L.N. Fowler’s Illust. Self-Instructor in Phrenology w/ a reading by Fowler 1851

Description: Fowler, O.S. & L.N, Practical Phrenologists. The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology, with One Hundred Engravings, and a Phrenological Chart of Character. NY: Fowlers and Wells, Publishers, 1852. Mail Edition with sewn binding and paper covers as issued. Illustrated through-out with engravings. Pages vii, 134, 4 [advertisements], ca. 4 ½” x 7 ½”. Signed in ink “Mr. Bailey” on the front cover and with the title page filled-in to indicate “A chart of the character of [Horatio Bailey (mss.)] as given by [L.N. Flower, Nov 19, 1851 (mss.)].” Yes, the publication date is given as 1852, but the reading of Mr. Bailey is given as 1851! The copyright date was 1849. The two-page phrenological table within is completed in ink, and the numbers assigned were transferred by a different hand using pencil to the corresponding pages of the text.Good vintage condition, especially for an antique paperback, with wear commensurate with age and use, including moderate soiling of the covers and tears and losses to spine, especially at the top and bottom. Slight scattered staining within. A good copy of an important early work by the leading phrenologists in the U.S., as discussed in a 1997 article from Smithsonian Magazine “According to the "science" of phrenology, an individual's character and abilities could be deduced from the size and shape of various bumps on the head… Characteristics such as verbal memory, "Amativeness" and "Secretiveness" were supposed to be controlled by corresponding areas, or "organs," of the brain. The more developed the trait, the larger the organ, and the larger a protrusion it formed in the skull. Phrenologists also believed that such traits — and their respective organs — could be modified through the practice of restraint or by the conscious "exercise" of a positive quality… The two Fowler brothers — frustrated evangelists both — began touring the country, carrying "the truth of phrenology" from town to town, lecturing and offering readings, analyzing the character and propensities of utter strangers from the bumps and valleys on their skulls.”Please reference photos for details, and ask questions before bidding. Item will be shipped by USPS Mail, US buyers only, do not ship internationally. Returns not accepted.

Price: 149 USD

Location: Corning, New York

End Time: 2024-12-07T21:22:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.38 USD