NEW YORK TIMES
September 4, 1896
Noted Phrenologist Dead.
Lorenzo N. Fowler succumbs to a paralytic stroke.
-----------------
An Active and Interesting Career Closed – One of the pioneers in Phrenological Science and and Influential Advocate of Total Abstinence – Prof. Fowler's Association with Henry Ward Beecher – Successful Lecturer and Writer.
-----------------
Prof. Lorenzo Niles Fowler, the eminent phrenologist, lecturer, and writer who was widely known in this country and in England, died Wednesday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charles Fowler Wells, in West Orange, N.J.
Prof. Fowler was eighty-five years old, and was born in Cohocton, Steuben County. His father was a farmer. When Lorenzo was seventeen years old he attended the Dansville Academy, and subsequently went to Hadley, Mass. to prepare himself for his studies at Harvard, it being the desire of his parents that he should become a minister. In 1832 he went to Amherst, and in that year he became acquainted with Henry Ward Beecher, who was a classmate of his brother, O. S. Fowler. The three young men studied together.
At this time the science of phrenology was first being introduced in a methodical way by Dr. Caldwell of Transylvania University, and was attracting much attention. In Amherst College especially the new science caused many discussions and it was decided by the students that the Fowler brothers, who had become deeply interested in phrenology, and Mr. Beecher should get up a debate upon the subject. Mr. Beecher who was to speak in opposition to the Fowlers, procured all the books he could upon the subject, and then himself became converted to the new science and remained a firm believer are in it.
Prof. Fowler and his brother studied phrenology as thoroughly as they could, and determined to become teachers of the science. They still intended becoming ministers, and believed that in the lecture field they would gain experience that would be of great service to them in their careers as ministers or evangelists. They left Amherst in 1834 and began lecturing on phrenology, and soon came to the conclusion that the new science afforded such a wide field that it would be best for them to continue in the work. From the outset they encountered great opposition from medical men and clergymen, and phrenology was ridiculed in all directions. The young men, however, persevered, and met with so much success that within one year they opened an establishment in New York, which later took the name of Fowler & Wells, and branch offices were subsequently opened in other cities. Three years later they started the American Phrenological Journal, which was published first in Philadelphia and then in New York, and in 1836 they published the work "Phrenology Proved, Illustrated, and Applied."
Prof. Lorenzo N. Fowler lectured in every part of the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. He entered into partnership with S. R. Wells, and the two made an extensive lecture tour between 1858 and 1860, and then they went to England, where they were already known by reputation, and were very cordially received. They lectured in all the principal cities and towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and brought so many persons over to their ways of thinking that Prof. Fowler decided to prolong his stay in Great Britain, while Mr. Wells returned to the United States.
Prof. Fowler examined the heads of many distinguished men, among them Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, William Cullen Bryant, Baron Rothchild, Li Hung Chang, and Sir Henry Irving. When he examined Mr. Beecher, that clergyman insisted that Dr. Fowler should be blindfolded during the examination. While lecturing in England it was Prof. Fowler's custom, after each lecture, to ask the audience to select two or three well-known persons for examination. In Newcastle the audience selected two men of marked individuality, one of them being Mr. Munson, a newspaper editor. Prof. Fowler astonished the audience and Mr. Munson as well by his correct and masterly delineation of Mr. Munson's mental powers and peculiarities.
In lecturing, Prof. Fowler made no effort at oratorical flourish. He spoke rapidly, went right to the point, never waited for applause nor looked for it. He was never at a loss for a word, and held his audience spellbound to the finish. He read character with great ease, and said sharp things of persons where conditions warranted, but in a good-natured way.
Prof. Fowler was at all times, a temperance advocate and while still a boy of sixteen got a number of his associates together and persuaded them to sign a pledge to abstain from alcoholic beverages. He was instrumental in forming one of the first total abstinence societies in America. He attributed his long life to "consistent and harmonious obedience to nature's laws." His rules for becoming an octogenerian were as follows:
1. Work hard, but you can do easily.
2. Avoid worry and chatting.
3. Approach as near your ideal as possible and use the talents given you.
4. Do not live at too high pressure.
5. Keep within your income and your strength.
6. Take three meals a day, and let these consist largely of fruit, nuts, cereals, eggs, and milk.
7. Be a total abstainer.
8. Never Smoke, chew, or take snuff.
9. Take regular exercise.
10. Remember that cleanliness is next to godliness.
11. Avoid strong tea and coffee.
12. Sleep the sleep of the just when you retire, and take one day in the week for a rest.
Besides other works that Prof. Fowler published with his brother he also wrote "Synopsis of Phrenology and Psychology," in 1884; "Marriage; Its History and Philosophy, With Directions for Happy Marriages," and "Lectures on Man."
