These two words are spelled so nearly the same. They only differ by an 'r'. But, they widely differ in meaning.
Phenology is derived from the Greek word phaino , meaning to show or appear. Phenology refers to recurring plant and animal life cycle stages, such as leafing and flowering, maturation of agricultural plants, emergence of insects, and migration of birds. It is also the study of these recurring plant and animal life cycle stages, especially their timing and relationships with weather and climate. Phenology, put another way, is simply nature’s calendar—when the cherry trees bloom, the robin builds its nest, and the leaves turn color in the fall. This schedule is critical for plants and animals, and people too.
I am part of a group started by Mark Sumner in Feb. 2011 called
Backyard Science. Our members post diaries almost daily about the events they notice in nature around them. It is a casual spot to tell what you're seeing in the park down the road or in your own back yard.
Because the R convulsion is this week, lots of people will be paying attention to it. I figured this was a good time to write a diary of little importance. I chose the topic of
Phrenology.
I figured this was about as meaningful and important as the circus of events and ass-kissing and bloviating that would go on this week in Tampa.
This has always been in interesting topic for me. I never took it seriously. After looking into the history, it turned out to be even more interesting. People bought into this like they swallow the other garbage fed to them today.
The Psycograph was a 1920's phrenology machine that would rate an individual's character on thirty two different personality traits such as Perceptiveness, Constructiveness, Alimentiveness (love of food and drink), Conjugal Love (sexual enthusiasm) and Suavity.
So, here goes. Bring your suavity, your skull, and its contents below the squiggle.
Advertising has always been an important tool. This device was no exception. The Power of Science used to be a big deal. This device promised a lot. Some of the following images are from a Psycograph Advertising site.
The psycograph consisted of over 1800 parts. The patent was 124 pages in length. It was invented by H.C. Lavery, of Minneapolis, to do the work of a psychoanalyst. "It shows up your talents, abilities, strong and weak traits, without prejudice or flattery." It was fit over a person's head and measured 32 different locations.
The wooden box next to the subject printed out a set of numbers for the 32 measured points. The subject transferred those numbers to this chart for analysis of their characteristics. The chart included a set of potential careers suitable for the subject.
Those who were measured received this chart advising them of their potential for growth and development. Quoting from the fine print:
You can be self-guiding, self-directing, and self-sustaining. You have the absolute right to do your best if you are sincere. The way to develop a fculty is to specially use it. This causes a corresponding additional amount of blood to flow directly to the brain organs of the faculties used.
A psycograph analysis is the only art by which all the powers of the intellect, affectations, and the will can be thoroughly and accurately measured. It is a natural and practical art with a scientific foundation. It is a normal, prophetic art measuring both the active and dormant powers of the brain.
Below is an actual phrenology readout for your enjoyment.
KNOW YOURSELF-PSYCOGRAPHY INVENTORY OF YOUR POTENTIAL POWERS, CAPACITIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND TENDENCIES.
THESE ANALYSES ARE REVISED AND EDITED BY C.W. CHAMBERLAIN PH.D., PSYCHOLOGIST FOR THE U.S. GOV'T DURING THE WORLD WAR.
Figures at the left [can't read]eate your ratings standardized as follows:
5 = Very Superior, 4 = Superior, 3 = Average, 2 = Low Average, 1 = Deficient
3 COMPASSION - Average - For general purposes, this is sufficient. It may be increased by more careful analysis and classification of objects and people.
4 SYMPATHY - Superior - In association with others, see that what you do or say is of mutual benefit. Avoid excess sympathy, [can't read]
2 AGREEABILITY - Low Average - Charity, Philanthropy, Kindness, and cooperation are likely to be limited to a few whom you like. Extend these to others.
3 VENERATION - Average - Your respect for law and order, ethics, and morals may suffice in general. Cultivation may be of value along specific lines.
3 PERCEPTIVES - Average - In general your judgement of size, weight, color, number and order satisfactorily. Specific interests may necessitate more development.
3 CASUALITY - Average - Your interest in causes and effects may serve for general purposes and may be developed with ease. More analysis valuable.
3 SUAVITY - Average - You can be pleasant, polite, and tactful with others but with many people, you achieve more by exercising more diplomacy and courtesy.
3 CONSTRUCTIVENESS - Average - Your dexterity, ingenuity, constructive talent and capacity for adjustment will usually suffice if exercised creatively.
2 IDEALITY - Low Average - Don't be too "matter of fact" about cultural things of life. Turn attention more to the appreciation of the fine and beautiful.
1 HOPE - Deficient - Optimism and cheerful anticipation will get more than pessimism. Express enthusiasm and confidence and you may find the silver lining.
4 EXECUTION - Superior - Being resolute and determined you tent to strongly resist opposition. Take care you do not trample on others unless justified.
3 SECRETIVENESS - Average - Guard against imprudent speech and action. Frankness may sometimes be a handicap. Sincerity may not need to be advertised.
3 CAUTION - Average - For general purposes you exercise sufficient prudence. Under usual circumstances you should exercise more caution. Look ahead more.
4 FRIENDSHIP - Superior - Your capacity for friendship is marked. Exercise it and study ways and means to win more people. Success depends on friends.
4 INHABITIVENESS - Superior - Your capacity- for love of home and country is very marked. An asset if it does not prevent your moving when advantageous.
4 CONTINUITY - Superior - Ability to sustain your attention depends upon your use of it. Capacity for concentration and stabilizing judgement is marked.
4 DIGNITY - Superior - Your estimate of self and your powers may be maintained by active association with others and services rendered to many people.
3 COMBATIVENESS - Average - Do not allow your courage to grow less. Maintain aggressive resistance to threatening influences. Defend your interests.
4 APPROBATION - Superior - Love of display and respect for public opinion may be maintained if not offensive. Continue to win admiration.
4 EXACTNESS - Superior - Your tendency to be accurate and painstaking will serve you well if you do not demand the same degree from all others. Be tolerant
4 ALIMENTIVENESS - Superior - Your discrimination in food and drink is marked and has a definite value when used. You tend to place a high value on these.
3 ACQUISITIVENESS - Average - Your sense of values and desire for property may continue as they are or be developed to a greater extent by visualization.
2 SUBLIMITY - Low Average - This degree of appreciation of grandeur in nature may well be increased by a realization of the importance of majestic beauty.
3 WIT - Average - Try to get fun and mirth out of life. Smile and joke with others and improve your wit. Exercise your sense of humor by appreciating wit.
1 WIT - Deficient. Lack of native wit should be offset by cultivating a greater sense of humor. You need to appreciate more the ludicrous in life.
2 FAITH - Low Average - Lack of trust may prevent you from being swept off of your feet, but it may also block you from accepting athoritative short cuts.
I hope this proved an entertaining diversion from the chum of the the convention coverage. It seemed too good of an opportunity to pass up. Real science will return next week.