phrenology was developed in the eighteenth century by franz joseph gall, a doctor in vienna. his interest began at school when he noticed that boys with prominent eyes seemed to have the best memories. this led him to believe that a connection existed between appearance and ability. dr.gall's research interested many people,but he was ridiculed by other doctors. when he died in 1828, he was a poor and bitter man. it was only many years later that dr.gall's theories found support among some doctors and scientists, and today the art of phrenology has become more accepted.