Phrenology cast of skull of Rene Descartes, 1805-1832
Description:
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.
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
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Notes:
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.
