Phrenology

By George Burgess (1829-1905)

Phrenologist in Bristol 1861-1901

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Texture and General Form. Heart, Lungs, Skin, Brain, Health, Fineness, Coarseness, Measurements

Heart – A healthy circulation of blood is a sign of warmth in the body and mind, and it is accompanied by a steady and firm pulse.  A weak circulation of blood is a sign of languor; and it is accompanied by an irregular, feeble pulse.  Very dark veins indicate sluggish liver. 

Lungs – Good respiration is a sign of physical endurance; and is indicated by a good full chest, and a healthy colour.  Weak respiration is a sign of physical debility; and it is indicated by a small chest, and a delicate look.

Skin – Healthy perspiration is a sign of a healthy, active nature; and it exists when the skin looks clean, clear, and healthy.  A sluggish, or excessive, or unhealthy perspiration is a sign of physical ailment somewhere; and it exists when the skin is dry and scaly; or cold and clammy.

Brain – A healthy nervous system is a sign of calmness of feeling generally, and mental vigour so far as the mind goes; and it is indicated by a composed expression, a generally healthy appearance, and a body and brain well balanced.  An unhealthy nervous system is a sing of doubts and groundless fears; and it is indicated by a troubled, gloomy, anxious expression.

Health – Health can only be perfect when all the physical organs and brain act in a healthy manner together.  They are sympathetic – the brain, the heart, the lungs, the stomach, &c., all affect each other in their action; and the nature of an individual will be feeble or vigorous, exactly in proportion as the general constitution is weak or strong, or healthy or unhealthy.

TEXTURE

Fineness – Fineness of texture in the organization is a sign of a fine, susceptible nature; and it is indicated by fine and beautiful hair, skin, &c.

Coarseness – Coarseness in the organization is a sign of a coarse, rough, or rugged nature; and it is indicated by coarse hair, skin, muscles, &c.  But coarseness does not mean wickedness, and fineness does not mean purity; for the one who is rough in texture is just as likely to be good and generous, as the one whose texture is fine.

GENERAL FORM

Measurements – The average stature of a man is 5 feet 8 inches; and his chest is 36 inches round.  The average stature of a woman is 5 feet 3 inches; and her chest is 31 inches round.