[George Combe, founder of the Edinburgh Phrenological Society.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. Combe'), responding with outrage at his recipient's 'utterly vulgar' use of the word 'bump' in connection with phrenology.

1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight use of archival paper, and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. A splendid explosion of outrage at his correspondent's use of the word 'bump'. The recipient is not identified. Reads: 'Sir | I am favoured with your letter of the 28th of November and in complying with your request beg leave very respectfully to request that in addressing any phrenologist who really deserves the name & who understands the structure of the brain & the first principles of the science, you will, if possible, avoid using the word “bump”, as it is not a term at all acknowledged in the science by english writers: it is not philosophical; it has been the football of all the people of small wit who have attempted to cast ridicule on Phrenology; & it is utterly vulgar in its origin & applications.'