Ethnology and Phrenology, As An Aid to The Historian

London: Trübner & Co., 1863. Book. Good. Hardcover. Inscribed by Author(s). 1st Edition. 1863. FIRST EDITION. --ETHNOLOGY AND PHRENOLOGY As an Aid to The Historian-- Inscribed by John William Jackson (author of 'Lectures on Mesmerism', 'Mesmerism in Connection with Popular Superstitions', 'Lectures on Phrenology' and other books). Bookplate belonging to James B. Findlay, a magic historian and collector-- this copy was most likely last seen at Sotheby's London auction in July 1979 of 'Findlay Collection of Conjuring and Legerdemain, Ventriloquism, Mesmerism, Witchcraft'. J. W. Jackson's treatise 'Ethnology and Phrenology' was influential in forming 'scientific' and 'historical' ideas about ethnicity as the British Empire grew-- Jackson had studied at Edinburgh University, one of the main centers for phrenology, and his book used his studies to justify the paternal role of British imperialism. Phrenology was quite popular in the 1700s and 1800s-- skulls from around the world were collected, measured, cataloged and arranged according to 'type' and used to reinforce racial-social stereotypes and hierarchies. The study of phrenology is a chapter in the politics of knowledge and cultural authority. In very presentable condition-- front cover is almost detached, spine chipped all around, corners bumped. Pages yellowed with scattered smudges, foxing, minor blemishes, one correction in ink-- probably by the author..