that way, I shall not
much longer postpone this duty.

* * * * *

RECTIFICATION OF CEREBRAL SCIENCE.--In the October number the
rectification of cerebral science as to psychic functions will be
shown by appropriate engravings, showing how far the discoveries and
doctrines of Gall and Spurzheim are sustained by positive science. In
the further development of the subject, hereafter, the true value and
proper position of the discoveries of Ferrier, and the continental
vivisectionists will be explained, though but meagre contributions to
psychology, they furnish very valuable additional information as to
the functions of the brain.

HUMAN LONGEVITY.

Is not longevity in some sense a measure of true civilization or
improvement of the race? It is certainly an evidence of conformity to
the Divine laws of life and health, which reward right action with
happiness, health, and long life. I cannot, therefore, think the study
of longevity unimportant. To every one of us it is a vital question,
for death is regarded as the greatest calamity, and is the severest
penalty of angry enemies, or of outraged laws.

It is our duty as well as privilege to perfect our constitution, and
see that it does not wear out too soon, that we are not prematurely
called away from our duties. And I bring it as serious charge against
modern systems of education, that they tend to degenerate mankind, to
impair the constitution and to shorten life. That we should not submit
to this, but should all aspire to live a century or longer, if we have
a fair opportunity, I seriously maintain, and that my readers may be
inspired with a like determination, I take pleasure in quoting
examples.

In Dr. Cohausen's HERMIPPUS REDIVIVUS republished in 1744, I find the
following statements: "It is very remarkable, that not only the sacred
writers, but all the ancient Chaldean, Egyptian, and Chinese authors
speak of the great ages of such as lived in early times, and this with
such confidence that Xenophon, Pliny, and other judicious persons
receive their testimony without scruple. But to come down to later
times, Attila, King of the Huns, who reigned in the fifth century,
lived to 124, and then died of excess, the first night of his second
nuptials with one of the most beautiful princesses of that age.
Piastus, King of Poland, who from the rank of a peasant was raised to
that of a prince, in the year 824, lived to be 120, and g