TEMPERAMENTS.
Organization implies vital energy, since there can be no organization
without it. The sperm cell, as we have previously seen, exists before
the initiation of the life of every individual organism. The early
history of this fertilizing cell, which is composed of infinitesimal
molecules which contain the embryo powers of life, is only partially
written. It is a fact, authenticated by Faraday, that one drop of water
contains, and may be made to evolve, as much electricity as, under a
different mode of display, would suffice to produce a lightning-flash.
Chemical force is of a higher order than physical, and vital force is of
a still higher order. Within the microscopic compass of the sperm cell
are a great number of forces acting simultaneously, which require the
answering conditions of a germ cell, and are so blended as to occupy a
minimum of space. The union of these subtle elements through the agency
of their physical, chemical, and vital forces, constitutes the
initiation of life. Elementary matter is transformed into chemical and
organic compounds, by natural forces, upon the cessation of which, it is
liberated by nature's great destroyer, and re-appears in the world of
elements. Thus, man is formed out of the very dust by means of energies
which reconstruct the crude, inert matter, and to dust he returns when
those energies cease.
When we enter upon the consideration of the temperaments, we should bear
in mind one peculiarity of life: that it combines, in a small space,
many complex powers. In the process of reproduction, there is a complex
combination of organic elements. Structures differ as greatly as their
functions. So likewise do animals vary in their nature and organization,
and individuals of the same species are, in some respects, dissimilar.
Yet the characteristics which have distinguished the races of mankind,
are fundamental and faithfully maintained. Time does not obliterate
them. Within race-limits are found enduring peculiarities, and, although
each individual is weaving out some definite pattern of organization, it
follows the type of the race, as well as the more immediate, antecedent
condition.
What then is a _Temperament_ but a _mixing together_ of these
determining forces, a certain blending manifested in the constitution by
signs, or traits, which we denominate _character_. The different races
of mankind must have their several standards of temperament, for the
peculiarities of one are not fully descriptive of, and applicable to the
other.
The term temperament is defined by Dunglison, as being "a name given to
the remarkable differences that exist between individuals, in
consequence of the variety of relations and proportions between the
constituent parts of the body.
For its simplicity and scope, we prefer the following definition,
suggested by our friend, Orin Davis, M.D.: A TEMPERAMENT IS A
COMBINATION OF ORGANIC ELEMENTS SO ARRANGED AS TO CHARACTERIZE THE
CONSTITUTION.
This leads us to consider some of the elements, conditions and forces
which give character to the organization. External circumstances supply
necessary conditions to inward activity, for without air, food, or
sunlight all living animals would perish. Everywhere, life is dependent
upon conditions and circumstances; it is _not_ self-generating. But the
conditions of reproduction are very complex. External forces are
transformed, and, in turn, become vital or formative powers. Development
is a transmutation of physical and chemical forces into vital energy.
Although unable to compute the ultimate factors of life, yet we may
illustrate their reproductive possibilities and results by comparing
them with those of a lower order.
Animal structures are mainly composed of four elements: oxygen,
hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon. Other constituents, such as phosphorus,
sulphur, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, enter into
their composition, but are found in much smaller quantities. From these
elements is fabricated an organism which manifests peculiar properties
and marvelous functions. If the proportion of these chemical elements be
varied, the organic compound will be changed, or, the proportions
remaining the same, if the _grouping_ of the elements be altered,
different compounds will be produced, showing that the properties of
organized substances depend upon the _molecular_ constitution of matter.
Rising in the scale of organization, we observe that every variation of
the physical and chemical processes implies a corresponding modification
of the vital. This is verified by the peculiarities of the several races
of mankind. Individual differences are likewise modifications of these
processes. Dynamical or vital differentiation depends upon these
modifications for the display of vital energy, and is always associated
with molecular changes. But it should be borne in mind that an effect
may not resemble its cause in _properties_, and the _qualities_ of a
chemical compound may be quite different from those of its individual
constituents. Organic matter, although more complex, may exhibit
properties, both like and unlike its constituent elements. Within
certain boundaries, the elements seek to satisfy their affinities. We
discover that there are limits between the genera of animals, as well as
the races of mankind. Not less really, though perhaps not as absolutely,
are there individual precincts within the sphere of the human
temperaments, which cannot be passed.
If we cannot satisfactorily explain, we can at least discover a reason
for temperamental limitation. It is not designed to circumscribe
healthful reproduction, but to serve as an effectual hindrance to
abnormal deviations. We may state our belief in more positive terms:
that the temperamental variations are essential to _genesis_ and
_fertility_, and indispensable to _health_ and _normal development_.
Every individual is susceptible to impressions which dispose to action.
Impressions which excite or increase this disposition, are called
_stimuli_. Vital change implies the existence of _stimuli_ and
_susceptibility_ to stimulation. The stimulus may not be furnished
because the conditions on which it depends are wanting; again,
susceptibility may exist at one time and not at another. Stimuli and
susceptibility may be present in different degrees, but for the purpose
of healthful reproduction they must not be impaired. No single class of
foods, albuminous, starchy, saccharine, or mineral, is sufficient for
the nutrition of the body, but the food must contain substances
belonging to each of the different classes. If an animal be fed
exclusively upon albumen, though this substance constitutes the largest
part of the bodily mass, exhaustion will rapidly follow, since the food
does not contain all the essential, nutritive elements. Again, when the
solids of the body have been wasted, they lose their susceptibility to
stimuli, and the food does no good. Thus patients become emaciated
during acute attacks of disease, upon the cessation of which they are
too feeble to recover, simply because they have lost the power to digest
and assimilate their food.
In inanimate bodies, as in crystals, forces come to rest, but the very
idea of life implies action and continual change. Hence diversity of
constitutions and different temperaments are essential in order that
marriage may result in the reproduction of vigorous beings.
VITAL AND NON-VITAL TEMPERAMENTS.
[Illustration: Fig. 78.]
In the preceding chapter, we attempted to illustrate the unique blending
of mind and body by means of the nervous system, and we now propose to
exemplify the physical conditions of the organism by certain
correspondences, observed in the development and conditions of that
system. If nature answer to mind in physical correspondences, she will
observe the same regularity in physical development. The simplest
classification of the temperaments is represented in Fig. 78. Not only
is mental activity dependent upon a vital activity in the brain, but the
development of the cerebrum is dependent upon the supply of blood. The
growth of the intellect requires the same conditions that aided in the
development of Vulcan's right arm: waste and supply; disintegration and
reparation of tissue. Our modern iron forges produce many an artisan
whose great right arm proclaims him to be a son of power as well as of
fire. Thus the fervid intellect, while forging out its thoughts,
increases in size and strength. The difference between the development
of the two is this; that the exercise of the blacksmith's right arm
quickens the activities of all the bodily functions, whereas the
employment of the intellect does not offer any healthy equivalent.
