The teeth are arranged in form after the pattern of the jaw into which they are inserted; hence are the reflex in their collective form of the signification of the jaw, as, for example, a very narrow circle of the jaws gives narrow, crowded, or overlapping teeth. Each of these conditions presents a secondary characteristic sign. A broad circle of the alveolar arch shows that the bony system is on a broad scale, and that peculiarity indicates characteristics quite different from the former. In the section devoted to the lower jaw in this chapter will be found descriptions of the most usual forms of these features; taken in connection with thas section they will afford a great deal of physiognomical knowledge not to be obtained from any other source.

The "gums," as the alveolar processes are commonly termed. are also highly significant of character; their color, size, form, and relative position are all most positive indices of physical, mental. and moral power or weakness. The teeth and gums, taken in connection with the associated lips, jaws, and mouth, afford a wide field for physiognomical research. They not only reveal the present condition of the subject, but also disclose the alimentive conditions of his ancestors, for the form of an alveolar arch and a set of teeth are not created in one generation, but are the outcome of many generations, and betray their dietetic habits as well as associated moral powers.

The teeth of an adult are thirty-two in number; there are eight front teeth, termed "incisors," or cutting teeth, four in each jaw. The canine teeth come next, two in each jaw. The molars, or grinding teeth, are twenty in number, ten in each jaw. The general idea in regard to teeth is that they are bones; this is erroneous. A close analysis of their constituents, aided by the sciences of evolution and embryology, proves them to be the product of the outer skin, and it is from this primitive base that the alimentary canal also arises.

Says Professor Haeckel :

The teeth originate from the outer skin-covering, which covers the jaws; for as the formation of the whole mouth-cavity takes place from t outer germ-layer, the teeth must of course also have developed origina from the skin-layer. This can be actually proved by close microscopic examination of the most delicate structural features of the teeth. The se of fishes, especially of sharks, are in this respect exactly similar to thr teeth. Thus, the human teeth in their earliest origin are modified fish-scales."

Additional evidence of their origin and structure is derived from anatomy. Dr. Robinson Harrison makes the following state ment in regard to their constituents:

* The Evolution of Man, Ernst Haeckel, vol. ii, p. 331.

As the teeth are intimately attached to the maxillary bones, and apparently are allied to the osseous more than to any other structure, their general anatomy may now be examined. They are not, however, to be considered as part of the skeleton, as they have not appeared in the very young, and are frequently absent in the very old; neither, critically, do they constitute a part of the osseous system, but rather appertain to the digestive apparatus, being the mechanical instruments employed in the prehension, separation, and mastication of the food, the incisors cutting and dividing it, the canines tearing it, and the molars bruising and grinding it. In zoological science the teeth serve as an important element in the classification of the animal kingdom; their peculiar form and structure indicate the nature of the food on which the animal is to subsist; and as the digestive organs must be so modified as to convert the numerous varieties into chyle, and as the limbs must be adapted for its prehension, so the teeth must bear an intimate relation to the entire organization as well as to the habits of the animal.*

From the foregoing statements we may take it for granted that the teeth are very important physiognomic significators.

The Form of the Lower Alveolar Arch.-The alveolar process is that part of the jaws into which the teeth are inserted, and in connection with the entire jaw-bone defines the form which the arch or circle of the teeth exhibits in different subjects; in some this circle is very narrow and the teeth crowded and overlapping, revealing an abnormal development of the jaw-bone; in others it is proportionately broad and the teeth even and regular.

The normal size of the jaw-bones is such as to allow space for the teeth to enlarge to their proper form, and present a regular row of perfectly-formed teeth. All departures from this condition may be considered as variations from a normal standard. The regularity of the teeth, then, it will be seen, depend primarily upon the form of the jaw-bones, and an exterior inspection of the size of the jaws will often reveal the condition of the teeth. The projection of one row of teeth beyond the other is shown exteriorly by the protrusion of the lips, and when this is very great it produces "prognathism," and, as this condition is normal in animals and in some savages, we must regard all excessive prognathism as indicative of inferiority of some part of the mental or moral makeup. A physiognomical analysis will in every subject demonstrate this to be the case. From the foregoing we may deduce the fact that evenly-set, regular teeth denote a more-even disposition and a better-developed mind than where the opposite condition exists.

As before stated, the forms of the circle of the teeth will naturally repeat the form of the jaw-bone; hence, those with an oval lower jaw will present a circuloid arrangement of teeth, while those with a square lower jaw will exhibit a squared or rectangular

* Harrison's Anatomy, p. 596.

appearance of the features. Those with a sharp-pointed lower jaw will present teeth rather crowded or overlapping.

Breadth of the circle argues a broad mind, as compared to those with a very narrow circle; and if this circle be inclined to the rectangular form, that is, when a decided angle is formed at the canine teeth, there exists the inherent principle of the angle, viz., conscientiousness, fidelity, order, perseverance, morality, and. if the angle be extremely marked, severity also. Washington's lower jaw is a good illustration of breadth and angularity. This must not be confounded with the contrary angular jaw, which has its angle farther back upon the lower jaw; the angle in the former case is in its normal place.

Narrowness of the circle, when extreme, is accompanied by crowding and irregularity of the teeth. This form is indicative of a narrow mind and weak moral nature, and if the front teeth overlap each other, as in the rodent, it is an infallible sign of an acquisitive or miserly nature.

The curving of the teeth, either inward or outward, tell a story. If they curve from the gum inward there is a certain degree of feebleness of digestion, accompanied with rather ordinary mental powers; that is, where the curve is excessive.

