*The REALL News*

"It's a very dangerous thing to believe in nonsense." -- James Randi


Volume 6 Issue 9 November 1998

Phrenology Considered

by Randy Alley

During the first half of the 19th century, phrenology was a revolutionary "science" with thousands of converts. Phrenology promised to take mankind to the next level of human development. Using its principles and practices, people would be able to achieve all of their desires — regardless of their abilities.

Phrenology is a system that analyzes character by the size and shape of protuberances on the skull and uses this information to make adjustments. The principle behind phrenology was simple. The brain was said to be made up of organs that pressed upon the skull. The skull’s size and shape could be measured to determine the size of these organs. The qualities of the organs could then be looked up on the phrenological chart, which would also list exercises to improve the organ’s function. With proper attention, improvement would occur and the person’s life and place in society advanced.MoreMore

 

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