May 04, 2017 - Sale 2446

Sale 2446 - Lot 172

Price Realized: $ 875
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 700 - $ 1,000
EXPLORER--AND PHRENOLOGIST ROSS, JOHN. Autograph Manuscript Signed twice, "JR" and "Captain John Ross R.N." in third person within the text, phrenological observations of a subject made at Castle Wigg. 1 1/2 pages, 4to, written on the recto and verso of a single sheet; few short closed tears at folds repaired verso with tissue, remnants of prior mounting on terminal page along center vertical fold. (MRS) "Castle Wigg" [Whithorn, Scotland] November 1823
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Additional Details

"Phrenological deduction from the cerebral development of Frederick[?; struck through] made at Castle Wigg by Captain John Ross R.N. Phrenologist Nov'r 1823.
"[Four columns of measurements]
". . . [O]f this individual it is manifest that he is a decided Character, from the combination of 3.6. & 18 in the 1st order which are in proportion much above the common ratio, it may be inferred that the individual, possesses a presence of mind, energy and perseverance, fit to convey him through the uncommon hazards, which his extreme penchant for travelling, and thirst for universal knowledge, must subject him to, and his large share of circumspection (No 12) will teach him to avoid danger or enter, unnecessarily into broiled disputes. . . .
"To sum up; Nature seems to have formed an individual heart with coolness and perseverance, who is uncommonly well fitted to push through the world, whose attachment will be strong and steady; and who will be an agreeable companion and a trusty friend!?"
John Ross (1777-1856) was an Arctic navigator and officer of the Royal Navy who explored the Northwest Passage.