Physical exercise is a hygienic demand, but intellectual employment
exerts no salutary influence on the body, while it is constantly
expending the nutritive energies of the blood. The emotions, likewise,
make exhaustive draughts upon nutrition to supply the waste of brain
substance, just as certainly as physical labor causes muscular change,
and demands reparation. One expends cerebral, the other, muscular
substance. The one is healthful in its general tendencies, the other,
comparatively wasteful and destructive.
/ DISINTEGRATING,
The intellectual faculties are { EXPENDING,
\ DERIVING.
/ ENGROSSING,
The emotive faculties are { EXHAUSTING,
\ DEVITALIZING.
These nervous forces are transformed into spiritual products.
The base of the anterior lobes of the brain belong to the atonic
region--the source of those languid, deranging influences which coincide
with morbidity and disease. A disturbance of the corporeal organs, which
especially influence this portion of the brain, naturally tends to the
development of insanity or imbecility. Morel has traced, through four
generations, the family history of a youth who was admitted to the
asylum at Rouen while in a state of stupidity and semi-idiocy. The
following summary of his investigations illustrates the natural course
of degeneracy as it extends through successive generations: immorality,
depravity, alcoholic excess, and moral degradation, in the
great-grandfather, who was killed in a tavern brawl; hereditary
drunkenness, maniacal attacks, ending in general paralysis, in the
grandfather; sobriety, but hypochondriacal tendencies, delusions of
persecutions, and homicidal tendencies in the father; defective
intelligence in the son. His first attack of mania occurred at sixteen,
and was followed by stupidity, and finally ended in complete idiocy.
Furthermore, there was probably an extinction of the family, for the
son's reproductive organs were as little developed as those of a child
of twelve years of age. He had two sisters who were both defective
physically and morally, and were classed as imbeciles. To complete the
proof of heredity in this case, Morel adds that the mother had a child
while the father was confined in the asylum, and that this child
exhibited no signs of degeneracy. Statistics show that multitudes of
human beings are born with a destiny against which they have neither the
will nor the power to contend; they groan under the worst of all
tyrannies, the tyranny of a bad organization, which is theirs by
inheritance. We may represent the tendencies of the anterior portion of
the brain by Fig. 79. The functional exercise of the anterior and
superior portions of the cerebrum is _disintegrating_ and
_devitalizing_, while the anterior and inferior portions coincide with
mental and physical derangement, unless counteracted by opposing forces.
It is therefore evident that in any organization, upon which is entailed
a perverted or excessive action of this portion of the cerebrum, the
tendencies are NON-VITAL, _i.e._, unfavorable to fertility and physical
health.
If the antagonizing regions are well developed, the tendencies are
favorable to life.
/ SANITY,
The volitive organs promote { TEMPERANCE,
\ HARDIHOOD.
/ NUTRITION,
The animal organs tend to { RESTORATION,
\ CONSERVATION.
/ SECRETION,
The basilar faculties instigate { CIRCULATION,
\ VITALITY.
/ ENERGY,
The combined action of these { HEALTH,
faculties express \ REPRODUCTION.
[Illustration: Fig. 79]
If this portion of the brain indicates a full development, we say of
such a temperament that it is VITAL, because the functions of its
nerve-centers are favorable to evolution. As degeneration observes
conditions, so endurance and development conform to certain laws, and it
is the duty of all truthful inquirers, who believe not only in the
progress of human intelligence, but in physical improvement from
generation to generation, to ascertain and comply with these essential
conditions. When the anterior and middle lobes of the brain are fully
developed at their inferior surfaces, it is regarded as an insane
temperament, _i.e._ containing the germs of mental and bodily
derangement.
How shall we distinguish the combination of organic elements, if not by
the manner in which they characterize the constitution? Every human
being is distinguished by natural peculiarities, both mental and
physical. These are indicated not only by the color of the eyes, hair,
and skin, and the mental expressions, but in the conformation and
capabilities of the corporeal system. The color, form, size, and texture
of a leaf indicate to the expert pomologist the nature of the fruit
which the tree will bear, but how much more important is it to
understand the harmonies of human development. If Prof. Agassiz could
determine the form and size of a fish by seeing its scales, and Prof.
Owen outline the skeleton of an unknown animal by viewing a portion of
its fossil, why should not the physician understand the language of
temperaments, since it opens to him the revelations of human
development? The sculptor blends character with form, the artist endows
the face with natural expression, the anatomist accurately traces the
nerves and arteries, the physiognomist reads character, which the
novelist delineates and the actor personates, because there are facts
behind all these, the materials wherewith to construct a science. In
organization there are permanent forces which operate uniformly, thus
revealing the order of nature.
THE TEMPERAMENTS CLASSIFIED.
[Illustration: Fig. 80]
We propose to speak of four constitutional variations entitled to
separate consideration; the lymphatic, the sanguine, the volitive, and
the encephalic. The brain controls all the voluntary, and modifies the
involuntary functions of the body. A particular cerebral development
modifies the functions of all the bodily organs, and thus tempers the
constitution. We shall, therefore, base our classification of
temperaments upon the mental and physiological characteristics, which
are portrayed by cerebral development. Such an arrangement is
illustrated by Fig. 80.
THE LYMPHATIC TEMPERAMENT.
The lymphatic temperament predominates when the anterior base of the
brain and the middle lobe are developed so as to exert a preponderating
influence over the bodily functions. The character of this influence we
have described in cerebral physiology. It is difficult to state
precisely the normal influences and nerve-forces which arise from these
faculties, but it is evident that they are specially related to
nutritive attraction, in opposition to volitive repulsion. It is only
their excessive influence which produces worthless, miserable, morbid
characters. A constitution marked by this development is indolent,
relaxative, and an easy prey to epidemics. This treatment is also
characterized by a low grade of vitality or resistance. When life is
sustained by the volitive powers, it is distinguished by a softness of
the bodily tissues, and the prevalence of lymph. The fact that all the
organic functions are performed indolently, indicates lack of vital
power. An excellent illustration of this temperament is found in Fig.
