Theme 64.
From the History of Medicine area of the Science Museum, London -
Box of Phrenological Heads
Made and sold by William Bally, Dublin, 1831.
The 60 model heads in this box illustrate a wide range of human characteristics which phrenologists believed could be discovered by measuring the shape of the skull.
One of the initiators of the study of phrenology, Johann Caspar Spurzheim (1776-1832), wrote a pamphlet which accompanied the set, describing the qualities to be expected from each head shape. Number 54, for example, is the bust of a scientist.
Made and sold by William Bally, Dublin, 1831.
The 60 model heads in this box illustrate a wide range of human characteristics which phrenologists believed could be discovered by measuring the shape of the skull.
One of the initiators of the study of phrenology, Johann Caspar Spurzheim (1776-1832), wrote a pamphlet which accompanied the set, describing the qualities to be expected from each head shape. Number 54, for example, is the bust of a scientist.
More on phrenology here.
(Excuse the slight reflection of the light on the glass over the display (top right of the photo) - no other way to take the photo in the museum. That's what is the faint line over the top 5 right heads)
6 comments:
Very cool image, Helen! I remember learning about phrenology when I took psychology in University. I never realized there were so many head types though...
How fascinating! It makes an impressive photo, too.
Interesting, I did wonder if you had discovered a cache of skulls at first glimpse. I went to a dentist once who had a skull in a jar ....... (not that of a patient though) ;). Good shot, museums aren't easy to get good shots in.
Silly phrenologists. Cool exhibit though and great picture! Just spooky enough, ya know? Heh.
Great image and very interesting to read about. I don't believe I've come across this topic before.
haha I saw the theme of this entry and all I could think of is your recent in the news post. Wouldn't THAT make an interesting photograph for "collections" ;)
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