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FIGURE 1st represents a pair of
Callipers. The numerals on the scale represent the width from
point to point, when they are open. They are useful for
ascertaining the general size of the head, as mentioned on p.
162. The legs are sometimes made to unscrew at AA, and fitted
with hinges at BB, and the instrument can then be put into a
small case, and carried in the pocket. The ball C is for
inserting into the orifice of the ear, in taking measurements
from it to different points of the head.
Figure 2d represents a Craniometer,
invented by Mr. ROBERT ELLIS and Mr. WILLIAM GRAY, and approved
of, in its present form, by the Phrenological Society. The object
of it is to measure the length from the medulla oblongata,
or top of the spinal marrow, where each organ originates, to the
point where it reaches the surface of the brain. The rods BB are
moveable, and the balls (made of ivory or brass,) on the inner
ends of them, go into the external opening of the ear. The point
A is the middle of the axis which would be formed by the
prolongation of these rods; and it coincides, not exactly, but
pretty nearly with the middle of the medulla oblongata.
The rods must be inserted to equal depths into the ears,
otherwise the centre A would not coincide with the middle of the
axis of the head. The roads are graduated, to secure accuracy in
this respect. C, C, C, is an exact semicircle (made of steel or
durable plates of tin,) of which A is the centre. DE is an index,
intended to measure distances from A. To construct it accurately,
make the end D touch A, and the other end coincide with ever part
of the circumference of the semicircle. When drawn out, the end E
rises far above the circumference as the end D recedes from the
point A. The index is graduated, beginning at the top, and the
lengths are read off as they appear on the projecting part.
Figure 3d represents the craniometer
applied. The semicircle moves backwards and forwards on the axis,
B, B, and the index may be moved from right to left along the
circumference. To keep the index always pointing to A, it is made
to slide in a piece of wood F, Figure 4,
the sides of a groove of which form a segment of a circle,
coinciding with, and applied to, the circumference of the
semicircle.
This instrument measures only the length of the organs. Their breadth is judged of by their expansion at the surface; and the two dimensions give their absolute size. It has not come into general use.
Mr. Henry Thompson has favored me with a drawing and relative explanation, calculated to represent the effects of a number of the most frequent combinations in size in a tabular form; but the limits of this work prevent me laying it before the public.
Page last modified 10/2/2000.
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Elements of Phrenology: Title Page
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Order I. Feelings: Propensities
Order II. Intellectual Faculties: External Senses
Order II. Intellectual Faculties: Perceptive
Order II. Intellectual Faculties: Reflecting
