Combe, George (1788-1858), phrenologist

21 letters by Combe, autograph, dated and signed. Correspondents include, W.H. Murray (no.4), Messrs Darton & sons (no.8) and Mrs Crowe (no.19). One newspaper article describing the work of George Combe (no. 22).

1824-1858

1 file (22 items)

Purchased from Glendining, London, December 1931 (acc.67596), September 1932 (acc.67718), August 1934 (acc.67908 and acc.67856), January 1935 (acc.67947) and August 1935 (possibly an error for 1934) (acc.67877); Purchased from Stevens, London, September 1930 (acc.73169), December 1930 (acc.68111), March 1931 (acc.56474), August 1931 (acc.68220), November 1931 (acc.68279 and acc.68284) and October 1932 (acc.68323); Purchased from Desgranges, Paris, July 1930 (acc.63453) and nos. 3, 9 and 16-17 October 1935 (acc.69099); Purchased from John Wilson, Eynsham, December 1990 (acc.348402); Purchased from Sotheby's, London, July 1931 (acc.67540); Provenance details not recorded (acc.67430). No accession details recorded for no.22.

Combe George (1788-1858) was a phrenologist, born in Edinburgh. His research took the form of observing the heads of individuals whom he encountered. Combe had the reputation as the leading British champion of phrenology. His most important work was The Constitution of Man (1828). He died of pleuro-pneumonia in 1858. A full description of his life and work is to be found in the Dictionary of National Biography.