Phrenology cast of head of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, 1803
Dublin Core
Title
Phrenology cast of head of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, 1803
Subject
Boston Phrenological Society
Phrenology
Casts
Abstract
Plaster phrenology cast of head of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim (1776-1832). Cast is light brown in color and extends from top of head to top of neck. Cast has large opening at bottom.
Creator
Unknown
Date Created
1803
Rights
The Harvard Medical Library does not hold copyright on all the materials in the collection. For use information, contact the Warren Anatomical Museum Curator at chm@hms.harvard.edu
Access Rights
Accessing collections in the Warren Anatomical Museum and the Warren Anatomical Museum archive requires advanced notice. Please submit a request to Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu to access the displayed item
Is Part Of
Warren Anatomical Museum (WAM 03324)
Format
object
Extent
1 cast
Medium
Castings (object genre)
Type
physical object
Identifier
WAM 03324
Provenance
This cast was created in 1803 and collected by the Boston Phrenological Society. Dr. Spurzheim, a leader in the study of phrenology, brought his knowledge and cast collection to America in 1832. After his death, the newly formed Boston Phrenological Society possessed his collection of skulls and casts. Dr. John Collins Warren purchased the collection in 1847 after the Society’s dissolution. In 1849, Dr. Warren took physical custody of the collection and temporarily transferred it to the Warren Museum of Natural History on Chestnut Street, before moving the collection to its intended permanent location in the new medical school building on North Grove Street. The phrenological collection was left in the basement of the old Medical School building on North Grove Street when the Medical College moved to a different building on Boylston Street in 1880. In 1911, the North Grove Street building was being demolished and the collection was almost destroyed. Dr. R. H. Fitz intervened and the collection was moved to the Administrative Building of the Harvard Medical School.
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Phrenology cast
Files
Citation
Unknown, “Phrenology cast of head of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, 1803,” OnView, accessed April 29, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/index.php/items/show/18077.