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