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The claim of phrenology, advanced by its discoverer, Franz Joseph Gall, in the early to mid-nineteenth century, was that the brain's physiology--the size and shape of the human skull--had a direct bearing on an individual's intellect, character traits, and even morals. Gall, a Viennese physician, incorporated his theory of "craniology" into a discipline of psychology which his students then popularized; and, although phrenology never attained recognition as a legitimate behavioral science, its impact was felt in England, Australia, and the United States until at least the end of the century.
The theory of phrenology is straightforward, as follows:
1. The mind (brain) is divided into thirty-five or more separate sections, each representing a different tendency or personality trait (caring, humor, selfishness, sadism, and so on).
2. The skull takes the shape of the brain, and hence the different sections; the size and shape of each section reflects the development of that area.
3. A knowledgeable practitioner, with the assistance of a cranial chart, can examine a person's head with his hands and fingertips and discover which areas are underdeveloped, normal, or overdeveloped.
4. Persons thus examined may be treated by manipulation or counseling for their mental, behavioral, or moral deficiencies accordingly; and through self-knowledge, may be helped to understand the roots of their social problems or the barriers they face in achieving a more fulfilling life for themselves and those around them.
The idea behind phrenology is not new. There is written evidence that early thinkers, such as the philosopher, Aristotle, had given serious consideration to the relationship of an individual's physiognomy (external appearance) and physionomy (the shape of the face and head) to that person's behavior, personality and general character. It is not unusual that a more formalized approach would eventually emerge.
A history of phrenology from its "heyday" in the mid-nineteenth century to present time reveals a striking fact that should not be overlooked. This so-called "science of the mind" enjoyed wide public acceptance, and was espoused by literary figures and other intellectuals of the day. Among its proponents were such luminaries as William James, the philosopher; Thomas Edison, the inventor; the Bronte family of literary fame; and Horace Mann, the noted educator. The sculpture of cranial busts was also very popular at that time, and phrenology went hand in hand with this pursuit. Only recall Beethoven's unnaturally broad forehead, which confirmed without doubt, for phrenologists, that genius was present and accounted for!
Now generally discredited, with only a tiny group of vocal proponents still active in Europe, the art or practice of reading individual character and talents by examining the shape of a person's skull seems, to most of us, more than a little curious. Referred to as "bumpology" by comics, it is freely ridiculed and lampooned. The phrase, "You ought to have your head examined" derives from phrenology.
Needless to say, phrenology is not a part of the New Age movement. Unlike palm-reading, for example, it claims no faint links to astrology, Tarot, or other means of divination, nor was a "delineation" enhanced if the examiner happened to possess psychic faculties.
In fact, it is altogether tempting to dismiss phrenology as a nineteenth century "fad" similar to today's popular Meyers-Briggs personality test. This would be a mistake. The value of phrenology may well lie in the fact, affirmed by some scientists, that it was likely the forerunner of certain neurological disciplines and personality disorder studies, most notably in the field of criminology.
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