Ivory phrenological head, with areas marked off and labelled, on circular pedestal

Miniature ivory phrenological bust possibly intended as the top of a walking stick. There are 37 phrenological organs marked out and numbered with the names appearing on the stem. This bust is an example of how the number of organs in phrenology was increased from its early formation by Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) - when only 27 were recorded - to the latter days when as many as 80 were claimed by some as proven 'facts'. On this bust, along with the previously 35 'confirmed' organs two others - organ No. 36 'Gustativeness' (desire for food) and organ No. 37 which is as yet 'Unascertained' have been added.