The examination and analysis of the shape, size, and features of the human skull, often to classify or draw conclusions about individuals.
From cranio- + -scopy (Greek skopein, to examine). Developed in the 19th century as part of phrenology and physical anthropology.
Cranioscopy was pseudoscience's flagship practice—examining skull bumps to predict personality—but it did contribute to actual anatomy knowledge, showing how even wrong ideas can accidentally produce useful information.
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