Genre:

Essay, Satire

Subjects:

Physiology, Physiognomy, Phrenology, Morality, Pharmaceuticals, Skill

    Observes, satirically, that the signs of tranquil satisfaction exhibited ('according to the elements of physiology') by the slanderer can only evince innocent intention. 'I appeal for the truth of this to the doctrine of Dr. Gall'. Claims that, were it otherwise, it would be betrayed in his face. (145) Compares the use of slander in the 'social body' to the use of 'specifics' in medicine, observing that they must be administered with a 'degree of skill' (146).