Phrenology cast of skull of Rene Descartes, 1805-1832
Dublin Core
Title
Phrenology cast of skull of Rene Descartes, 1805-1832
Subject
Boston Phrenological Society
Phrenology
Casts
Skull
Abstract
Plaster phrenology cast of skull of Rene Descartes (1596-1650). Cast extends from top of skull to maxilla. Skull cast is light brown and mounted on round base.
Creator
Unknown
Date Created
1805-1832, between
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 03499)
Format
object
Extent
1 Cast
Medium
Castings (object genre)
Type
physical object
Identifier
WAM 03499
Provenance
This phrenological cast was likely created or acquired between 1805 and 1832 by Dr. Johann Spurzheim (1776 – 1832). 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 ‘Mastodon Rooms’ on Chestnut Street before moving the collection to its intended permanent location in the new medical school building on North Grove Street.
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Phrenology cast
Physical Dimensions
15 W x 19 D x 23 H cm
Files
Citation
Unknown, “Phrenology cast of skull of Rene Descartes, 1805-1832,” OnView, accessed May 3, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/index.php/items/show/18088.