A new science of the relationship of the brain and the rest of the body, which was proposed by Joseph Rhodes Buchanan (1814-99). Working from phrenological theory, Buchanan proposed the idea that the body is basically expressive of character. He concluded that each part of the body’s surface had interesting psychological powers, as well as certain physiological characteristics. Thus, each part of the skin exercises a direct action on a particular part of the brain through the nervous system. Buchanan explored these relationships in an effort to discover their value for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. In the end, he was unable to influence even the majority of his colleagues who taught phrenology, and sarcognomy died for lack of supporting evidence.