The Boston Phrenological Society was formed in 1832 upon the death of a prominent continental phrenologist, Johann Gaspar Spurzheim.

[1] Spurzheim's brief tour and death popularized phrenology in the United States outside of its controversial place in medical lecture halls,[2] and into the sphere of social reformers and ministers.

The Society was founded, wrote Capen, "for the purpose of investigating the principles of Phrenology, and to ascertain the bearings of the science upon the physical, moral and intellectual condition of man."

Through cases[12] [1] and personal anecdotes,[13] Society writers defended the relevance of phrenology to social welfare and mission work, and discussed its harmony with Christianity.

[2]: 8, 9  Upon purchase of the collection, Dr. Warren wrote that he remained circumspect about phrenology, but maintained that it prefigured more sophisticated study of brain anatomy.

[2]: 8  When transferred to Warren, the collection of more than 550 specimens, including 25 skulls (p 9) was housed in the Mastodon Rooms of Harvard Medical School.

While not on display, the collection could be viewed by anyone who "appl[ied] to the janitor of Harvard Medical School.