from what I see of your head you are the man

An example of phrenology being taken seriously as an area of scientific knowledge:

"I think, sir, I have some knowledge of craniology, and from what I see of your head I feel sure that if you will fairly buckle to this railway you are the man successfully to carry it through."

Reportedly said by engineer Robert Stephenson to railway pioneer Edward Pease, on meeting him c.1821.

Read about phrenology

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.