JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Tragedy of Phrenology and Physiognomy.

  • Published In: Reviews in American History, 2023, v. 51, n. 4. P. 341 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Li, Haimo 3 of 3

Abstract

In her book "Beauty and the Brain: The Science of Human Nature in Early America," historian Rachel E. Walker explores the popularity and impact of physiognomy and phrenology in America between the 1770s and 1860s. These sciences claimed that facial features and skull shape could reveal a person's intelligence, character, and personality, and that external beauty indicated internal worth. Walker examines how these ideas were used to reinforce social hierarchies and justify racial discrimination. She also highlights how marginalized groups, such as Black thinkers and women, utilized these theories in their struggle for equality. While physiognomy and phrenology offered the possibility of personal improvement, they ultimately failed to address the structural inequalities of American society. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Reviews in American History. 2023/12, Vol. 51, Issue 4, p341
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0048-7511
  • DOI:10.1353/rah.2023.a926389
  • Accession Number:176989688
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Reviews in American History is the property of Johns Hopkins University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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