Very good condition.This study examines one of the popular scientific philosophies of the 19th century. The first part deals with the reception and diffusion of phrenology in Britain, its usefulness to various professions, and its challenge to traditional religion. Special attention is given to phrenology\'s appeal: its kinship with Rationalist ideas of man and society, and its promise to explain the remaining secrets of human conduct. The second part considers the application of phrenology in two separate social movements: prison reform and national education. Particular emphasis is given to the model schools which phrenologists conducted and patronized, and to their political activity on behalf of secular education in the critical period from 1846 to 1852. This estimate of phrenology\'s impact revolves around the central figure of George Combe (1787-1858).