zoonomyhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoonomy_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoonomy, n.
Revised 2017

zoonomynoun

Now historical and rare.
  1. 1.
    1800–
    The branch of science concerned with the laws or principles of animal life, variously interpreted as covering the internal anatomy, physiology, or growth and development of animals (sometimes contrasted with purely descriptive zoology); animal physiology.
    1. 1800
      The principal objects of Zoonomy, considered as a physical science, are consequently, the rules and laws of animal nature.
      Medical & Physical Journal vol. 3 281
    2. 1811
      Whatever relates to the origin of species..belongs to problems in zoonomy.
      J. Black, translation of A. von Humboldt, Political Essay New Spain vol. III. 66
    3. 1841
      Under the head of Zoonomy..we would treat of the general structure and functions of animals.
      R. Park, Pantology xi. i. 377
    4. 1869
      One of the many works which are appearing nowadays designed to reconcile the teachings of zoonomy and geology with the Bible.
      New York Herald 6 December 5/6
    5. 1901
      It is really a great practical school of zoönomy and agriculture.
      W. Walton, Paris Known & Unknown 300/2
    6. 1957
      Zoonomy, the laws dealing with animal life.
      I. F. Henderson & W. D. Henderson, Dictionary Sci. Terms (ed. 6) 529/2
    7. 1977
      If geology could not be reduced to chemistry, far less could zoonomy submit to such reduction.
      Stud. in Romanticism vol. 16 370
  2. 2.
    1815–
    The theory that the mental powers or characteristics of an individual consist of separate faculties, each of which has its location in an organ found in a definite region of the surface of the brain; = phrenology n. 2.
    1. 1815
      Sketch of the New Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain and Nervous System of Drs. Gall and Spurzheim, considered as comprehending a complete system of Zoonomy.
      T. Forster (title)
    2. 1887
      The pursuits of palmistry, chiromancy, craniology, zoonomy, and esoteric physiology are never likely to lack adherents and disciples.
      Standard 7 January 5/3
    3. 1914
      The system..which he called ‘Zoonomy’ is rich in suggestion, and..may contain more truths than is generally supposed.
      J. T. McIntyre, Ashton-Kirk Special Detective vi. 96
    4. 1974
      Known also as ‘cranioscopy’, ‘craniology’, and ‘zoonomy’, phrenology was the creation of a Viennese physician, Franz Joseph Gall.
      Journal Modern History vol. 46 87

zoonomy, n. was revised in June 2017.

zoonomy, n. was last modified in July 2023.