Lot n° 131
Estimation :
2500 - 3000
EUR
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Rare phrenology skull with Indian ink inscriptions. Cranial - Lot 131
Rare phrenology skull with Indian ink inscriptions. Cranial map broken down into numbered reserves associated with feelings, character traits or mental predispositions such as for reserve 4, organ/courage/prone to/rixes and fights/quarrelsome, reserve 10, faculty that/wants to please/the eyes of others/and takes notice/of what/others think, reserve 21, quick-wittedness/comparative perspicacity. Inscription and date under the jawbone 1832/given by/measured by/his friend Yves.
First third of the 19th century
Height: 15.5 cm - Width: 13 cm - Depth: 21 cm
(small accidents and missing parts, repairs)
This rare skull was used in the 19th century for the study of phrenology, founded by Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) and popularized by his disciple Johann Spurzheim (1776-1832), which claimed to determine an individual's personality traits, intellectual abilities and behavioral tendencies by examining the shapes, lumps and depressions of the skull. Phrenology, now discredited as a science, played an important role in the development of modern neuroscience and psychology. The skull is a remarkably well-preserved medical artefact, providing a valuable dated historical record of the scientific methods and beliefs of the time.
Comparisons :
- phrenological skull, without mandible bone, in the Musée Crozatier, inv. 890.189.
- phenology skullcap from the collection of Jean Roudillon (Sale Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Ader, June 6, 2024, lot 12 exp. Marine Fromanger)
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