Andrew Combe

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  Andrew Combe

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  Andrew Combe by John Hutchison, 1889

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  25 Northumberland Street, Edinburgh

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  The Combe grave, St Cuthbert's, Edinburgh

Andrew Combe

Andrew Combe (1797–1847) was a prominent Scottish physician and phrenologist, known for his contributions to the field of phrenology and his writings on health and hygiene. He was the younger brother of George Combe, a leading figure in the phrenological movement.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Combe was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1797. He was the son of a brewer and was educated at the High School of Edinburgh. He later attended the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine. Combe graduated with a degree in medicine in 1819.

Medical Career

After completing his studies, Combe began his medical practice in Edinburgh. He was particularly interested in the relationship between mental and physical health, which led him to the study of phrenology. Combe believed that understanding the structure of the brain could provide insights into human behavior and personality.

Contributions to Phrenology

Andrew Combe was an active member of the Phrenological Society of Edinburgh, which was founded by his brother George Combe. He contributed to the development of phrenology as a scientific discipline and wrote extensively on the subject. His works helped popularize phrenology in the 19th century.

Writings on Health

In addition to his work in phrenology, Combe was a prolific writer on topics related to health and hygiene. His book "The Principles of Physiology Applied to the Preservation of Health" was widely read and translated into several languages. In this work, Combe emphasized the importance of understanding physiological principles to maintain good health.

Later Life and Legacy

Andrew Combe's health began to decline in the 1840s, and he spent his later years in Italy in an attempt to recover. He died in 1847 in Gorgonzola, near Milan. Despite his relatively short life, Combe's contributions to medicine and phrenology had a lasting impact. His writings continued to influence the fields of health and education long after his death.

Related Pages

• George Combe
• Phrenology
• University of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh