Phrenology Head Inkwell

with Glass Stylus

Dr. Robert Tigner, Psychology Department

Depicting a supposed "map" of sections on a skull corresponding to personality traits, this head, along with the practice of phrenology, lasted from the 1810s to the 1840s, when surgeons were able to identify functions associated with areas of the actual brain, and not the skull.

Watch Stand, mother-of-pearl

Received from Dr. Pauline D. Knobbs,

E. M. Violette Museum

Egyptian Vase, modern

Private Collection

Badarian Pot, reproduction of Egyptian original

c. 4000 BCE

Private Collection

This reproduction of an early Egyptian beaker was made by Mike Murawski, a 2000 Truman graduate with a double major in Art History and History. The original pot, like the modern copy, was hand built from coils of clay, rather than thrown on a wheel. As it dried before being fired, the surface was polished by rubbing a smooth stone or piece of leather over the surface to polish it, which also helps it hold water better. The black and red color comes from the firing in a smokey kiln. This shape could have been used to hold grain or liquids, perhaps beer, which was made and drunk in Egypt from predynastic times.

Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

This item is a replica of the golden jewelry worn by members of the Order of the Golden Fleece in fifteenth to sixteenth century Europe. The Order of the Golden Fleece was a chivalric order of knights who served Philip the Good of Bruges. The Order was created by Philip the Good.

Powder Horn With Strap

Received from Frank Cassity, E. M. Violette Museum

Possibly from the Civil War era. Made of leather and metal with a strap to either tie to the waist or sling over the shoulder.

Powder Horn

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Gunpowder Bag, leather

Received from Frank Cassity, E. M. Violette Museum

Helmet Liner, WWII

Received from Floyd Wade, E. M. Violette Museum

Pony or Donkey Shoe

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Carved from wood in the shape of a donkey's foot with a donkey's shoe attached to it. Perhaps used as a candle holder.

Muskrat

(Ondatra zibethicus)

Truman State University Biology Department Mammal Collection

Normally used in the classroom as teaching aids, these taxidermied specimens are the rejects of the Biology collection. Because they have been poorly or incorrectly preserved, or in some cases are simply far too unusual, they are not ideal for use in the classroom and have been retired from regular academic use.

Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel

(Ictidomys thidecemuneaulus)

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Normally used in the classroom as teaching aids, these taxidermied specimens are the rejects of the Biology collection. Because they have been poorly or incorrectly preserved, or in some cases are simply far too unusual, they are not ideal for use in the classroom and have been retired from regular academic use.

Eastern Mole

(Scalopus aquaticus)

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Normally used in the classroom as teaching aids, these taxidermied specimens are the rejects of the Biology collection. Because they have been poorly or incorrectly preserved, or in some cases are simply far too unusual, they are not ideal for use in the classroom and have been retired from regular academic use.

Assorted Thimbles

Dr. Dana Vazzana, Math and Computer Science Department

Dr. Vazzana received these thimbles from a family friend who would house-sit for professors at other universities. When the professors would go on trips, they would bring back a thimble from the place that they visited for Dr. Vazanna's friend. One in this exhibit is from Hawaii, another from France. There are many, many more than the ten featured in this Cabinet of Curiosities! They vary in materials and some are very ornate and highly decorated.

Spool with Flax Yarn

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Assorted Thimbles

Dr. Dana Vazzana, Math and Computer Science Department

Dr. Vazzana received these thimbles from a family friend who would house-sit for professors at other universities. When the professors would go on trips, they would bring back a thimble from the place that they visited for Dr. Vazanna's friend. One in this exhibit is from Hawaii, another from France. There are many, many more than the ten featured in this Cabinet of Curiosities! They vary in materials and some are very ornate and highly decorated.

Inkwell, ceramic

Gift of Rachel Lynne Rowe, E. M. Violette Museum

Assorted Thimbles

Dr. Dana Vazzana, Math and Computer Science Department

Dr. Vazzana received these thimbles from a family friend who would house-sit for professors at other universities. When the professors would go on trips, they would bring back a thimble from the place that they visited for Dr. Vazanna's friend. One in this exhibit is from Hawaii, another from France. There are many, many more than the ten featured in this Cabinet of Curiosities! They vary in materials and some are very ornate and highly decorated.

Matchbox Holder, metal

Received from Mrs. Harold Kersey, E. M. Violette Museum

Sad Iron with Removable Handle

Received from Dr. Mark Laughlin, E. M. Violette Museum

Sculptural Toothpick Holder, glass

Received from Mrs. Eugene Smith, E. M. Violette Museum

Not much information is known about this ornate item. It likely dates to around the 1960s and features an unusual design for a toothpick holder: a horse and barrel.

