[ George Combe, phrenologist. ] Autograph corrected text from his appendix to his edition of Elisha P. Hurlbut's 'Essays on Human Rights and their Political Guaranties'.

On 8 x 22 cm piece of paper. In fair condition, aged and creased, and laid down on piece of card. Note in a contemporary hand in red ink in the margin: 'George Combe the Phrenologist | (Holograph) [sic]'. With five emendations and deletions. Reads: '[...] that in the Standards of no church with which I am acquainted is there a recognition of God's natural laws as guides for human conduct, which on account of their divine origin, & of their inherent beneficence & wisdom, are worthy of being enforced by the power & authority of the religious sentiments; & that countless evils have flowed from this omissio [...]'. The passage features in 'Note W. On the Powers in Relation to the Duties of Government', in the appendix to Combe's edition of Hurlbut's book. For Combe's religious and political ideals, see his entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.