81, which represents a Chinese gentleman of distinction. In the lower
order of animals, as in sponges, absorption is performed by contiguous
cells, which are quite as effortless as in plants. Because of their
organic indolence, sponges are often classed as vegetables. A body
having an atonic or a lymphatic temperament is abundantly supplied with
absorbent organs, which are very sluggish in their operations. In the
lymphatic temperament, there seems to be less constructive energy,
slower elaboration, and greater frugality. Lymph is a colorless or
yellow fluid containing a large proportion of water. It is not so highly
organized as the blood, but resembles it, when that fluid is deprived of
its red corpuscles. In the sanguine temperament, circulation in the
blood-vessels is the most active, in the lacteals next, and in the
lymphatics the least so, but in the lymphatic temperament, this order is
reversed.
[Illustration: Fig. 81.]
Dr. W.B. Powell has observed that a lymphatic man has a large head,
while a fat man has a small one, and also that fat and lymph, are
convertible, one following the other, _i.e.,_ "a repletion consisting of
fat may be removed, and one of lymph may replace it, and _vice versa_."
He could not account for these alternations. The bear goes into his
winter quarters sleek and fat, and comes forth in the spring just as
plump with lymph, but he loses this fat appearance soon after obtaining
food. This simply indicates that, during lymphatic activity, the
digestive organs are comparatively quiescent. But when these are
functionally employed again, lymphatic economy is not required. It is
the duty of the lymphatics to slowly convert the fat by such
transformation, that when it reaches the general circulation, it may
there unite with other organic compounds, the process being aided by
atmospheric nitrogen, introduced during the act of respiration. In this
way it may become changed into those chemically indefinite, artificial
products, called proteid compounds. This view is supported by the
disappearance of fat as an organized product in the lymph of the
lymphatic vessels, indicating that such transformation has occurred. In
this way, by uniting with other organic compounds, it appears that lymph
may serve as a weak basis for blood; that atmospheric nitrogen is also
employed in forming these artificial compounds, is indicated by the fact
that there is sometimes less detected in arterial than in venous blood.
[Illustration: Fig. 82.
Judge Green, of the United States Court. ]
This temperament is indicated by lymphatic repletion, soft flesh, pale
complexion, watery blood, slow and soft pulse, oval head, and broad
skull, showing breadth at its base. Fig. 82 illustrates this temperament
combined with sanguine elements. In all good illustrations of this
temperament, there is a breadth of the anterior base of the skull
extending forward to the cheek bones. There is likewise a corresponding
fullness of the face under the chin, and in the neck, denoting a large
development of the anterior base of the cerebrum. The cerebral
conformation of the Hon. Judge Green indicates mental activity, and we
have no reason to suppose that lymph was particularly abundant in his
brain.
[Illustration: Fig. 83.]
While this description of the lymphatic temperament is correct, when
illustrated by the civilized races of men who are accustomed to luxury,
ease, and an abundance of food, it does not apply with equal accuracy to
the cerebral organization of the American Indian. His skull, though
broad at its anterior base, and high and wide at the cheek bones,
differs from the European in being broader and longer behind the ears.
Fig. 83 is an excellent representation of a noted North American Indian.
While a great breadth of the base of the brain indicates morbid
susceptibilities, yet these, in the Indian, are opposed by a superior
height of the posterior part of the skull. Consequently, he is restless,
impulsive, excitable, passionate, a wanderer upon the earth. The basilar
faculties, however, are large, and he is noted for instinctive
intelligence. His habits alternate from laziness to heroic effort, from
idleness and quiet to the fierce excitement of the chase, from
vagabondism to war, sometimes indolent and at other times turbulent, but
under all circumstances, irregular and unreliable. In this case, lacteal
activity is greater than lymphatic, as his nomadic life indicates.
Nevertheless, he manifests a morbid sensibility to epidemic diseases,
especially those which engender nutritive disorders and corrupt the
blood. Figs. 84 and 85 represent the brain of an American Indian, and
that of a European, and show the remarkable difference in their
anatomical configuration. Evidently it is a race-distinction. Observe
the greater breadth of the brain of the Indian, which according to
cerebral physiology indicates great alimentiveness, indolence, morbid
sensibility, irritability, profligacy, but also note that it _differs
materially in the proportion of all its parts_, from the European brain.
Judging the character of the Indian from the aforesaid representation,
we should say that he was cunning, excitable, treacherous, fitful,
taciturn, or violently demonstrative. His constitution is very
susceptible to diseases of the bowels and blood. His appetite is
ungovernable, and his love of stimulants is strong. Syphilitic poison,
small-pox, and strong drink will annihilate all these tribes sooner than
gunpowder. Their physical traits of constitution are no less
contradictory than their extremes of habit and character, for while
there is evidence of _lymphatic elements_, yet it is contradicted by the
color of the hair, eyes, and skin. This peculiar organization will not
blend in healthful harmony with that of the European, and this
demonstrates that the race-temperaments require separate and careful
analytical consideration.
[Illustration: Fig. 84.
American Indian.
Fig 85.
European.
(FROM MORTON'S CRANIA AMERICANA.)
In the American Indian, the anterior lobe, lying between _AA_, and
_BB_, is small, and in the European it is large, in proportion to the
middle, lying between _BB_ and _CC_. In the American Indian, the
posterior lobe, lying between _C_ and _D_ Is much smaller than in the
European. In the Indian, the cerebral convolutions on the anterior
lobe and upper surface of the brain, are smaller than the European. If
the anterior lobe manifests the intellectual faculties--the middle
lobe the propensities common to man with the lower animals--and the
posterior lobe, the conservative energies, the result seems to be,
that the intellect of the American Indian is comparatively feeble--the
European, strong; the animal propensities of the Indian will be
great--in the European, more moderate; while reproduction, vital
energy, and conservation of the species in the Indian is not as great
as with the European. The relative proportions of the different parts
of the brain differ very materially.]
By physical culture and regulation of the habits, the excessive
tendencies of this temperament may be restrained. Solid food should be
substituted for a watery diet. If it be limited in quantity, this change
will not only diminish the size, but increase the strength of the body.
The body should be disciplined by daily percussion until the imperfectly
constructed cells, which are too feeble to resist this treatment, are
broken and replaced by those more hardy and enduring. Add to this
treatment brisk, dry rubbing, calisthenic exercises, and daily walks,
which should be gradually extended. Continue this treatment for three
months, and its favorable effects upon the temperament will surprise the
most skeptical; if continued for a year, a radical alteration will be
effected, and the hardihood, health, and vigor of the constitution will
be greatly increased.
