Craniognosy

/ˌkreɪniˈɑːɡnəsi/ noun

Definition

Knowledge or study of the skull; the science of skull examination, either legitimate (anthropology) or pseudoscientific (phrenology).

Etymology

From Greek 'kranion' (skull) + 'gnosis' (knowledge). This term has older roots than craniognomy, appearing in both legitimate skull anthropology and the dubious phrenological movement.

Kelly Says

Craniognosy bridges legitimate anthropology (comparing human skulls across populations to understand evolution and migration) and bogus phrenology (claiming you can read someone's moral character from a bump above their ear).

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