Craniometer, stainless steel

Made:
1874-1902 in London
maker:
Down Brothers
Craniometer, stainless steel, by Down Bros Collection of anthropometric instruments used by Professor

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Craniometer, stainless steel, by Down Bros
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Collection of anthropometric instruments used by Professor
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Craniometer, stainless steel, by Down Bros.

Craniology studies the bones of the skull. This measuring instrument is a craniometer. Craniology was often the basis for anthropological theories during the 1800s. These explained social behavior and human evolution according to categories such as intelligence, race, and criminal temperament. This example was made by Down Brothers of London. It may have been used to investigate character traits in children by looking at their skull growth. The object was donated to the Science Museum by the Institute of Child Health in 1996.

Details

Category:
Psychology, Psychiatry & Anthropometry
Object Number:
1996-392/22
Materials:
steel
Measurements:
overall (open): 590 mm x 320 mm,
overall (open, lying flat): 135 mm x 176 mm x 360 mm, 0.5 kg
overall (closed, lying flat): 135 mm x 153 mm x 360 mm, 0.5 kg
overall (closed): 140 mm x 140 mm x 370 mm, .47kg
type:
craniometer
credit:
Institute of Child Health