Phrenological chart; with design of head containing symbols of the phrenological 'faculties'. Etching after O.S. Fowler (?).

  • Fowler, O. S. (Orson Squire), 1809-1887.
Reference:
28451i
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Description

The very extensive lettering gives an account and justification of the essentials of phrenology. The list of the faculties reproduces Spurzheim's 1825 system, with the tentative exception of two unnumbered "feelings in the mind to which no expressing organ has been assigned": personal identity and love of life. The design at the bottom copies the frontispiece to Combe's 'System of phrenology' (1824)

Publication/Creation

[Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified]

Physical description

1 print : etching

Lettering

Phrenological chart designed to illustrate the treatise on phrenology in the "Imperial journal of arts, science, mechanics, and engineering" ... Lettering continues: "We have been at some trouble, as well as expense, in engraving the symbolical head here represented. The design originated with Mr. Fowler of New York, a review of whose 'Phrenological journal' appeared at the time in 'Goyder's phrenological almanac', published in Glasgow, and its go-ahead tendencies were then very freely remarked upon. We have changed some of the symbols, but the main design is retained. We need not say, that many of the new organs introduced by Mr. Fowler are purely fanciful; at all events they are not sanctioned by the best-informed phrenologists. What Mr. Fowler may mean by the organ of "human nature", we are loss to conceive. We, however, subjoin a key to the entire head, which will perhaps amuse our readers, while it exhibits the go-ahead tendencies of our transatlantic cousins"

Reference

Wellcome Collection 28451i

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