His wife, Mrs. Lydia Folger Fowler, herself attained prominence as a writer, lecturer, and female physician. She was related on the paternal side to the mother of Benjamin Franklin, and possessed many of that philosopher's mental characteristics. She was a student from childhood, and was one of the first women in America to graduate as a doctor of medicine. She lectured on the laws of life, health, physical culture, moral duty and obligation. She wrote "Pet of the Household," "Woman and Her Destiny," a book of poems, "Heart Melodies,"; "Nora; the Lost and Redeemed," and several other books.
Prof. Fowler had a stroke of paralysis in London three years ago, and last Sunday, soon after his arrival here from abroad, he had another attack of paralysis. Surviving him are three daughters, Mrs. M. H. Piercy, wife of the manager of the firm of Fowler & Wells, Miss Amelia, who for many years was his amanuensis, and Miss Jessie A. Fowler, the lecturer and phrenologist, who recently lectured before Queen Victoria, and is now lecturing in this country. The funeral will occur tomorrow from the house of his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Fowler Wells, in West Orange.
September 4, 1896
Noted Phrenologist Dead.
Lorenzo N. Fowler succumbs to a paralytic stroke.
-----------------
An Active and Interesting Career Closed – One of the pioneers in Phrenological Science and and Influential Advocate of Total Abstinence – Prof. Fowler's Association with Henry Ward Beecher – Successful Lecturer and Writer.
-----------------
Prof. Lorenzo Niles Fowler, the eminent phrenologist, lecturer, and writer who was widely known in this country and in England, died Wednesday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charles Fowler Wells, in West Orange, N.J.
Prof. Fowler was eighty-five years old, and was born in Cohocton, Steuben County. His father was a farmer. When Lorenzo was seventeen years old he attended the Dansville Academy, and subsequently went to Hadley, Mass. to prepare himself for his studies at Harvard, it being the desire of his parents that he should become a minister. In 1832 he went to Amherst, and in that year he became acquainted with Henry Ward Beecher, who was a classmate of his brother, O. S. Fowler. The three young men studied together.
At this time the science of phrenology was first being introduced in a methodical way by Dr. Caldwell of Transylvania University, and was attracting much attention. In Amherst College especially the new science caused many discussions and it was decided by the students that the Fowler brothers, who had become deeply interested in phrenology, and Mr. Beecher should get up a debate upon the subject. Mr. Beecher who was to speak in opposition to the Fowlers, procured all the books he could upon the subject, and then himself became converted to the new science and remained a firm believer are in it.
Prof. Fowler and his brother studied phrenology as thoroughly as they could, and determined to become teachers of the science. They still intended becoming ministers, and believed that in the lecture field they would gain experience that would be of great service to them in their careers as ministers or evangelists. They left Amherst in 1834 and began lecturing on phrenology, and soon came to the conclusion that the new science afforded such a wide field that it would be best for them to continue in the work. From the outset they encountered great opposition from medical men and clergymen, and phrenology was ridiculed in all directions. The young men, however, persevered, and met with so much success that within one year they opened an establishment in New York, which later took the name of Fowler & Wells, and branch offices were subsequently opened in other cities. Three years later they started the American Phrenological Journal, which was published first in Philadelphia and then in New York, and in 1836 they published the work "Phrenology Proved, Illustrated, and Applied."
Prof. Lorenzo N. Fowler lectured in every part of the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. He entered into partnership with S. R. Wells, and the two made an extensive lecture tour between 1858 and 1860, and then they went to England, where they were already known by reputation, and were very cordially received. They lectured in all the principal cities and towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and brought so many persons over to their ways of thinking that Prof. Fowler decided to prolong his stay in Great Britain, while Mr. Wells returned to the United States.
Prof. Fowler examined the heads of many distinguished men, among them Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, William Cullen Bryant, Baron Rothchild, Li Hung Chang, and Sir Henry Irving. When he examined Mr. Beecher, that clergyman insisted that Dr. Fowler should be blindfolded during the examination. While lecturing in England it was Prof. Fowler's custom, after each lecture, to ask the audience to select two or three well-known persons for examination. In Newcastle the audience selected two men of marked individuality, one of them being Mr. Munson, a newspaper editor. Prof. Fowler astonished the audience and Mr. Munson as well by his correct and masterly delineation of Mr. Munson's mental powers and peculiarities.
In lecturing, Prof. Fowler made no effort at oratorical flourish. He spoke rapidly, went right to the point, never waited for applause nor looked for it. He was never at a loss for a word, and held his audience spellbound to the finish. He read character with great ease, and said sharp things of persons where conditions warranted, but in a good-natured way.