Compass Divider

Received from Mr. Frank Cassity, E. M. Violette Museum

Fleam

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Veterinary bloodletting device, although this one resembles the type of tool used for human medical bloodletting. This treatment was once thought of as a proper way to heal sicknesses.

Corn Husker, metal

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

Tooth Puller

Received from Mr. Frank Cassity, E. M. Violette Museum

Homemade tooth pulling device used prior to the 1900s. Also known as a "Toothkey."

Screwdrivers

Harry J. Cochran Collection

Handmade by Harry J. Cochran.

Sewing Machine

Foster Estate, E. M. Violette Museum

Bronze Statuette

Private Collection

Reproduction of Greek original c. 700 BCE.

Ashtray from Africa

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Potato Ricer

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Geode with White Angled Sheets

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Bear Skull

Doug Reinsch, Military Science

Hunted by Mr. Reinsch himself with a bow and arrow.

Native American Grinding Stone

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Small Rodent Skeletons

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Each vial contains the bones necessary to form the complete skeleton of the animal. Every individual bone is labeled so they can be accurately reconstructed if so desired.

Small Mammal Skull

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Small Rodent Skeletons

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Each vial contains the bones necessary to form the complete skeleton of the animal. Every individual bone is labeled so they can be accurately reconstructed if so desired.

Assorted Geodes and Gems

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Polished geode, cracked geode in two halves, Amethyst, and Tourmaline.

Alligator Snapping Turtle Skull

(Macrochelys temminckii)

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

A specimen this large is very rare. This one is considered irreplaceable among the Biology faculty.

Small Rodent Skeletons

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Each vial contains the bones necessary to form the complete skeleton of the animal. Every individual bone is labeled so they can be accurately reconstructed if so desired.

Fossilized Dinosaur Dung Coated with Fools Gold

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Chain Watch & Ladies Lapel Watch

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Child's Shoes, black leather

Gift of Mrs. Kate Buck, E. M. Violette Museum

Ladies Purse c. 1900

Received from Mrs. R. Violette Campbell, E. M. Violette Museum

Hunter's Case Pocket Watch

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Coptic Dolls

Private Collection

Corn Cob Pipe

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

Coptic Doll

Private Collection

Railroad Pocket Watch

Professor Bob Jones, Art Department

Dancing Slippers c. 1830

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Cribbage Board, Engraved Walrus Tusk

Received from Wendell Cordle, E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Purse, alligator skin

Received from Mrs. Annie Gilman, E. M. Violette Museum

Bullsnake

(Pituophis catenifer sayi)

Truman State University Biology Department

Dry taxodermy was a popular method of preserving snakes and reptiles outside of the jar in the 1930s. The practice didn't last long, as better and more efficient methods of preservation were discovered soon after. This specimen is possibly old enough to be part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. program of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal.

Coin Purse, alligator skin

Received from Mrs. Annie Gilman, E. M. Violette Museum

Capacity Meter

Truman State University Physics Department

General Radio Co., Type 240, Serial #75. This physics equipment is associated with electricity and magnetism within a field.

Galvanometer Shunt

Truman State University Physics Department

General Radio Co., Type 189, Serial #182. Seen here is a wiring diagram for the device.

Galvanometer Shunt

Truman State University Physics Department

General Radio Co., Type 189, Serial #182. These devices were found when the Physics department moved from Barnett Hall to McGruder Hall.

Galvanometer Shunt

Truman State University Physics Department

General Radio Co., Type 189, Serial #182. Both items were purchased by the university between 1940 and 1950. Picture: various buttons and control knobs.

Medicine Case

E. M. Violette Museum Collection

Dated to possibly the late 19th Century, there is not much information about this collection of vials and medicines. In it, there are roughly a dozen glass tubes with remnants of various chemicals and powders most likely used to make tonics and medications. Also, quite a few newspaper clippings were found in the case as well.

Gold Bracelet with Mummy Beads, Egypt

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Ceramic Face from Abu Mina, Egypt

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Figurine of Pharaoh

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Amulets Found in Tomb at Sakkarah, Egypt

Received from Ray E. Schwind, E. M. Violette Museum

These stone amulets depict various ancient Egyptian images, including a Scarab on the left. In reality a species of dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer was considered sacred to the Ancient Egyptians. Don't worry, though; if this amulet were dropped on the floor it would not turn into a flesh-eating bug as depicted in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Mummy.

Necklace of Elephant Carvings

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

From India. Made of ivory.

Fragments of the Berlin Wall, Germany

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Alabaster Fragment from Giza, Egypt

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Picked up from the top of one of the pyramids at Giza when the lender was a child. At that time, people were allowed to climb the actual pyramids all the way to the top, resulting in damage and small acts of grave-robbing such as this.