This temperament may be improved physiologically, by being blended with
the sanguine and volitive. The offspring will be stronger, the
structures firmer, the organization more dense. Nutrition, assimilation,
and all the constructive functions will be more energetic in weaving
together the cellular fabric of the body. The sanguine temperament will
add a stimulus to the organic activities, while the volitive will
communicate manly, brave, and enduring qualities. When this temperament
is united with the encephalic, if such a union does not result in
barrenness, it adds _expending_ and _exhaustive_ tendencies to the
_enfeebling_'ones already existing, and, consequently, the offspring
lacks both physical power and intellectual activity.
The peculiarities of this temperament are observed in the diseases which
characterize it. It is specially liable to derangements of digestion,
nutrition, and blood-making. The blood is easily poisoned by morbid
products formed within the body, as well as by those derived from the
body of another. This is seen in pyæmia, produced by the introduction of
decomposing pus, or "matter," into the blood. This condition is most
likely to occur when the vital powers are low and the energies weak, for
then the fibrin decreases, the red corpuscles diminish in number, the
circulation becomes languid, the pulse grows fluttering and weak, and
this increases until death ensues. An individual of this temperament is
more easily destroyed than any other "by the poison of syphilis,
small-pox, and other contagious diseases. If the blood has received any
hereditary taint, the lymphatic glands not only reproduce it but often
increase the virulency of the original disease. This temperament
indicates a necessity for the employment of stimulating, alterative, and
antiseptic medicines. The torpid functions need arousing, the blood
needs depuration, i.e., the elimination of corrupting matter, and the
system requires alteratives to produce these salutary changes. The
secretions need the correcting influence of cleansing remedies for the
purification of the blood.
Persons of this temperament are more liable to absorption of morbid
products within the body, which are in a state of decomposition,
producing an infection of the blood, technically termed _septicæmia_.
The fatal results which so suddenly follow child-bed fever are thus
produced. This kind of poisoning sometimes takes place from the
absorption of decomposed exudation in diphtheria, and, though rarely,
from decomposing organic products collected in the lungs. Whenever the
absorption of poison does take place, fatal consequences usually follow.
This passive temperament is more likely to sink under acute attacks of
disease, especially alimentary disorders, such as diarrhea, dysentery,
and cholera. It quickly succumbs to their prostrating effects, such as
depression, congestion, and fatal collapse which rapidly succeed one
another. Venesection and harsh purgatives are contra-indicated, and the
physician who persists in their employment kills his patient. How
grateful are warmth and stimulating medicines! The most powerful,
diffusible, and nervous stimulants are required in cholera, when the
system is devastated by the disease, as the plain is laid waste by the
fierce tornado.
THE SANGUINE TEMPERAMENT.
Lymph is the characteristic of the lymphatic temperament, and its
specific gravity, temperature, and standard of vitality are all lower
than that of red blood. In the sanguine temperament all the vital
functions are more active, the blood itself has a deeper hue, its
corpuscles carry more oxygen, the complexion is quite florid, and the
arterial currents impart to every faculty a more hopeful vigor. The
blood-vessels are the most active absorbents, eagerly appropriating
nutritive materials for the general circulation, while the respiration
adds to it oxygen, that agent which makes vital manifestation possible.
This temperament exhibits greater sensibility, the conceptions are
quicker, the imagination more vivid, the appetite stronger, the passions
more violent, and there is found every display of animal life and
enjoyment.
A full development of the basilar faculties, indicated by an unusual
breadth and depth of the base of the brain, accompanies this
temperament. Its cerebral area includes the posterior and inferior
portions of the cerebrum, the entire cerebellum, and that part of the
medulla which connects with the spinal cord, all of which sustain
intimate relations to vital conditions. Accordingly, such a development
indicates good digestion, active nutrition, vigorous secretion, large
heart and lungs, powerful muscles, and surplus vitality. The violent
faculties, such as Combativeness, Destructiveness, and Hatred, are
natural adjuncts, and their excess tends to sensuality and crime. They
are not only secretive, appropriative, selfish, and self-defensive, but
when redundant are aggressive and tend to destructiveness, the
gratification of animal indulgence, intemperance, and debauchery. The
correspondence between the cerebral conformation and the physical
development is very obvious. Lower orders of animals possess these
faculties, and their spontaneous exhibition is called instinct. They
possess the acquisitive, destructive, and propagative propensities,
which lead them to provide for their wants and secure to themselves a
posterity. The exercise of their bodies causes a continual waste which
demands incessant reparation, and they are governed measurably by these
animal impulses.
All of these lower psychical faculties have a physiological
significance. Acquisitiveness functionally expresses assimilation,
accretion, animal growth, and tends to bodily repletion. Secretiveness
expresses concealing, separating, withdrawing, and functionally
signifies secretive action. Secretion is the separating and withdrawing
from the blood some of its constituents, as mucus, bile, saliva, etc.
This latter process indicates complex conditions of organization, so
that the higher and more complex the tissue, the greater the number of
secretory organs. Unrestrained selfishness, while it naturally conserves
the individual interests, in its ultimate tendencies, is the very
essence of human depravity. Without qualification, clearly, it is crime,
for blind devotion to the individual must be in utter disregard for the
good of others. The ultimate tendencies of these faculties are,
therefore, criminal.
Exaggerate the faculty of acquisitiveness, and it becomes
avariciousness. Develop secretiveness and selfishness, and they become
cunning and profligacy, desperation and crime. Their functional
development tends to produce physical disorder and violent disease. All
of these faculties are vehement, contentious, thriving by opposition.
Life itself has been called a forced state, because it wars with the
elements it appropriates, and transmutes their powers into vitality.
[Illustration: Fig. 86.]
We find men and women of this temperament, who are models of character
and organization. George Washington is an excellent illustration. The
impression that his presence made upon the Marquis de Chastellux, is
given in the following words: "I wish only to express the impression
General Washington has left on my mind; the idea of a perfect whole,
brave without temerity, laborious without ambition, generous without
prodigality, noble without pride, virtuous without severity." Gen.
Scott, Lord Cornwallis, Dr. Wistar, Bishop Soule John Bright, Jenny Lind
Goldsmidt, and Dr. Gall are good representatives of this temperament.
Fig. 86 is an excellent illustration of it, finely blended and well
balanced, in the person of Madame de Stael. This temperament requires
fewer tonics and stimulants than the lymphatic. This constitution is
best able to restore vital losses. It is a vital temperament, in other
words, it combines favorably with all the others, and better adapts
itself to their various conditions. Some regard it as the best adjusted
one in all its organs and tissues, and as the most satisfactory and
serviceable.
[Illustration: Fig. 87.]