Prof. Fowler was at all times, a temperance advocate and while still a boy of sixteen got a number of his associates together and persuaded them to sign a pledge to abstain from alcoholic beverages. He was instrumental in forming one of the first total abstinence societies in America. He attributed his long life to "consistent and harmonious obedience to nature's laws." His rules for becoming an octogenerian were as follows:
1. Work hard, but you can do easily.
2. Avoid worry and chatting.
3. Approach as near your ideal as possible and use the talents given you.
4. Do not live at too high pressure.
5. Keep within your income and your strength.
6. Take three meals a day, and let these consist largely of fruit, nuts, cereals, eggs, and milk.
7. Be a total abstainer.
8. Never Smoke, chew, or take snuff.
9. Take regular exercise.
10. Remember that cleanliness is next to godliness.
11. Avoid strong tea and coffee.
12. Sleep the sleep of the just when you retire, and take one day in the week for a rest.
Besides other works that Prof. Fowler published with his brother he also wrote "Synopsis of Phrenology and Psychology," in 1884; "Marriage; Its History and Philosophy, With Directions for Happy Marriages," and "Lectures on Man."
His wife, Mrs. Lydia Folger Fowler, herself attained prominence as a writer, lecturer, and female physician. She was related on the paternal side to the mother of Benjamin Franklin, and possessed many of that philosopher's mental characteristics. She was a student from childhood, and was one of the first women in America to graduate as a doctor of medicine. She lectured on the laws of life, health, physical culture, moral duty and obligation. She wrote "Pet of the Household," "Woman and Her Destiny," a book of poems, "Heart Melodies,"; "Nora; the Lost and Redeemed," and several other books.
Prof. Fowler had a stroke of paralysis in London three years ago, and last Sunday, soon after his arrival here from abroad, he had another attack of paralysis. Surviving him are three daughters, Mrs. M. H. Piercy, wife of the manager of the firm of Fowler & Wells, Miss Amelia, who for many years was his amanuensis, and Miss Jessie A. Fowler, the lecturer and phrenologist, who recently lectured before Queen Victoria, and is now lecturing in this country. The funeral will occur tomorrow from the house of his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Fowler Wells, in West Orange.
NEW YORK TIMES
September 4, 1896
Noted Phrenologist Dead.
Lorenzo N. Fowler succumbs to a paralytic stroke.
-----------------
An Active and Interesting Career Closed – One of the pioneers in Phrenological Science and and Influential Advocate of Total Abstinence – Prof. Fowler's Association with Henry Ward Beecher – Successful Lecturer and Writer.
-----------------
Prof. Lorenzo Niles Fowler, the eminent phrenologist, lecturer, and writer who was widely known in this country and in England, died Wednesday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charles Fowler Wells, in West Orange, N.J.
Prof. Fowler was eighty-five years old, and was born in Cohocton, Steuben County. His father was a farmer. When Lorenzo was seventeen years old he attended the Dansville Academy, and subsequently went to Hadley, Mass. to prepare himself for his studies at Harvard, it being the desire of his parents that he should become a minister. In 1832 he went to Amherst, and in that year he became acquainted with Henry Ward Beecher, who was a classmate of his brother, O. S. Fowler. The three young men studied together.
At this time the science of phrenology was first being introduced in a methodical way by Dr. Caldwell of Transylvania University, and was attracting much attention. In Amherst College especially the new science caused many discussions and it was decided by the students that the Fowler brothers, who had become deeply interested in phrenology, and Mr. Beecher should get up a debate upon the subject. Mr. Beecher who was to speak in opposition to the Fowlers, procured all the books he could upon the subject, and then himself became converted to the new science and remained a firm believer are in it.
Prof. Fowler and his brother studied phrenology as thoroughly as they could, and determined to become teachers of the science. They still intended becoming ministers, and believed that in the lecture field they would gain experience that would be of great service to them in their careers as ministers or evangelists. They left Amherst in 1834 and began lecturing on phrenology, and soon came to the conclusion that the new science afforded such a wide field that it would be best for them to continue in the work. From the outset they encountered great opposition from medical men and clergymen, and phrenology was ridiculed in all directions. The young men, however, persevered, and met with so much success that within one year they opened an establishment in New York, which later took the name of Fowler & Wells, and branch offices were subsequently opened in other cities. Three years later they started the American Phrenological Journal, which was published first in Philadelphia and then in New York, and in 1836 they published the work "Phrenology Proved, Illustrated, and Applied."
