In 'The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology,' O.S. Fowler and L.N. Fowler offer a comprehensive exploration of 19th-century scientific beliefs, scattering light upon the then-emerging fields of phrenology and physiology with a rich variety of interpretative angles. The collection stands out for its commitment to blending scientific inquiry with accessible illustrations, aiming to educate the Victorian public on matters of the mind and body. The assortment of essays and diagrams encapsulates a period where science began to significantly influence everyday life, showcasing a diversity of literary styles from the didactic to the visual, each piece contributing to a complex tapestry of understanding human anatomy and psychology within its historical context. The Fowlers' work is a testament to the era's intellectual curiosity and its penchant for categorizing and improving self through science. The contributing minds behind this volume, O.S. Fowler and L.N. Fowler, were central figures in the popularization of phrenology and physiology. Their collective efforts not only underscore a historical moment when science was becoming democratized but also align with cultural movements geared towards self-improvement and empirical knowledge. Their backgrounds in lecturing and publishing on these subjects provide the anthology a solid foundation, woven from the threads of emerging scientific thought and public lecturing, thereby enriching the reader's understanding of the historical and cultural significance of phrenology and physiology. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of science, history, and literature. It offers readers a unique lens through which to explore the Victorian era's fascination with the sciences of the mind and body, encouraging a deeper appreciation for how historical contexts shape scientific inquiry and knowledge. The richly illustrated pages and varied narratives serve as an invaluable educational resource and invite readers into a dialogue with the past, making 'The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology' an essential addition to any scholarly collection or enthusiasts of the history of science.

Orson Squire Fowler (18091887) was a prolific American author, phrenologist, and lecturer in the mid-19th century, whose interdisciplinary endeavors encompassed several subjects but were primarily focused on phrenology, the controversial study of the skull as a means to determine mental faculties and character traits. Educated at Amherst College, Fowler ventured into the entrepreneurial realm of phrenology with his brother, Lorenzo Niles Fowler. Together they established a prominent phrenology practice, publishing numerous books and pamphlets advocating their beliefs, the most notable being 'The Illustrated Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology' which provided laypersons with knowledge and tools to assess their own and others' phrenological profiles. Fowler's writing was emblematic of the period's fascination with pseudo-sciences, attempting to bridge the gap between intuitive character assessments and empirical sciences. He is remembered for his contributions to the field of phrenology, even as the scientific community discredited the practice in the years following his death. Despite the eventual dismissal of phrenology as a legitimate science, Fowler's work remains a curious artifact within the history of Victorian scientific thought and reflects the era's earnest pursuit of understanding human nature through physiological means.