Highlights From the Warren Anatomical Museum
The collections inside this museum hold intriguing objects that tell the story of 19th century American medicine
- By Brian Wolly
- Smithsonian.com, January 01, 2010
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(Warren Anatomical Museum)
Phrenology cast of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1810
The above life mask was from the collection of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, M.D., one of the last purveyors of phrenology, the study of the skull based on the belief that certain physical characteristics contribute to intelligence, success or even criminality. Spurzheim made plaster casts of known individuals, including poet and philosopher Samuel T. Coleridge, for study and teaching. While lecturing on phrenology in Boston in 1832, Spurzheim died of typhoid and the Boston Phrenological Society inherited his 300-cast collection, which was later purchased by Warren and donated to the museum in 1847.
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Comments (7)
I think the most important/interesting piece at the museum is the skull of Phineus Gage and the tamping rod that was blow through it.
Posted by Shawn Winter on December 3,2012 | 05:22 PM
This 1862 anatomical preparation of six muscles radiating from the second cervical vertebra was indicative of how medicine was taught at the time, and is a classic example of the types of objects found at the Warren today.
Posted by Patricia on February 4,2010 | 03:15 PM
Very interesting. But I'm stuck:
What is the "anatomical preparation" in the first photo?
Posted by Beth Lynch on January 28,2010 | 09:56 PM
A couple decades back I arranged a tour for some friends, art teachers, and librarians. The museum was tiny even then but fascinating as was the curator, a former art major. Warren's skeleton was kept in a cabinet, but a few brooms had found their way there as well. Anyway, one of the guys FAINTED! That was the best. Good to know I maybe able to visit again.
Posted by Virginia Kropas on January 12,2010 | 09:43 PM
A simple google search would've answered your questions:
Warren Anatomical Museum
10 Shattuck St.
Boston, MA 02115
Exhibition Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM,
except Harvard University Holidays.
Phone: 617.432.6196 • Fax: 617.432.4737
Posted by Mark on January 12,2010 | 02:54 PM
Yes, indeed, I also wonder in what city the museum is located. Boston or Cambridge? Washington D.C.? La Paz, Bolivia? (;-)
Posted by D W SCOTT on January 10,2010 | 05:18 PM
ARTYICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF MUSEUM ADDRESS AND HOURS OPEN TO PUBLIC ACCOMPANIED IT SO ONE COULD DO THEIR OWN FOLLOW-UP
Posted by GARY MININSOHN on January 7,2010 | 02:02 PM