Phrenology Bust ca. 1890

Phrenology is the nineteenth century practice of studying the shape of the skull in order to predict the character and personality of a person. Students of phrenology used a bust such as this one in the museum's collection to learn the different shapes of the human head and what mental faculties they were linked to. 

The museum's winter exhibit will explore medical practice in Onslow County, including practices such as phrenology which are considered quackery today.