This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/10/2018
Dr. Willarton Phrenology Bust. American, ca. 1890s. Life size composition bust with crackle finish. Identifies 35 sections of the skull, and on the reverse of base the qualities present in each section. 13 x 7 x 7”. Topped with vintage woven horsehair embroidered and beaded “flapper” hat. Very good. Phrenology is based on the theory that the brain is a grouping of cerebral organs, each governing affective and intellectual qualities in humans, and since the skull ossifies over the brain during its development, a trained person could diagnose mental conditions by an external examination of the skull.