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Rebury the "Atavistic Skull" Studied by Lombroso?
Rosagemma Ciliberti1, Giuseppe Armocida, Marta Licata
1From the *Section of Forensic Medicine and Bioethics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa; and †Centre of Research in Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|January 29, 2019
Summary
The skull of Giuseppe Villella, central to Lombroso's atavism theory, was legally retained by the Lombroso Museum. Despite the theory's invalidity, the court recognized the skull's cultural and forensic significance.
Area of Science:
- Forensic anthropology
- History of science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cesare Lombroso's atavism theory linked physical traits to criminal behavior.
- Giuseppe Villella, an Italian brigand, became a subject of scientific study after his death.
Observation:
- Lombroso noted a median occipital dimple on Villella's skull during autopsy.
- This anatomical feature, present in mammals but typically absent in humans, suggested cerebellar anomalies.
Findings:
- The observation of the occipital dimple contributed to Lombroso's theory of atavism.
- The Italian court's ruling affirmed the skull's status as cultural and forensic property.
Implications:
- The case highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding human remains in museums.
- It underscores the distinction between the scientific invalidity of a theory and the historical significance of its artifacts.