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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

The Dissecting Room

Though initially developed by physicians, phrenology was taken up by certain non-medical practitioners who applied the theory to social questions such as education and criminal reform. 

More information on The Dissecting Room

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Phrenology video: 3 minutes 25 seconds
Phrenology. Video length: 3 minutes 25 seconds
Alexander Pearce executed for murder July 19th 1824
Alexander Pearce
executed for murder
July 19th 1824
John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson
John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson, 1844 Charles Rodius, Hiberian Printing Office
Donohoe c.1830, attributed to Thomas Mitchell (1792-1855)
Donohoe c.1830, attributed to Thomas Mitchell (1792-1855)
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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