OF THE HEAD

A large head, with a small triangular forehead, denotes a total want of understanding.

If the skull be loaded with fat and flesh, this is usually an indication of a shallow mind: much more if, at the same time, it be small and round; it then denotes stupidity.

Where the occiput, that is, the back part of the skull, is compressed, or, rather, where it exhibits a cavity, it is a sign of a weak mind, sometimes stubborn, and always contracted. (See pl. V.)

OF THE FOREHEAD.

It is by the shape and size of the forehead that we are to judge of the extent of a man’s understanding.

A gently arched forehead, without a single angle, evinces a mild disposition; and often, that the mind is destitute of energy. (See pl. XXIV.)

A smooth, open forehead, indicates peace of mind; when it is wrinkled and furrowed, it announces stormy passions, perturbation of mind, and old age: but in the latter instance, the wrinkles are more regular, less broken, and do not approach so near the eyes.

The upper part of the forehead only being wrinkled, gives to the visage a look of amazement, which sometimes approaches to folly.

Perpendicular wrinkles on the forehead give promise of great energy and application; but the contrary when they are cut transversely by others.

A forehead full of irregular protuberances is characteristic of a choleric temperament. (See pl. XXII.)

When we meet with horizontal lines at the junction of the nose and forehead, we may expect a harsh and unfeeling disposition. (See pl. VIII.)

Deep perpendicular incisions between the eyebrows, are evidence of strength of mind, provided they be not counterbalanced by other indications of a positively contrary import.

When the frontal vein appears distinctly in the midst of a forehead, open, uniform, and regularly arched, it announces extraordinary talent.

When the forehead is perfectly perpendicular, from the hair to the eyebrows, it denotes an utter deficiency of understanding. (See pl. V.)

But if it be, at the same time, arched toward the summit, it furnishes an indication of a profound, reflecting, cool mind. (See pl. XV.)

When the forehead is rounded and projecting, as is the case with the generality of infants, it evinces a weak mind; if it project very much, then it betrays the utmost degree of stupidity.

If it is rounding toward the summit, with a slight projection, and then descending in a straight line, it shows great judgment, an irritable disposition, but a heart of ice; a forehead of this description is frequently characteristic of melancholy.

A narrow forehead is usually the sign of a froward disposition.

If it incline backward, we may then anticipate rashness and want of reflection, especially if there be no very remarkable jutting of the bones of the eyes. (See pl. XXV.)

A high forehead is a mark of capriciousness.

Should the bone of the eye be projecting and plainly marked, this designates aptness for mental exertion.

OF THE EYEBROWS.

Small eyebrows always accompany a phlegmatic temperament. (See pl. XIII.)

If horizontal, they betoken a masculine and vigorous character. (See pl. VII.)

When they are partly horizontal, and partly curved, they denote energy and ingenuity.

If situated very high, they almost always evince a person incapable of reflection.

A wide space between the two eyebrows, designates a quick apprehension, a calm and tranquil soul.

The nearer they approach the eyes, the stronger is the assurance they give of solidity and reflection.

Angular, discontinuous eyebrows, mark an inventive genius.

When uneven and disordered, they are proofs of great vivacity.

Full, compact, well-disposed, and symmetrical eyebrows, are almost always indicative of solidity of judgment, and of clear sound sense.

OF THE EYES.

It is peculiarly the province of the eyes to declare the emotions of the soul, and to exhibit the workings of sentiment and passion.

Blue eyes are frequently found in persons of phlegmatic character; they are often indications of feebleness and effeminacy.

Black eyes portend energy.

If gray, they often mark a choleric disposition; in such case, the lids are red, drawn back, and sunken. (See pl. XXII.)

Hazel, or brown eyes, indicate vivacity and affability.

When the extremity near the nose is acute, it denotes cunning and finesse.

If the upper eyelid cross diametrically the ball of the eye, it is a sign of subtlety and cunning.

OF THE NOSE.

The nose is not a feature capable of conveying much expression; yet its form and relative position, in respect of other parts of the face, furnish some characteristics.

An aquiline nose designates an imperious temper, and ardent passions. (See pl. XXV.)

A nose, the ridge of which is large, denotes a mind endowed with qualities of a high order. (See pl. VII.)

When the sides of the nose are flexible, and perfectly disconnected, it betrays a proneness to sensuality.

A nose curved at the root, announces a personage born to command, firm in his purposes, and ardent in the pursuit. (See pl. XI.)

Small nostrils disclose timidity of soul.

A sharp pointed nose is characteristic of a passionate man. (See pl. XXII.)

OF THE MOUTH.

The mouth is the most expressive feature of the face; it is peculiarly the index to the discovery of character, and almost always represents the nature and disposition of the man; so delicate are the shades and varieties of which it is susceptible, that it would be impossible to describe them with perfect precision.

If the lips are thick and fleshy, this is a sign of sensuality and of slothfulness; it is always a characteristic of a phlegmatic temper. (See pl. XIII.)

A mouth frequently shut, lips closed, and strongly marked, appertain to the avaricious. (See pl. XIX.)

When the lower lip projects beyond the upper, it denotes negative goodness. (See pl. XIV.)

A closed mouth, concealing the edge of the lips, betokens a person of application, and inclined to regularity and neatness.

But if, at the same time, it turns up at the extremities, then it expresses affectation, arrogance, vanity, and malignity.

A large interval between the mouth and nose indicates want of prudence.

Full, distinct, and well-proportioned lips, designate a character hostile to falsehood, villany, and baseness, but with a propensity to pleasure.

OF THE CHIN.

An advancing, projecting chin is always a declaration of energy. (See pl. XX.) When pointed, it often denotes craft. (See pl. I.)

Should it, on the other hand, recede, it then indicates a character destitute of firmness.

When it is angular, it betokens a sensible mind, and a benevolent heart.

A flat chin announces coolness of temper. (See pl. XXVII.)

A smooth, fleshy, double chin, is indicative of sensuality.

A small chin is characteristic of timidity.

A round, dimpled chin, is a sign of good nature.

OF THE CHEEKS.

Fleshy cheeks denote a proneness to sensuality.

Should we discover in them a certain triangular hollow, it is an infallible sign of envy and jealousy.

Large and coarse furrows bear the impression of ill nature and brutality.

OF THE HAIR.

Short, black, coarse, curly hair, evinces a character somewhat irritable, and often shows it to be devoid of sensibility.

But light, soft hair, is evidence of a contrary disposition, and almost always denotes gentleness.

A striking contrast between the colour of a man’s hair and his eyebrows should excite suspicion.

OF THE NECK.

A long neck is declaratory of gentleness.

When short and thick, especially if the veins should be very conspicuous, it is an indication of a passionate man. (See pl. XXII.)

We will now conclude our discussion of the peculiar expression of the several features, and proceed to connect precept and example, by exhibiting a variety of physiognomies, and pointing out the different expressions of character which they display.