Excess of nutrition tends to plethora, to animal indulgence, and gross
sensuality. Not only do the propensities rouse desire, but they excite
the basilar faculties, and portray their wants in the outlines of the
face, mould the features to their expression, and flash their
significance from the eye. Who can mistake the picture of sensuality
represented by Fig. 87? It is enough to shock the sensibility of a dumb
animal, and to say that such a face has a beastly look, is an unkind
reflection upon the brute creation. A large neck and corresponding
development of the occipital half of the brain indicate nervous energy,
yet nutrition is not absolutely dependent upon it, for the nutritive
processes are active before a nervous system is formed. The lower
faculties of the mind exert a remarkable influence over nutrition,
secretion, and the molecular changes incident to life. Anger or fear may
transmute the mother's nourishing milk into a virulent poison. The
following incident, taken from Dr. Carpenter's Physiology, illustrates
this statement: "A carpenter fell into a quarrel with a soldier billeted
in his house, and was set-upon by the latter with his drawn sword. The
wife of the carpenter at first trembled from fear and terror, and then
suddenly threw herself between the combatants, wrested the sword from
the soldier's hand, broke it in pieces, and threw it away. During the
tumult, some neighbors came-in and separated the men. While in this
state of strong excitement, the mother took up her child from the
cradle, where it lay playing, and in the most perfect health, never
having had a moment's illness; she gave it the breast, and in so doing
sealed its fate. In a few minutes the infant left-off sucking, became
restless, panted, and sank dead upon the mother's bosom. The physician
who was instantly called-in, found the child lying in the cradle, as if
asleep, and with its features undisturbed; but all resources were
fruitless. It was irrecoverably gone. In this interesting case, the milk
must have undergone a change, which gave it a powerful sedative action
upon the susceptible nervous system of the infant."
Anxiety, irritation, hatred, all tend to the vitiation of the
disposition and bodily functions, perverting the character and
constitution at the same time. Depravity of thought and secretion go
together. Degradation of mind and corruption of the body are
concomitants. There is a very close affinity between mental and moral
perversion and physical prostitution, of which fact too many are
unconscious. Nervous influence preserves the fluidity of the blood and
facilitates its circulation, for it appears that simple _arrestment_ of
this influence favors the coagulation of the blood in the vessels; clots
being found in their trunks within a few minutes after the brain and
spinal marrow are broken down. Habitual constipation is the source of
many ills. Perversion of the functions of the stomach, and of the
circulation of the blood, produce general disaster.
Diseases which characterize this temperament are acute, violent, or
inflammatory, indicating repletion and active congestion; intense
inflammation, burning fevers, severe rheumatism, a quick, full pulse,
great bodily heat, and functional excitement are its morbid
accompaniments. These diseases will bear thorough depletion of the
alimentary canal, active, hydragogue cathartics being indicated.
Sedatives and anodynes are also essential to modify the circulatory
forces, and to relieve pain. Violent disturbance must be quelled, and
among the remedial agents required for this duty we may include
Veratrum, Ipecac, Digitalis, Opium, Conium, and Asclepias. While
equalizing the circulatory fluids, restoring the secretions, and
thoroughly evacuating the system, and thus endeavoring to remove
disturbing causes, we find that the conditions of this temperament are
exceedingly favorable for restoration to health. True, many chronic
diseases are obstinate, yet a course of restorative medication
persistently followed, promises a fortunate issue in this tractile
temperament.
Hygienic management of the lymphatic and sanguine temperaments consists
in the vigorous toning of the former, while restraint of the latter will
greatly exempt it from the anxieties, contentions, and vexations which
excite the mind, disturb the bodily functions, and end in chronic
disease. People of the latter organization love mental and physical
stimulants, are easily inflamed by passion, and their excitability
degenerates into irritability, succeeded by serious functional
derangements, which prematurely break down the individual with
inveterate, deep-seated disorder. Serenity, hope, faith, as well as
firmness, are natural hygienic elements. It is a duty we owe ourselves
to promptly relinquish a business which corrodes with its cares, and
depresses with its increasing troubles. Constant solicitude, and the
apprehension of financial disaster, frustrate the bodily functions,
disconcert the organic processes, and lead to mental aberration as well
as physical degeneracy. Melancholy is chronic, while despair is acute
mania, whose impulses drive the victim desperately toward
self-destruction. The chronic derangement of these organs exerts with
less force the same morbid tendency. Hence the necessity for exercising
those hygienic and countervailing influences born of resolution,
assurance, and confident trust, and the belief which strengthens all of
the vital operations.
Doubtless, this temperament is the source of the reproductive powers. It
is the corner-stone essential to the foundation of all other
temperaments. It has been supposed by some that the cerebellum is the
seat of sexual instinct. The fact appears that an ample development of
the posterior base of the cerebrum and the cerebellum indicates
nutritive activity, which is certainly a condition most favorable to the
display of amativeness. In a double sense, then, this temperament is a
vital one; both by nutritive repletion, and by reproduction. It is the
blood-manufacturing, tissue-generating, and body-constructing
temperament, causing growth to exceed waste, and promptly repairing the
wear which follows continual labor.
While the sleazy structures of the lymphatic temperament are favorable
to the functions of transudation, exhalation, and mutual diffusion of
liquids, the sanguine, as its name indicates, is adapted to promote the
circulation of the blood, to favor nutrition and reproduction. The
former temperament does not move the world by its energies, or impress
it vividly with its wisdom, and the latter is more enthusiastic,
enjoyable, and quickening. Each temperament, however, possesses salient
qualities and advantages.
THE LIFE LINE.
Dr. W.B. Powell, in his work on "The Human Temperaments," announces the
discovery of a measurement which indicates the tenacity of life, and the
vital possessions of the individual. He has observed that some persons
of very feeble appearance possess remarkable powers of resistance to
disease, and continue to live until the machinery of life literally
wears out. Others, apparently stronger and more robust, die before the
usual term of life is half completed. He also noticed that some families
were remarkable for their longevity, while others reached only a certain
age, less than the average term of life, and then died. He remarked also
that some patients sank under attacks of disease, when, to all
appearances, they should recover, and that others recovered, when,
according to all reasonable calculations, they ought to die. He,
therefore, not only believed that the duration of human life was more
definitely fixed by the organization than is supposed, but he set
himself to work to discover the line of life, and the measure of its
duration. He made a distinction between vital vigor, and vital tenacity.
