'I can make nothing of Craniology, for this reason: [Smith then discusses why he is not convinced by the idea] But to state what are original propensities, and to trace out the family or genealogy of each, is a task requiring great length, patience and metaphysical acuteness; and Combe's book is too respectably done to be taken by storm.'
Instead of this I will send you as you seem to be prest the review of [italics] Granby [end italics], a novel of very great merit'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett to Julia Martin, 23 January 1837:
'I have read Coombs [sic] Phrenology [...] [It] is very clever, & amusing; but I do not think it
logical or satisfactory.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Barrett Print: Book
Hudson recalled how, preoccupied with the prospect
of his mother's death and it effect on him: 'Then
one day, with my mind in this troubled state, in
reading George Combe's "Physiology" [probably
actually Combes' book on phrenology, see additional
comments below] I came upon a passage in which the
question of the desire for immortality is discussed,
is contention beng that it is not universal and as a
proof of this he affirms that he himself had no such
desire.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Henry Hudson Print: Book