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Fowler, L.N. "Phrenological Developments of Joseph
Cinquez, Alias Ginqua." American Phrenological Journal and Miscellany,
vol. 2 (1840), 136-138.
Phrenological Developments of Joseph Cinquez, Alias Ginqua
Mr. Editor --
Inasmuch as the Africans, recently cast upon our shore, have created considerable
excitement in various parts of the country, I have thought it might be interesting
to present the public, through your Journal, with a brief sketch of the phrenological
developments and character of their leader, viz. Joseph Cinquez or Ginqua. On the
5th of September, I visited New Haven, where the Africans were then confined, and
made a critical examination of Cinquez’s head. I also took in plaster of Paris an
exact likeness of his head, which is now deposited in my cabinet, and may be examined
by any person who will call at No.135 Nassau street, New York. The following cut,
taken from this cast, will perhaps convey to your readers a correct view of the outlines
of Cinquez’s head.
His head is peculiar in shape, being long and high, but narrow. The base of his brain is inferior in size; consequently the lower animal propensities do not constitute the leading elements of his character. His temperament is very favourable to mental and physical exercise, being nervous bilious, with a fair portion of the sanguine. He is rather tall and spare, but well-formed, and adapted for great physical and mental exertions. His appearance indicates a strong constitution, and great powers of endurance. He has very fine pliable hair, thin and soft skin, with strongly-marked nervous and locomotive powers. His head measures most in the region of those faculties giving a love of liberty, independence, determination, ambition, regard for his country, and for what he thinks is sacred and right; also, good practical talents and powers of observation, shrewdness, tact, and management, joined with an uncommon degree of moral courage and pride of character.
Amativeness, Adhesiveness, Combativeness, Destructiveness, Alimentiveness, and
Acquisitiveness, are only fairly developed, and would have but a common or ordinary
influence in the formation of his character. The organs of Self-esteem and Firmness
are very large, and would form leading traits in his character. I should not infer
that he was naturally cruel, malicious, or even selfish, except in relation
to his liberty and his rights. But while he is not revengeful or ill-natured, he
has too much pride and love of self to become subject to the will of others. He could
not be trifled with, with impunity; his indignation is extreme, and he would not
easily give up the object of his pursuit. His thoughts and feelings are protracted
and connected, owing to his large Concentrativeness and Firmness. Inhabitiveness
is large, and would render him much attached to home and country; his domestic organs
being only fairly developed, he would not be particularly warm-hearted, social, and
fond of friends or company -- had much rather have influence and power than friends,
and, at times, might be tyrannical and dictatorial, yet withal, has much humanity,
kindness, and sympathy, for the happiness of others.
His intellect is generally well-balanced, and better developed than most persons
belonging to his race. Still he is quite deficient in those faculties giving natural
refinement, delicacy of feeling, imagination, powers of adaptation, and construction.
His general memory and practical talents, I should think, might be good. He has the
requisite faculties for rendering him a close observer of men and things, and a good
judge of human nature. Though Causality is not very strong, yet, having rather large
Secretiveness and Cautiousness, he would be shrewd, artful, and a very good manager.
He would have great self-possesion in times of danger, and might easily conceal,
by the expressions of his countenance all appearance of his real feelings or designs,
so that it would be difficult to find him out, or detect his plans. His faculties
admirably adapt him to take the lead, secure power, and command the respect of others,
as well as render him capable of exerting a controlling influence over the minds
of those like the native Africans. His cerebral organisation, as a whole, I should
think, was also superior to the majority of negroes in our own country.
Yours, &c.
L.N. Fowler.
New York, November 8, 1839
