Oval dynamometer with central scale with indicator

Made:
1840-1880 in Paris
maker:
Mathieu
Oval dynamometer with central scale with indicator Oval dynamometer with central scale with indicator

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Oval dynamometer with central scale with indicator, used by Paul Broca, a pioneering craniologist, made by Mathieu, Paris, French, 1940-1880

A dynamometer is used to measure muscle strength. In the 1800s, many anthropologists attempted to measure differences between human groups. Physical strength was mistakenly believed to be associated with a lack of intellectual development or ‘civilisation’.

Made by Mathieu, a French surgical instrument maker, the dynamometer was used by Paul Broca (1824-80), a French surgeon and anthropologist.

Details

Category:
Psychology, Psychiatry & Anthropometry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A658591
Materials:
metal
Measurements:
overall (model two laying flat): 14 mm x 134 mm x 56 mm, 0.09 kg
overall (model one laying flat): 17 mm x 130 mm x 62 mm, 0.09 kg
type:
dynamometer
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust