Phrenology Reports on Melbourne Residents in 1850s

Phrenology in early Melbourne, four written and printed reports on the 'Character and talents' of Melbourne residents of the 1850s, mixed condition., October 1856 - an adult male assessed by Philomon Sohier (at Sohier's Phrenological cabinet, 18 Gt. Collins St East) 'Not proud - very sensitive, too much at times to the praise or censure of others....., November 1857 - an adult male assessed by Philomon Sohier (at Sohier's Phrenological Museum, 84 Elizabeth St.) 'A quick appreciation of argument - quickly perceives any discrepancy - would make a good lawyer..., Dec.1858 - an adult female assessed by Archibald Sillars Hamilton: 'Upon the whole, a very womanly domesticated and worthy mind with good talent and excellent taste.' [Nb: Hamilton was given the head of Ned Kelly after his hanging and he published an account of the skull's phrenology.], early 1860s - a seven year old girl assessed by Archibold Sillars Hamilton (the document printed in Adelaide): 'This is a very curious old-fashioned affectionate little creature - she is nervous, easily depressed & easily overcome by her feelings. Requires much encouragement & much kindness to make her happy......she is musical, eloquent and gifted.....'., the study of the cranium to determine character enjoyed immense popularity in the Australian colonies from the 1830s. Phrenological activity was initially concentrated in Sydney, although Melbourne soon experienced the influence of craniological theories. Lectures on phrenology were delivered soon after Melbourne was established. In 1840 the Port Phillip Herald advertised a public lecture to be given on the subject. The status of phrenology was enhanced by some powerful adherents among Victoria's colonial elite, including Archibald Michie, who had lectured on the subject at the Sydney school of Arts before his arrival in Melbourne in 1852., phrenology lectures aroused great public interest, with many eager to hear a variety of self-appointed 'Professors'. Criminals were the favoured subjects for demonstrations. In 1855 Philemon Sohier, at the time Melbourne's leading phrenologist, delivered lectures to capacity audiences with the aid of death masks taken from three recently executed highway robbers. Madame Sohier made models of these masks for the couple's waxworks in Bourke Street. Phrenology was given a measure of official credibility in Victoria when the government commissioned and published 'A phrenological report on Aborigines', prepared by 'Professor of Phrenology' Philemon Sohier, as part of the proceedings of the Select Committee on Aborigines in 1858.