Toy Camels, leather and wood

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

As a child, the lender owned three toy camels: a wooden one that her father had himself as a child, one made of actual camel skin, and a third, larger one made of camel skin that was similar to a child's rocking horse.

Inlaid Wooden Box from Egypt

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Matchbox of Sahara Sand

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Charm Bracelet

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Russian Tortoise Shell

(Kinixys homeana)

Truman State University Biology Department

Cactus Rain Stick from Chile

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

Model Vietnamese Stringed Instruments

Mrs. Shirley McKamie, Music Department

Model Vietnamese Stringed Instruments

Mrs. Shirley McKamie, Music Department

Model of "The Iron Maiden"

Received from Professor Gebhart, E. M. Violette Museum

Miniature medieval torture device of unknown purpose (possibly to torture small rodents and/or Barbie dolls, but unlikely).

Four Phrenology Books

Dr. Robert Tigner, Psychology Department

Left to right: "Combe's System of Phrenology" (1830), "Character" by Samuel Smiles (1871), "How to Read Character" by Samuel R. Wells (1870), and "New Illustrated Self-instructor in Phrenology and Physiology" by Lorenzo N. Fowler (1869).

Naga Tobacco Pipe

Gift of Lt. Col. W. M. Reiger, E. M. Violette Museum

Bought by Col. Reiger in Africa. The colonel saw a native man smoking the pipe, and he liked it so much that he bought it from the man on the spot - while he was still smoking it!

World War II German Tobacco Pipe

Received from Lewis Shoemaker, E. M. Violette Museum

Ashtray from Cyprus

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Large Phrenology Head

Dr. Robert Tigner, Psychology Department

Phrenologists identified 27 to 36 locations around the skull and head that supposedly identified traits such as amativeness, acquisitiveness, veneration, etc. One phrenological study found that a group of prostitutes all shared similar readings/head patterns!

Large Phrenology Head

Dr. Robert Tigner, Psychology Department

On this head is inscribed "Phrenology - A Study of Mind." Phrenology was, by today's standards, terrible science, basing its conclusions on anecdotal evidence, confirmation bias, and unfalsifiable theories. This practice is, however, where the phrase "better get your head checked" come from!

Coin of Alexander the Great

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Carved Basket

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

Made from a peach pit.

California King Snake in Jar

(Lampropeltis getula californiae)

Truman State University Biology Department

Flying Dragon in Jar

(Agamidae draco)

Truman State University Biology Department

Five Tiger Salamanders in Jar

(Ambystoma tigrinum)

Truman State University Biology Department

Ship's Compass

Received from Mr. & Mrs. Orin Porter, E. M. Violette Museum

Taken from a Scottish ship around 1870 by Mr. Porter's grandfather while he worked on the ship.

Red-eared Slider Shell

(Trachemys scripta)

Truman State University Biology Department

The population of this species of semiaquatic turtle was hugely damaged by the pet industry in the 1990s. This is possibly due in part to the fact that the Red-eared Slider was widely believed to be the species that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a popular kids' television show at the time, were based on.

Spyglass, 19th century

Received from Mrs. Ralph Bement of Kirksville, MO, E. M. Violette Museum

Tarsier Specimen

(family: Tarsiidae)

Truman State University Biology Department Mammal and Teaching Collections

Normally used in the classroom as teaching aids, these taxidermied specimens are the rejects of the Biology collection. Because they have been poorly or incorrectly preserved, or in some cases are simply far too unusual, they are not ideal for use in the classroom and have been retired from regular academic use.

Eastern Pipistrelle Bat

(Pipistrellus subflavus)

Truman State University Biology Department Teaching Collection

Normally used in the classroom as teaching aids, these taxidermied specimens are the rejects of the Biology collection. Because they have been poorly or incorrectly preserved, or in some cases are simply far too unusual, they are not ideal for use in the classroom and have been retired from regular academic use.

Railway Lantern

Dr. Paula Cochran, Communication Disorders Department

Fossilized Crinoid Stem

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Surveyor's Instrument

Kirksville State Teachers College, Courtesy of E. M. Violette Museum

Fossilized Fish

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

This specimen was, amazingly enough, found on accident by Dr. Minch, after accidentally tripped over and kicked a rock which then broke in half to reveal the fossil inside. Talk about stumbling upon treasure!

Fossilized Fern

Dr. Kevin Minch, The Truman Institute

Phrenology Head

Dr. Robert Tigner, Psychology Department

Part of the supposed evidence supporting Phrenology was the incorrect assumption that the skull fit over the brain perfectly and that the bumps on your head matched the bumps on your brain. Even small advancements in cranial surgeries easily debunked this myth.

Cycladic Head

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Reproduction of Greek original c. 2500 BCE.

Romanesque Head of Moses

Dr. Lynn Rose, History Department

Reproduction of a French original c. 1050 BCE.