The outward curving or projection of the upper teeth, if it be excessive, so that the teeth project forward and fall upon the lower lip, denotes a certain degree of generosity and kindness, which is the compensation for some mental or moral deficiency. So glaring a departure from the normal or highest standard of position argues a corresponding defect somewhere in the mind; a physiognomical reading of the face will reveal it, but as it differs in different subjects its meaning must be sought for in each individual face.

The outward projection of the lower teeth, if excessive, is indicative of stupid, brutal, or other undeveloped conditions. (See section on the "Lower Lip," in this chapter.)

Form and Size of the Teeth.-The teeth may be divided gen erally into broad and narrow and long and short, with the combinations resulting from these qualities. As a rule, teeth which are both broad and short indicate strong vital powers, allied to the carnivora in the taste; that is to sav, a taste for flesh diet.

Long and narrow teeth tives often exhibit this form.

fruit and grain caters.

belong to weak people. Consump These belong to the granivorous.

Medium-sized teeth, if regular, even, and normally placed, denote a good constitution and even temper, provided they are white or slightly yellowish-white.

A regular and even set of teeth announce a normal develop

ment of the bones of the upper and lower jaws; hence, signify evenness of disposition and a normal construction of the digestive tract.

Irregular teeth, if large, show a commonplace mind, or abnormal condition of mind. Irregularities of the teeth and jaw are most frequently met with in those who have inherited weakly or abnormally developed minds and bodies. The following I quote from a reliable source as strengthening my position upon this point. Tusks, or tushes, are caused by the abnormal development of the canine teeth, and are a reversion to carnivorous types. Wherever found they reveal a modicum of cruelty or malignancy :

By examining the mouths of 1977 idiots, there were found to be 159 with protrusion of the superior maxilla and 92 with protrusion of the inferior maxilla. These deformities do not exist to such an extent among healthy individuals.*

Very white teeth of a pearly whiteness are found associated with black eyes and hair and a brunette complexion.

Yellowish-white teeth appertain to the blonde and chatain type. As a general principle, the more the teeth and gums are displayed in conversation, the less profound the mind.

Children, negroes, and other undeveloped races show a great proportion of the teeth in conversation. The teeth of the upper and lower jaws of most even-tempered and thoughtful persons meet exactly or nearly so; those whose upper or under teeth project greatly the one beyond the other are uneven in temper and not so much developed in intellect as in the passions and emotions.

The only physiognomical observations by a dentist which I have been able to find on the physiognomical meaning of the teeth are the following:

In studying the disposition and general physical make-up of man, in connection with his teeth with regard to artificial dentures, I find six general outlines as indicative of certain characteristics theoretically subject only to modifications in gestation, education, and culture with heredity.

First, those teeth that naturally curve from the gum-margin in toward the mouth represent the penurious disposition. Second, those that protrude toward the lips and cheeks, the inquisitive disposition. [He might have added the generous also.] Third, those that are vertical or having a slightly outward slant represent the even tempered. [Very good indeed.] Fourth, those having a horseshoe curve from molar to molar around the grinding and cutting surfaces denote the fleshy and jolly. Fifth, those teeth nearly in a straight line from cuspid to cuspid, and thence to last molar having the cuspids prominent, indicate angularity of disposition and features, and a slender body and face. Sixth, an easy oval, between the round and angular, indicates full habit and evenly-balanced organization.†

* American System of Dentistry, Litch, 1887.

+ Dental Independent, p. 122, April, 1883, J. M. Hurlt, Peoria.

All this is excellent, and if more dentists were to use their powers of observation and comparison in this direction they could supply a rich fund of dental physiognomy. Emerson, a close observer of facial characteristics, observes: "What power and what limitations the teeth betray!" And Lavater, with his keen observation, says:

Whoever leaves his teeth foul, and does not attempt to clean them, certainly betrays much of the negligence of his character, which does him no honor; as are the teeth of man, that is to say, their form, position, and cleanliness (so far as the latter depends upon himself), so is his taste.

Much, indeed, might be written on the meanings of the teeth; to be convinced of this, were we but to observe the teeth of an individual during a single day, or contemplate with reference to this particular an apartment crowded with fools, we should not then for a moment deny that the teeth in conjunction with the lips are very characteristic, or that physiognomy has gained another token, which triumphs over all the arts of dissimulation.*

ANIMAL TYPES OF TEETH.

The beaver and squirrel exhibit teeth which are indicative of the acquisitive and saving faculties; the bear shows destructiveness and malignancy in the form of its teeth, while the tusks of the wild boar and rhinoceros reveal ferocity. The rattlesnake exhibits long, inward-curved fangs, denoting both weakness of mind and brutal disposition. Even in the animal world the form and size of the teeth reveal mental, moral, and physiological peculiarities, as comparison of the carnivorous with the granivorous animals will prove.

THE GUMS.

That portion of the alveolar process in which the teeth are encased is commonly termed the "gums;" this part of the mouth is of great importance as a significator of character, for it not only reveals the mental status, but it also discloses congenital physiological conditions of the alimentary tract. These appearances announce not only the inherited alimentary status of the subject, but also disclose the dietetic habits of his ancestors.

In a normal condition of the mouth the gums should not show at all in conversation. When the gums show to a great extent when the mouth is in repose, or while engaged in conver sation, it is indicative of either a scrofulous or consumptive tendency; this peculiarity arises from a deteriorated condition of the system, transmitted from ancestors who have for generations been subject to very poor or insufficient diet and deprivation of social and mental advantages, as is well illustrated by the lowest classes

* Lavater's Essays, p. 396.