Phrenology according to Gall. A Historical Curiosity

 

The 18th century consensus on the brain was steeped in ancient beliefs that depicted it as an formless mass governing bodily functions. Franz Josef Gall, challenged this orthodoxy: the brain wasn't a mere lump of flesh but the very seat of our mental faculties, with distinct regions governing specific functions. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for what we now recognize as "phrenology." While Gall's phrenological theories have been largely discredited in modern neuroscience, his work marked a significant shift in the study of the brain.  Gall's work also contributed to the development of techniques for brain mapping and the understanding of cognitive processes.

Landing himself in plenty of hot water. 
The prevailing view of the era was dominated by religious or philosophical beliefs rather than empirical research. Gall's ideas  challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of the mind and the brain and landed in a lot of hot water. 

His beliefs were seen as a direct challenge to established religious doctrines, suggesting that human behavior and personality were products of physical attributes, not divine intervention. This incurred the wrath of religious authorities who deemed phrenology heretical. In 1805, Gall was banned from practicing phrenology in Prussia by the Prussian government, which considered his ideas subversive and potentially dangerous. He was eventually expelled from Prussia but that did not deter him from promoting phrenology elsewhere. He continued to travel and lecture about his theories in other European countries, where phrenology gained a following and influence, particularly in France and the UK.

And the hot water was not just religions, but also social. Phrenology also had practical implications, as some individuals and organizations began using it for character assessment in various contexts, such as education and employment. This raised ethical and legal questions about the fairness and validity of making judgments about people based on phrenological assessments.

Gall's  garnered both acclaim and criticism from his contemporaries. One notable figure was Johann Spurzheim, Gall's collaborator and rival, who further popularized phrenology and took it to international audiences. Another contemporary of interest is Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens, a French physiologist who advocated for a more holistic view of brain function, emphasizing the importance of the brain as a whole rather than isolated "organs." Other scientific peers cast doubts upon his theories, criticizing the lack of empirical evidence and the inherently subjective nature of his observations. Phrenology, in their eyes, was more pseudoscience than genuine scientific inquiry. 

Gall's Neuroanatomy Diagram: A Window into the Mind
Gall's most notable contribution was his intricate neuroanatomy diagram, which depicted the brain as a series of localized faculties or organs, each responsible for a particular aspect of personality or behavior. The size of these organs corresponded to a person's character traits and abilities. Obviously this is quite incredulous by today's standards - a historical curiousity. 

• Firmness (in frontal lobe) Development of this area in the frontal lobe was associated with determination, willpower, and the ability to persevere in the face of challenges.
• Immortality: linked to religious and moral tendencies, as well as a sense of spirituality.
• Veneration (Parietal Love): related to feelings of respect, admiration, and reverence for authority figures or ideals
• Destructiveness (in lower back of brain): aggressive and combative behaviors, as well as a propensity for violence.
• Benevolence (frontal love): linked to kindness, empathy, and a compassionate nature.
• Acquisitiveness (forehead): desire for material wealth and possessions.
• Wit (Frontal Lobe):  responsible for humor, quick thinking, and cleverness.
• Love of Offspring (back of brain):linked to parental instincts and the love and care of one's children.
• Secretiveness (Upper back of brain): associated with the tendency to keep secrets and be discreet.
• Self-Esteem (upper back of head): related to self-confidence, pride, and a sense of self-worth.

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