However acute this subjective intellect may be--and it
exists in very various degrees of perfection--it is never on the same
level with the double intellect of genius; just as the open chest
notes of the human voice, however high, are essentially different from
the falsetto notes. These, like the two upper octaves of the flute
and the harmonics of the violin, are produced by the column of air
dividing itself into two vibrating halves, with a node between them;
while the open chest notes of the human voice and the lower octave of
the flute are produced by the undivided column of air vibrating as
a whole. This illustration may help the reader to understand that
specific peculiarity of genius which is unmistakably stamped on the
works, and even on the physiognomy, of him who is gifted with it. At
the same time it is obvious that a double intellect like this must, as
a rule, obstruct the service of the will; and this explains the poor
capacity often shown by genius in the conduct of life. And what
specially characterizes genius is that it has none of that sobriety of
temper which is always to be found in the ordinary simple intellect,
be it acute or dull.
The brain may be likened to a parasite which is nourished as a part of
the human frame without contributing directly to its inner economy;
it is securely housed in the topmost story, and there leads a
self-sufficient and independent life.
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