Prof. Lorenzo N. Fowler lectured in every part of the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. He entered into partnership with S. R. Wells, and the two made an extensive lecture tour between 1858 and 1860, and then they went to England, where they were already known by reputation, and were very cordially received. They lectured in all the principal cities and towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and brought so many persons over to their ways of thinking that Prof. Fowler decided to prolong his stay in Great Britain, while Mr. Wells returned to the United States.
Prof. Fowler examined the heads of many distinguished men, among them Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, William Cullen Bryant, Baron Rothchild, Li Hung Chang, and Sir Henry Irving. When he examined Mr. Beecher, that clergyman insisted that Dr. Fowler should be blindfolded during the examination. While lecturing in England it was Prof. Fowler's custom, after each lecture, to ask the audience to select two or three well-known persons for examination. In Newcastle the audience selected two men of marked individuality, one of them being Mr. Munson, a newspaper editor. Prof. Fowler astonished the audience and Mr. Munson as well by his correct and masterly delineation of Mr. Munson's mental powers and peculiarities.
In lecturing, Prof. Fowler made no effort at oratorical flourish. He spoke rapidly, went right to the point, never waited for applause nor looked for it. He was never at a loss for a word, and held his audience spellbound to the finish. He read character with great ease, and said sharp things of persons where conditions warranted, but in a good-natured way.
Prof. Fowler was at all times, a temperance advocate and while still a boy of sixteen got a number of his associates together and persuaded them to sign a pledge to abstain from alcoholic beverages. He was instrumental in forming one of the first total abstinence societies in America. He attributed his long life to "consistent and harmonious obedience to nature's laws." His rules for becoming an octogenerian were as follows:
1. Work hard, but you can do easily.
2. Avoid worry and chatting.
3. Approach as near your ideal as possible and use the talents given you.
4. Do not live at too high pressure.
5. Keep within your income and your strength.
6. Take three meals a day, and let these consist largely of fruit, nuts, cereals, eggs, and milk.
7. Be a total abstainer.
8. Never Smoke, chew, or take snuff.
9. Take regular exercise.
10. Remember that cleanliness is next to godliness.
11. Avoid strong tea and coffee.
12. Sleep the sleep of the just when you retire, and take one day in the week for a rest.
Besides other works that Prof. Fowler published with his brother he also wrote "Synopsis of Phrenology and Psychology," in 1884; "Marriage; Its History and Philosophy, With Directions for Happy Marriages," and "Lectures on Man."
His wife, Mrs. Lydia Folger Fowler, herself attained prominence as a writer, lecturer, and female physician. She was related on the paternal side to the mother of Benjamin Franklin, and possessed many of that philosopher's mental characteristics. She was a student from childhood, and was one of the first women in America to graduate as a doctor of medicine. She lectured on the laws of life, health, physical culture, moral duty and obligation. She wrote "Pet of the Household," "Woman and Her Destiny," a book of poems, "Heart Melodies,"; "Nora; the Lost and Redeemed," and several other books.
Prof. Fowler had a stroke of paralysis in London three years ago, and last Sunday, soon after his arrival here from abroad, he had another attack of paralysis. Surviving him are three daughters, Mrs. M. H. Piercy, wife of the manager of the firm of Fowler & Wells, Miss Amelia, who for many years was his amanuensis, and Miss Jessie A. Fowler, the lecturer and phrenologist, who recently lectured before Queen Victoria, and is now lecturing in this country. The funeral will occur tomorrow from the house of his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Fowler Wells, in West Orange.
September 4, 1896
Noted Phrenologist Dead.
Lorenzo N. Fowler succumbs to a paralytic stroke.
-----------------
An Active and Interesting Career Closed – One of the pioneers in Phrenological Science and and Influential Advocate of Total Abstinence – Prof. Fowler's Association with Henry Ward Beecher – Successful Lecturer and Writer.
-----------------
Prof. Lorenzo Niles Fowler, the eminent phrenologist, lecturer, and writer who was widely known in this country and in England, died Wednesday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charles Fowler Wells, in West Orange, N.J.
Prof. Fowler was eighty-five years old, and was born in Cohocton, Steuben County. His father was a farmer. When Lorenzo was seventeen years old he attended the Dansville Academy, and subsequently went to Hadley, Mass. to prepare himself for his studies at Harvard, it being the desire of his parents that he should become a minister. In 1832 he went to Amherst, and in that year he became acquainted with Henry Ward Beecher, who was a classmate of his brother, O. S. Fowler. The three young men studied together.
