such a work, and the felicity of his style and mode of illustration, excited a
deeper interest among the readers than generally falls to theses, the most
neglected of all literary productions, so that Macnish was encouraged to prosecute his inquiries. The result was, that the subject grew and improved upon
his hands, while each edition was more popular than its predecessor, until, in
1834, a fifth edition of the "Anatomy of Drunkenness" was published by its
author. Such success upon so unpromising a theme, was one of those triumphs
which only true genius can accomplish. In this treatise he contemplates the
vice in its physiological character, and writes like a learned physician on its
origin, growth, and effects upon the constitution. He then expatiates upon its
moral character, and illustrates with fearful power, but yet with the utmost
patience and gentleness, the influence of this pernicious habit upon the intellectual and moral organization of its victim. And finally, knowing that all this
is not enough, and that people will get drunk in spite of every dissuasive, he
shows them in what way this crime may be committed in its least odious form,
and with the smallest harm, upon the same benevolent principle that he would
have applied the stomach-pump to those who had refused to be benefited, either
by his warnings or instructions. His next work, the "Philosophy of Sleep,"
although of a more metaphysical character, fully sustained the reputation
which his "Anatomy" had acquired, and rapidly passed into a second edition.
These works not only obtained a wide popularity both in Scotland and England, but in America, where they were republished; they were also translated
into the French and German languages, an honour exclusively accorded to philosophical treatises that possess unquestionable merit.
In 1833, Macnish published his "Book of Aphorisms." This little work, which is now almost forgotten, consisted of some fifty dozen fag-ends and quaint remarks, in the fashion of Rochefoucalt, or rather of Lord Bacon, but without pretending to soar to the eminence of these illustrious models. It was thought, however, a clever work in its day, among the circle to which it was limited. Another literary task which he executed, was an "Introduction to Phrenology," which he published in 1835. A second edition of this volume, which he had carefully prepared for publication, appeared two years after but by this time Macnish had finished his appointed round of labour, and was beyond the reach of criticism; and this event, as well as a just appreciation of his character, was so well expressed in the "Phrenological Journal," in giving a review of the work itself, that we cannot refrain from quoting it, as a fitting close to this brief narrative:—
"This work appears breathing with life, spirit, and observation, as if its author were himself ushering it into the world. There is no indication within it, or announcement about it, that would lead the reader to believe that the mind which had conceived it had fled, and that the hand which had written it was cold in death; yet such are the facts! The work was just completed, and the last sheets of the appendix prepared for the press, when, in the beginning of January, 1837, the gifted author was seized with influenza, which speedily degenerated into typhus fever, and on the fourteenth day after the attack, he died. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Mr. Macnish's mind was vivacity. Whether he gave way to ridicule and sarcasm, of which he was a master; or to fancy, with which he was brilliantly endowed; or to tenderness and affection, which he felt strongly, and could touchingly express; there was always a spring of life about him that vivified his pages, and animated and
