Description
Material created by Dr. Edward Anthony Spitzka, a prominent early 20th century brain anatomist, for his article "A Study of
the Brain of the Late Major J. W. Powell."
Background
Edward Anthony Spitzka was an early 20th century brain anatomist. In 1903 he studied J. W. Powell's brain and published "A
Study of the Brain of the Late Major J. W. Powell" in the American Anthropologist.John Wesley Powell was born in New York in 1834. He studied natural history at Oberlin and Wheaton colleges. He lost his right
arm at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862 during the American Civil War. After the war he was a professor in Illinois. In 1867 he
explored the Grand Canyon and Colorado River Basin. Powell was appointed Director of the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1879
and the U.S. Geological Survey in 1880. Powell published articles and reports on geography, geology, irrigation, ethnology,
and his various surveys of the American West. He died in 1902 and his brain was sent to Dr. Spitzka for study. Powell's brain
is housed at the Smithsonian.
Extent
2.34 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Restrictions
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obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
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information.