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A Bumper Mistake by Lawson Wood - Phrenology
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A Bumper Mistake by Lawson Wood - Phrenology
The Phrenologist: Bless my soul, Sir; your bump of destructiveness is most abnormally large. You must be a soldier. The Subject: Oh, dear no; I m a chauffeur. Date: 1912
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Media ID 23060558
© Estate of Lawson Wood/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Apr18 Bumps Bumpy Examination Examining Health Lawson Patient Phrenologist Phrenology Quack Studying Quackery
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Bumper Mistake" by Lawson Wood is a humorous and intriguing phrenology-themed cartoon from 1912, published by the London-based satirical magazine, "The Bystander." Phrenology, a pseudoscientific theory popular during the 19th century, claimed that specific mental abilities could be determined by measuring the size and shape of bumps on the skull. In this cartoon, a phrenologist, with a quizzical expression and a magnifying glass in hand, examines the head of a bewildered man. The phrenologist, with a shocked and amused look on his face, exclaims, "Bless my soul, Sir; your bump of destructiveness is most abnormally large. You must be a soldier." The subject, holding a steering wheel and wearing a chauffeur's cap, replies, "Oh, dear no; I'm a chauffeur." The cartoon's title, "A Bumper Mistake," adds an extra layer of humor to the situation. The term "bumper" can refer to both the large skull bumps and the protective bar on the back of a vehicle. The man's unexpected profession, in contrast to the phrenologist's assumptions, highlights the absurdity of phrenology as a reliable method for determining one's abilities or characteristics. This cartoon, with its clever wordplay and visual wit, serves as a reminder of the quirks and quirks of the past. It also showcases Lawson Wood's exceptional talent for creating humorous and thought-provoking images that continue to entertain and engage audiences over a century later. The date of the cartoon, 1912, places it at the end of the phrenology's popularity, as the scientific community had largely debunked the theory by that time. However, the cartoon's enduring appeal lies in its ability to poke fun at the quackery and quirks of the past, making it a fascinating glimpse into history.
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