_Vital vigor_ he believed to be equivalent to the condition of vitality,
which is indicated by the breadth of the brain found in the sanguine
temperament; and _vital tenacity_ to be measured by the _depth_ of the
base of the brain. Dr. Powell was an indefatigable student of nature,
and followed his theory through years of observation, and measured
hundreds of heads of living persons, in order to verify the correctness
of the hypothesis. His method of measuring the head may be stated as
follows: He drew a line from the occipital protuberance on the back of
the head to the junction of the frontal and malar bones, extending it to
a point above the center of the external orbit of the eye, near the
termination of the brow. Then he measured the distance between this line
and the orifice of the ear and thus obtained the measure indicating the
vital tenacity or duration of, life. Fig. 88 is a representation of the
skull of Loper, who was executed for murder in Mississippi. He might
have attained a great age, had not his violent and selfish faculties led
him into the commission of crime. In this illustration, B represents the
occipital protuberance, and A the junction of the frontal and malar
bones at the external angle of the eye. The distance between this line
(A B) and the external orifice of the ear, is the measure of the
life-force of Loper at the time of his: execution.
[Illustration: Fig. 88.]
[Illustration: Fig. 89.]
The tenacity of an individual's life, Dr. Powell determined by the
following scale of measurements: three-fourths of an inch from the
orifice of the ear to the life-line, is the average length in the adult,
and indicates _ordinary_ tenacity of life. As the distance decreases to
five-eighths, one-half, or three-eighths of an inch, vital tenacity
diminishes. If the distance is more than three-quarters of an inch, it
denotes great vital endurance, excellent recuperative powers, and is
indicative of longevity. If it measures less than half an inch, it shows
that the constitution has a feeble, uncertain hold upon life, and an
acute disease is very likely to sunder the vital relations. Dr. Powell
contended that "life force and vital force are not equivalent terms,
because much more vital force is expended upon our relations, than upon
our organization in the preservation of life. Every muscular
contraction, every thought, and every emotion requires an expenditure of
vital force." He asserted that we _inherit_ our life force or
constitutional power, and that we can determine by this _life-line,_ the
amount which we so receive. And he believed that it could be increased
by _intellectual_ effort, just as we can increase vital force by
_physical_ exercise. Fig. 89 represents the skull of a man who died, at
nearly the same age as Loper, of consumption, in the Charity Hospital,
at New Orleans. The measurement of the skull in this case gives a space
between the life-line and the orifice of the ear of one-sixteenth of an
inch, showing that the consumptive had lived the full term of his life.
Dr. Powell contended that the depth of a man's brain may be increased
after maturity; muscular effort, mental activity, and a sense of
responsibility being favorable to longevity, while idleness and
dissipation are adverse to it. In justice to the Doctor, we have stated
fully his theory and his method of determining the hardihood and
endurance of the constitution, and we bespeak for it a candid
examination. Without doubt it embodies a great deal of truth. Hereafter
we shall endeavor to indicate by cerebral configuration, a better system
of judging of the vital tenacity, hardihood, and constitutional
energies, both inherited and acquired.
THE VOLITIVE TEMPERAMENT.
By reference to Figs. 72 and 80, the reader will be able to locate the
region of the volitive faculties, previously described under the generic
term _will_. This temperament is characterized by ambition, energy,
industry, perseverance, decision, vigilance, self-control, arrogance,
love of power, firmness, and hardihood. These faculties express
concentration of purpose and their functional equivalents are power of
elaboration, constructiveness, condensation, firmness of fiber,
compactness of frame, and endurance of organization. The pulse is full,
firm, and regular, the muscles are strong and well marked, the hair and
skin dark, the temporal region is not broadly developed, the face is
angular, its lines denoting both power of purpose and strength of
constitution, with resolution and hardihood blended in the expression.
The volitive temperament is distinguished by height of the posterior,
superior occipital region, called the crown of the back head, and by
corresponding breadth from side to side. The rule given by Dr. J.R.
Buchanan applies not only to the convolutions, but to the general
development of the brain; _length gives power, or range of action_, and
_breadth gives copiousness, or activity of manifestation_. Thus a high,
_narrow_ back head indicates firmness and decision, but it is not as
constant and copious in its manifestation as when it is associated with
breadth. An individual having a narrow, high head, may determine readily
enough upon a course of action, but he requires a longer period for its
completion than one whose head is both high and broad. Such a cerebral
conformation cannot accomplish its objects without enjoying regular
rest, and maintaining the best of habits. Breadth of this region of the
brain indicates ample resources of energy, both psychical and physical.
It denotes greater vigor of constitution, one that continually generates
volitive forces, and its persistency of purpose may be interpreted as
functional tenacity. Inflexibility of will and purpose impart their
tenacious qualities to every bodily function. The _will_ to recover is
often far more potent than medicine. We have often witnessed its power
in restraining the ravages of disease. The energetic faculties, located
at the upper and posterior part of the head, are the invigorating, or
_tonic_ elements of the constitution, imparting hardy, firm, steady, and
efficient influences, checking excess of secretion, repressing
dissipation, and tending to maintain self-possession, as well as healthy
conditions of life. Fig. 90 is a portrait of U.S. Grant, which shows a
well-balanced organization, with sufficient volitive elements to
characterize the constitution.
[Illustration: Fig. 90.]
The old term _bilious temperament_ might possibly be retained in
deference to long usage, did it not inculcate a radical error. _Bilious_
is strictly a medical term, relating to bile, or to derangements
produced by it, and it was used originally to distinguish a temperament
supposed to be characterized by a predominance of the biliary secretion.
In the volitive temperament, the firm, tenacious, toning, and
restraining faculties _repress_, rather than _encourage_ biliary
secretion, and hence the necessity for administering large doses of
cholagogues, remedies which stimulate the secretion of bile. When the
system is surcharged with bile, from a congested condition of the liver,
we use these agents in order to obtain necessary relief. In this
temperament there is moderate hepatic development, lack of biliary
activity, deficiency in the secretion of bile, and a sluggish portal
circulation. Therefore, to apply the term bilious to this temperament is
not only unreasonable, but it is calculated to mislead. The condition of
the bowels is generally constipated, the skin dark and sometimes sallow.
For these and other obvious reasons, we dismiss the word _bilious_, and
substitute one which is more characteristic.
We will not dwell upon the volitive as _psychical_ organs, except to
show that, when their influence is transmitted to the body, they act as
_physiological_ organs, and thus demonstrate that all parts of the brain
have their physiological, as well as mental functions. When Andrew
Jackson uttered with great emphasis the memorable words, "BY THE
ETERNAL," the effect was like a shock from a galvanic battery, thrilling
the cells in his own body, and paralyzing with fear every one in
Calhoun's organization. This is an illustration of the power or range of
action of these faculties. Breadth or copiousness is illustrated in Gen.
