Modern Phrenology
Phrenology brings up old images like the one shown of various areas of the head having certain functionality, and in fact phrenology (meaning “mind” and “knowledge” in ancient Greek)is ancient. The first record we have of the study of Phrenology is the Period of The Essenes, around the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. In fact the Essenes are believed to the written The Dead Sea Scrolls although that is contested as there is no absolute proof.
In more modern times, Phrenology was especially popular between 1810 to 1840 (ref:Wikipedia) and this more modern approach is credited to German physician Franz Joseph Gall who developed it 1796. His thoughts were that “character, thoughts, and emotions” occurred in certainly physical parts of the brain which could be simply diagrammed. Today of course we know the brain is far more complex, however his work is considered a significant historical advance in neuropsychology.
Dr Gall believed the brain was not an organ, but 27 different organs. 19 of these existed in animals, and 8 were distinct to humans. By studying the shape of the brain (though skull measurements) and the sizes of each of the parts, one could learn about a humans mental facilities. A core concept is that the shape or form of the head represents the form of the brain.
Phrenology has had (and will in the future have) an impact on human society. Terms like “high brow” and “low brow” in fact originally come from Phrenology. Today however historical Phrenology is considered a pseudoscience, and in fact although much or Dr. Galls can be dismissed as incorrect or too simple, he made significant scientific progress.
Unfortunately Phrenology was derailed through con-men and shameless commercial exploitation. Phrenology parlours even existed in the early 19th century, often run by “self taught” Phrenologists and quacks, who could be consulted, for a fee, on just about anything such as luck, love, longevity, fortune and more.
The central concepts of Phrenology, that “that the brain is the center of character development, emotion, and reason” is sound (reference: Paranormal Encyclopedia) is sound. However its history, with everything from the Nazis trying to use it to prove racial superiority to quacks out to make a quick buck, is anything but pristine. These however are incorrect applications of Phrenology, and future of Phrenology, as a tool for self-knowledge, self-achievement, and education are bright. There is promise: the shape of your head and brain is not without merit!
In more modern times, Phrenology was especially popular between 1810 to 1840 (ref:Wikipedia) and this more modern approach is credited to German physician Franz Joseph Gall who developed it 1796. His thoughts were that “character, thoughts, and emotions” occurred in certainly physical parts of the brain which could be simply diagrammed. Today of course we know the brain is far more complex, however his work is considered a significant historical advance in neuropsychology.
Dr Gall believed the brain was not an organ, but 27 different organs. 19 of these existed in animals, and 8 were distinct to humans. By studying the shape of the brain (though skull measurements) and the sizes of each of the parts, one could learn about a humans mental facilities. A core concept is that the shape or form of the head represents the form of the brain.
Phrenology has had (and will in the future have) an impact on human society. Terms like “high brow” and “low brow” in fact originally come from Phrenology. Today however historical Phrenology is considered a pseudoscience, and in fact although much or Dr. Galls can be dismissed as incorrect or too simple, he made significant scientific progress.
Unfortunately Phrenology was derailed through con-men and shameless commercial exploitation. Phrenology parlours even existed in the early 19th century, often run by “self taught” Phrenologists and quacks, who could be consulted, for a fee, on just about anything such as luck, love, longevity, fortune and more.
The central concepts of Phrenology, that “that the brain is the center of character development, emotion, and reason” is sound (reference: Paranormal Encyclopedia) is sound. However its history, with everything from the Nazis trying to use it to prove racial superiority to quacks out to make a quick buck, is anything but pristine. These however are incorrect applications of Phrenology, and future of Phrenology, as a tool for self-knowledge, self-achievement, and education are bright. There is promise: the shape of your head and brain is not without merit!