At this time the science of phrenology was first being introduced in a methodical way by Dr. Caldwell of Transylvania University, and was attracting much attention. In Amherst College especially the new science caused many discussions and it was decided by the students that the Fowler brothers, who had become deeply interested in phrenology, and Mr. Beecher should get up a debate upon the subject. Mr. Beecher who was to speak in opposition to the Fowlers, procured all the books he could upon the subject, and then himself became converted to the new science and remained a firm believer are in it.
Prof. Fowler and his brother studied phrenology as thoroughly as they could, and determined to become teachers of the science. They still intended becoming ministers, and believed that in the lecture field they would gain experience that would be of great service to them in their careers as ministers or evangelists. They left Amherst in 1834 and began lecturing on phrenology, and soon came to the conclusion that the new science afforded such a wide field that it would be best for them to continue in the work. From the outset they encountered great opposition from medical men and clergymen, and phrenology was ridiculed in all directions. The young men, however, persevered, and met with so much success that within one year they opened an establishment in New York, which later took the name of Fowler & Wells, and branch offices were subsequently opened in other cities. Three years later they started the American Phrenological Journal, which was published first in Philadelphia and then in New York, and in 1836 they published the work "Phrenology Proved, Illustrated, and Applied."
Prof. Lorenzo N. Fowler lectured in every part of the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. He entered into partnership with S. R. Wells, and the two made an extensive lecture tour between 1858 and 1860, and then they went to England, where they were already known by reputation, and were very cordially received. They lectured in all the principal cities and towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and brought so many persons over to their ways of thinking that Prof. Fowler decided to prolong his stay in Great Britain, while Mr. Wells returned to the United States.
Prof. Fowler examined the heads of many distinguished men, among them Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, William Cullen Bryant, Baron Rothchild, Li Hung Chang, and Sir Henry Irving. When he examined Mr. Beecher, that clergyman insisted that Dr. Fowler should be blindfolded during the examination. While lecturing in England it was Prof. Fowler's custom, after each lecture, to ask the audience to select two or three well-known persons for examination. In Newcastle the audience selected two men of marked individuality, one of them being Mr. Munson, a newspaper editor. Prof. Fowler astonished the audience and Mr. Munson as well by his correct and masterly delineation of Mr. Munson's mental powers and peculiarities.
In lecturing, Prof. Fowler made no effort at oratorical flourish. He spoke rapidly, went right to the point, never waited for applause nor looked for it. He was never at a loss for a word, and held his audience spellbound to the finish. He read character with great ease, and said sharp things of persons where conditions warranted, but in a good-natured way.
Prof. Fowler was at all times, a temperance advocate and while still a boy of sixteen got a number of his associates together and persuaded them to sign a pledge to abstain from alcoholic beverages. He was instrumental in forming one of the first total abstinence societies in America. He attributed his long life to "consistent and harmonious obedience to nature's laws." His rules for becoming an octogenerian were as follows:
1. Work hard, but you can do easily.
2. Avoid worry and chatting.
3. Approach as near your ideal as possible and use the talents given you.
4. Do not live at too high pressure.
5. Keep within your income and your strength.
6. Take three meals a day, and let these consist largely of fruit, nuts, cereals, eggs, and milk.
7. Be a total abstainer.
8. Never Smoke, chew, or take snuff.
9. Take regular exercise.
10. Remember that cleanliness is next to godliness.
11. Avoid strong tea and coffee.
12. Sleep the sleep of the just when you retire, and take one day in the week for a rest.
Besides other works that Prof. Fowler published with his brother he also wrote "Synopsis of Phrenology and Psychology," in 1884; "Marriage; Its History and Philosophy, With Directions for Happy Marriages," and "Lectures on Man."
His wife, Mrs. Lydia Folger Fowler, herself attained prominence as a writer, lecturer, and female physician. She was related on the paternal side to the mother of Benjamin Franklin, and possessed many of that philosopher's mental characteristics. She was a student from childhood, and was one of the first women in America to graduate as a doctor of medicine. She lectured on the laws of life, health, physical culture, moral duty and obligation. She wrote "Pet of the Household," "Woman and Her Destiny," a book of poems, "Heart Melodies,"; "Nora; the Lost and Redeemed," and several other books.
Prof. Fowler had a stroke of paralysis in London three years ago, and last Sunday, soon after his arrival here from abroad, he had another attack of paralysis. Surviving him are three daughters, Mrs. M. H. Piercy, wife of the manager of the firm of Fowler & Wells, Miss Amelia, who for many years was his amanuensis, and Miss Jessie A. Fowler, the lecturer and phrenologist, who recently lectured before Queen Victoria, and is now lecturing in this country. The funeral will occur tomorrow from the house of his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Fowler Wells, in West Orange.
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