Grant's reply, "I PROPOSE TO FIGHT IT OUT ON THIS LINE, IF IT TAKES ALL
SUMMER." Such a temperament has a profusion of constitutional power,
great durability of the life-force, and, in our opinion, the combined
height and breadth of this region correctly indicate the natural
hardihood of the body and its _retentiveness of life_. No one need doubt
its influence upon the sympathetic system, and, through that system, its
power over absorption, circulation, assimilation, and secretion, as well
as the voluntary processes. Mental hardihood seems wrought into concrete
organization. It checks excess of glandular absorption, restrains the
impulses of tumultuous passion, tones and regulates the action of the
heart, and helps to weave the strands of organization into a more
compact fabric. The toning energies of the volitive faculties are better
than quinine to fortify the system against _miasma_ or _malaria_, and
they co-operate with all tonic remedies in sustaining organic action.
Fig. 91 is a portrait of Prof. Tyndall, the eminent chemist, whose
likeness indicates volitive innervation, showing great strength of
character and of constitution; he is an earnest, thorough, and intense
mental toiler; ambitious, but modest; brilliant, because persevering;
diligent in scientific inquiry, and who follows the star of truth,
whithersoever it may lead him. The expression of his countenance
indicates his honest intentions, and displays strength of conscientious
purpose; his physical constitution may be correctly interpreted in all
of its general characteristics by the analysis of his energetic
temperament, the great secret of his strength and success.
[Illustration: Fig. 91.]
[Illustration: Fig. 92.]
We desire to offer one more illustration of a marvelous blending of this
temperament with large mental and emotional faculties. Fig. 92 is a
representation of the martyred President Abraham Lincoln. During an
eventful career, his temperament and constitution experienced marked
changes, and while always distinguished for strength of purpose and
corresponding physical endurance, he was governed by noble, moral
faculties, manifesting the deepest sympathy for the down-trodden and
oppressed, blending tenderness and stateliness without weakness,
exhibiting a human kindness, and displaying a genuine compassion, which
endeared him to all hearts. He was hopeful, patriotic, _magnanimous_
even, while upholding the majesty of the law and administering the
complicated affairs of government. The balances of his temperament
operated with wonderful delicacy, through all the perturbating
influences of the rebellion, showing by their persistence that he was
never for a moment turned aside from the great end he had in view; the
protection and perpetuation of republican liberty. His life exhibited a
sublime, moral heroism, elements of character which hallow his name, and
keep it in everlasting remembrance.
We have treated the brain, not as a mass of organs radiating from the
medulla oblongata as their real center, but as two cerebral masses, each
of which is developed around the great ventricle. We have freely applied
an easy psychical and physiological nomenclature to the functions of its
organs, knowing that there is no arbitrary division of them by specific
number, for the cerebrum, in an anatomical sense, is a single organ. The
doctrine of cerebral unity is true, and the doctrine of its plurality of
function is true also. Whatever effect an organ produces when acting in
entire predominance, is regarded as the function of that organ and is
expressed by that name. Although our names and divisions are arbitrary
and designed for convenience, yet they facilitate our consideration of
the psychical, and their corresponding physiological functions. Every
cerebral manifestation denotes a _psychical_ organ, and in proportion as
these acts are transmitted to the body it becomes a _physiological_
organ. We have ventured to repeat this proposition for the sake of the
non-professional reader, that he may be able to distinguish between' the
two results of the manifestation of one organ. The transmission of the
influence of the brain into the body enables the former to act
physiologically, whereas, if its action were confined within the
cranium, it would only be psychical. In the language of Prof. J.R.
Buchanan, "every organ, therefore, has its mental and corporeal, its
psychological and physiological functions--both usually manifested
together--_either capable of assuming the predominance_." We have
already seen to what degree the _Will_ operates upon the organism, or
how "the soul imparts special energy to single organs, so that they
perform their functions with more than usual efficiency," and thus
resist the solicitations of morbific agents. Doubtless our best thoughts
are deeply tinged by the healthful or diseased conditions of such organs
as the stomach, the lungs, the heart, or even the muscular or
circulatory systems, and these impressions, when carried to the
sensorium, are reflected by the thoughts, for reflex action is the third
class of functions, assigned to the cerebrum. These reflex actions are
either hygienic and remedial, or morbid and pernicious. Hence, it is
philosophical not only to interpret the thoughts as physiological and
pathological indications, but to consider the cerebrum as exerting real
hygienic and remedial forces, capable of producing salutary reparative,
and restorative effects. When a boiler carries more steam than can be
advantageously employed, it is subjected to unnecessary and injurious
strain, and is weakened thereby; so, when the body is overtasked by
excessive pressure of the volitive faculties, it is prematurely
enfeebled and broken down. There are many individuals who need to make
use of some sort of safety valve to let off the surplus of their
inordinate ambition; they need some kind of patent brake to slacken
their speed of living; they should relieve the friction of their
functional powers by a more frequent lubrication of the vital movements,
and by stopping, for needed refreshment and rest, at some of the many
way-stations of life.
THE ENCEPHALIC TEMPERAMENT.
The encephalic temperament is distinguished by prominence and breadth of
the forehead, or by a full forehead associated with height and breadth
at its coronal junction with the parietal bones, and extending toward
the volitive region. (See Fig. 10, the space between 1 and 2 represents
the coronal region, 1 indicating the frontal bone, and 2 the parietal).
Prominence and great breadth of the forehead display _analytical, i.e._,
scientific powers applicable to concretes, whereas a fair intellect,
associated with a preponderating development of the coronal region,
indicates _analogical_ powers, _i.e._, faculties to perceive the
relation and the agreement of principles. The former classifies and
arranges facts, the latter invests them with moral and spiritual import.
The one treats of matter, its physical properties, and chemical
composition, the other of thoughts and intentions which involve right
and wrong, relating to spiritual accountability. The intellect is
employed upon an observable order of things, while the emotive faculties
arrange the general laws of being into abstract science.
Fig. 93, a portrait of Prof. Tholuck, is a remarkable example of an
encephalic organization. Figs. 72 and 79 fairly indicate the effects of
undue mental activity, the intellect causing vital expenditure resulting
in the devitalization of the blood. While the intellect displays keen
penetration, subtle discrimination, and profound discernment, the
emotions exhibit intense sensitiveness, acute susceptibility, and
inspirational impressibility. The encephalic temperament is
characterized by mental activity, great delicacy of organization, a high
and broad forehead, expressive eyes, fine but not very abundant hair,
great sensitiveness, refined feelings, vividness of conception, and
intensity of emotion. If the brain is developed on the sides, there is
manifested Ideality, Modesty, Hope, Sublimity, Imagination, and
Spirituality. If the brain and forehead project, the Perceptive,
Intuitive, and Reasoning faculties predominate. If it rises high, and
nearly perpendicularly, Liberality, Sympathy, Truthfulness, and
Sociability are manifested. When the emotive faculties are large, Faith,
Hope, Love, Philanthropy, Religion, and Devotion characterize the
individual. It is an artistic, creative, and aesthetic temperament,
beautiful in conception and grand in expression, yet its sensitiveness
is enfeebling, and its crowning excellence, when betrayed by the
propensities, trails in defilement. Its purity is God-like, its
debauchment, Perdition!
