... So impudent a …show more content…
In 1825, Francis Jeffrey 's review of Combe 's System of phrenology dealt a heavy blow to phrenologists. Jeffery took a firm stance in anatomy, arguing that, “the sensibility of ... organs depends on the nerves which belong to them—on the optic and auditory nerves, for example, as to seeing and hearing, or on the nerves of touch for many other sensations.”38 Although he did agree that all of these nerves “terminate or originate in the brain,” he sustained that there was no way to prove that certain parts of the brain that are “appropriated” for these faculties. He argued that the nerves were the true organs of the senses: “The nerves belonging to each of these senses seem, on the contrary, to form its only material organ; since, without them, whatever be the state of the brain, we can neither see, hear, or feel.” 39 He concludes, with a sentiment of inevitability, that phrenology was so ludicrous it would have burnt out quickly even without his review, but he found it necessary to publish it because he felt those who were practicing it were