Metadata
Title
Phrenology head
Description
Glazed ceramic phrenology head. Areas of the skull are delineated and labeled in black lettering, each area indicating a particular psychological trait. Front base reads: Fowler's IMPROVED PHRENOLOGICAL HEAD. Two base sides read: AFFECTIVE PROPENSITIES and INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. Underside of base reads: ACME CEREBAL [illegible].
Phrenology is based on the belief that certain delineated areas of the brain are responsible for different functions, and that an individual’s personality and character can be ascertained by studying the corresponding bumps and indentations on the person’s skull. The theory was developed by German physician Franz Joseph Gallin in the 1790s, and further advanced by his assistant Johann Gaspar Spurzheim. Phrenology faced skepticism from the scientific community, but enjoyed immense popularity with the American public throughout the 19th century. Today, phrenology is regarded as a pseudoscience.
Phrenology is based on the belief that certain delineated areas of the brain are responsible for different functions, and that an individual’s personality and character can be ascertained by studying the corresponding bumps and indentations on the person’s skull. The theory was developed by German physician Franz Joseph Gallin in the 1790s, and further advanced by his assistant Johann Gaspar Spurzheim. Phrenology faced skepticism from the scientific community, but enjoyed immense popularity with the American public throughout the 19th century. Today, phrenology is regarded as a pseudoscience.
Extent
10.25" H
Medium
Ceramic
Provenance
Found in collection
Collection
General Collection, Museum Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Identifier
2018.14.01
Rights
http://www.philaathenaeum.org/rights.html