[Illustration: Fig. 93.]
Fig. 94 is the likeness of Prof. George Bush. His forehead is amply
developed in the region of Foresight, Liberality, Sympathy,
Truthfulness, and Benevolence; his mouth expresses Amiability and
Cheerfulness, and the whole face beams with Kindness and Generosity.
This philanthropist, who is both a preacher and an author, has published
several works upon theology, which distinguish him for great research
and originality.
[Illustration: Fig. 94.]
Fig. 95 represents the sanguine-encephalic temperament, the two elements
being most happily blended. The portrait is that of Emmanuel Swedenborg,
the great scholar and spiritual divine. The reader will observe how high
and symmetrical is the forehead, and how well balanced appears the
entire organization. He was remarkable for vivid imagination, great
scientific acquirements, and all his writings characterize him as a
subtle reasoner.
When the encephalic predominates, and the sanguine is deficient in its
elements, we find conditions favorable to _waste_ and _expenditure_, and
adverse to a generous _supply_ and _reformation_ of the tissues. A child
inheriting this cerebral development is already top-heavy, and supports,
at an immense disadvantage, this disproportionate organization. The
nutritive functions are overbalanced; consequently there is a
predisposition to scrofulous diseases and disorders of the blood,
various degenerating changes taking place in its composition; loss of
red corpuscles, signified by shortness of breath; morbid changes,
manifested by cutaneous eruptions; exhaustion from lack of nourishment,
etc., until, finally, consumption finishes the subject.
[Illustration: Fig. 95.]
Harmony is the support of all institutions, and applies with special
cogency to the maintenance of health. When the mind dwells on one
subject to the exclusion of all others, we call such a condition
monomania. If we have an excessive development of mind, and deficient
support of body, the result is corporeal derangement. It is unfortunate
for any child to inherit unusually large brain endowments, unless he is
possessed of a vigorous, robust constitution. Such training should be
directed to that body as will encourage it to grow strong, hearty, and
thrifty, and enable it to support the cerebral functions. The mental
proclivities should be checked and the physical organization cultivated,
to insure to such a child good health. Cut off all unnecessary
brain-wastes, attend to muscular training and such invigorating games
and exercises as encourage the circulation of the blood; keep the skin
clean and its functions active, the body warm and well protected, the
lungs supplied with pure air, the stomach furnished, with wholesome
food, besides have the child take plenty of sleep to invigorate the
system, and thus, by regular habits, maintain that equilibrium which
tends to wholesome efficiency and healthful endurance.
TRANSMISSION OF LIFE.
As has been already stated in the chapter on Biology, reproduction of
the species depends upon the union of a sperm-cell with a germ-cell, the
male furnishing the former and the female the latter. It is a well-known
fact that the marriage of persons having dissimilar temperaments is more
likely to be fertile than the union of persons of the same temperaments;
consanguineous marriages, or the union of persons nearly related by
blood, diminish fertility and the vigor of the offspring. Upon this
subject Francis Galton has given some very interesting historical
illustrations in his well-known work, entitled "Hereditary Genius." The
half-brother of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy I, King of Egypt, had
twelve descendants, who successively became kings of that country, and
who were also called Ptolemy. They were matched in and in, but in nearly
every case these near marriages were unprolific and the inheritance
generally passed through other wives. Ptolemy II married his niece, and
afterwards his sister; Ptolemy IV married his sister. Ptolemy VI and VII
were brothers, and they both consecutively married the same sister;
Ptolemy VII also subsequently married his niece; Ptolemy VIII married
two of his sisters in succession. Ptolemy XII and XIII were brothers,
and both consecutively married their sister, Cleopatra. Mr. Galton and
Sir Jas. Y. Simpson have shown that many peerages have become extinct
through the evil results of inter-marriage. Heiresses are usually only
children, the feeble product of a run-out stock, and statistics have
shown that one-fifth of them bear no children, and fully one-third never
bear more than one child. Sir J.Y. Simpson ascertained that out of 495
marriages in the British Peerage, 81 were unfruitful, or nearly one in
every six; while out of 675 marriages among an agricultural and
seafaring population, only 65 were sterile or barren, or a little less
than one in ten.
While the marriages of persons closely related, or of similar
temperaments are frequently unfruitful, we would not have the reader
understand that sterility, or barrenness, is usually the result of such
unions. It is most frequently due to some deformity or diseased
condition of the generative organs of the female. In the latter part of
this work may be found a minute description of the conditions which
cause barrenness, together with the methods of treatment, which have
proved most effectual in the extensive practice at the Invalids' Hotel
and Surgical Institute.
The temperaments may be compared to a magnet, _the like poles of which
repel, and the unlike poles of which attract each other._ Thus
similarity of temperament results in barrenness while dissimilarity
makes the vital magnetism all the more powerful. Marriageable persons
moved by some unknown influence, have been drawn instinctively toward
each other, have taken upon themselves the vows and obligations of
wedlock, and have been fruitful and happy in this relation. Alliances
founded upon position, money, or purely arbitrary considerations, mere
contracts of convenience, are very apt to prove unhappy and
unproductive.
Men may unconsciously obey strong instinctive impulses without being
conscious of their existence, and by doing so, avoid those ills, which
otherwise might destroy their connubial happiness. The _philosophy_ of
marriage receives no consideration, because the mind is pre-occupied
with newly awakened thoughts and feelings. Lovers are charmed by certain
harmonies, feel interior persuasions, respond to a new magnetic
influence and are lost in an excess of rapture.
If the parties to a marriage are evenly balanced in organic elements,
although both of them are vigorous, yet it is physiologically more
suitable for them to form a nuptial alliance with an unlike combination.
The cause of the wretchedness attending many marriages may be traced to
a too great similarity of organization, ideas, taste, education,
pursuits, and association, which similarity almost invariably terminates
in domestic unhappiness. The husband and wife should be as different as
the positive and negative poles of a magnet. When life is begotten under
these circumstances we may expect a development bright with
intelligence.
* * * * *