What contributions did Alexander Bain make to the scientific study of psychology?

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Alexander Bain Bain, detail of an oil painting by Sir George Reid; in the collection of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland

Alexander Bain, a Scottish philosopher, significantly advanced the scientific study of psychology by focusing on mental processes and advocating for a rigorous, scientific approach. He sought to identify physical correlates for abstract concepts like "idea" and "mind," emphasizing the importance of investigating brain and nervous system functions.1

Bain's key contributions include:

Founding Mind: He established the first journal dedicated to psychology, Mind, in 1876, providing a platform for psychological research.1
Influential Works: His notable psychological works include On the Study of Character (1861), Mental and Moral Science: A Compendium of Psychology and Ethics (1868), and Mind and Body: The Theories of Their Relation (1873).1

Through his work, Bain stressed the need for empirical investigation into the mind and its connection to the physical body.1