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THE discovery and early history of all principles in science are identified, to some extent, with individual life and character. And a full and minute account of the former cannot be given, without involving, more or less, the merits of the latter. For as there necessarily exists a relationship between the agent and the subject, in bringing each into public notice, so in recording a history of its results, this connection should be duly acknowledged and fairly stated. We propose, therefore, to present in this article, a brief history of the life of Dr. Gall, with a critical analysis of his character, and some few remarks upon his merits, in connection with the nature and importance of his discoveries. The facts stated in this biographical notice are derived from the most authentic sources.

François Joseph Gall was born in the village of Tiefenbrunn, within the district of the Grand Duchy of Baden, on the ninth of March, 1758. His father was a merchant by profession, and a man of considerable distinction and character for his circumstances. Scarcely any information whatever can be gleaned from the writings of Gall, or from any other source, respecting the character of his mother, or the history of his brothers and sisters. It appears that his parents were professors of the Roman Catholic religion, and, for some reasons, had intended him for the service of that church. His education was therefore early attended to, and his studies directed in accordance with his future pursuits.

In the ninth year of his age, Gall was placed by his parents under the care and tuition of an uncle, who was a clergyman, residing at a place not far distant, called the Black Forest. Here he remained for some years, a diligent and successful scholar. Afterwards, he prosecuted his studies for some time at Baden, then at Brucksal, and VOL. II.-1

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