which assist its operatons; but it is the optic nerve which by its expansion gives the sense of sight, and in this organ we have the sign for the development of the nervous system. The brightness of the eye is one sign of the quality of the nervous system. The capacity of the eye to receive instant and accurate impressions depends upon the high quality of the nervous system combined with a perfect mechanical construction, and brightness of the eye is one of the facial signs for high quality. HEARING. The external ear, being mainly of a muscular or cartilaginous nature, is an exponent of the muscular system, and as the facial signs alone are now being described it is quite appropriate to make mention of a feature so nearly related to those facial features which stand in direct relationship to the ear. The mouth, larynx, and nose are all concerned in the production of tone or sound; hence, they stand in close and intimate relationship with the ear-the organ which receives and judges of sound. The most muscular ears are round, short, and thick. The cars of those in whom the osseous system is supreme are relatively thinner and longer, not so circular, but more angular or elliptical in their outlines. The ear of the vegetative person is also round, but is thicker than the purely muscular ear, and shows a greater development of soft, fatty tissue in harmony with the dominant development of the rest of the body. A neck thick and straight at the back is another sign of the predominance of the muscular system. There are many other distinguishing signs of this tissue in various parts of the body, which will be treated of in their proper place. THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM.-An extended description of the bony system is not given here for the reason that it has been amplified in the third chapter. Suffice it to say that the principal facial sign for this system is shown by the development of the bones of the lower part of the forehead, denominated "the superciliary ridges," or, as one might say in simple language, the bones of the eyebrows. Where these bones project greatly, the bony system of the entire body is correspondingly developed. It is true that other parts of the face disclose the predominance of this system, but this is the most reliable and also the most prominent bone of the face. Where this system has supremacy, the bones of the nose will be high and long as compared to a purely muscular nose, for bone tends to lengthen and muscle to shorten features as well as the trunk and limbs. The chin is relatively long and wide, also the upper lip relatively long, the forehead square, and the malar or check-bones prominent. The general effect produced by the predominance of the osseous system is squareness and length, in contradistinction to the muscular system, for where this system is in the ascendency curves and arches appear in every part of the face and body. Where the eyebrows are greatly arched, the osseous system is not so well developed as where they assume a horizontal shape. The reason for this is obvious; bones produce straight lines and angles, while muscle creates curves. Character can just as well be comprehended by understanding and applying these basic principles of Form as by a more elaborate examination, for Form comes by design and is based on unchangeable principles, hence can be delineated and translated into character. THE BRAIN AND NERVE SYSTEM.-A short description of the external form of this system, which is divided into four principal divisions (but really forming one system), will now be given. Anatomists divide the nervous system into four principal parts, viz, the brain, the spinal cord, the nerves, and the ganglia. The student of physiognomy will do well to study the anatomical and physiological formation of this most important system, for, taken in connection with physiognomy, it will be most valuable and instructive. The prominent facial signs for the predominance of this system are width and height of the forehead, height of the brain above the ears, a pyriform or pear-shaped face, the nose and chin relatively small; bright, clear eyes; fine, thin, sensitive skin; small nostrils, fine hair, and thin eyebrows. These signs indicate the supremacy of this system over all others. Where the brain system is observed in combination with the osseous or muscular systems well developed, the features partake of some of the distinguishing characteristics of all of these systems. Happily there are very few persons in the community who exhibit the brain system in the ascendency, for it almost always denotes delicacy and shortness of life. Unsupported by a good thoracic development and strong digestive powers, a large brain, even of the highest quality, is a serious disadvantage, for the unceasing mental activity which is characteristic of subjects thus formed will soon wear them out. Smallness of the bones and muscles accompany this system and show its extreme delicacy of structure. The hands and feet are relatively small and thin, the chest flat, and the joints small. If we were to depend solely upon dissections of the brain to guide us as to its office and purpose in the human economy, we should be quite in the dark in regard to its powers. Unlike the visceral organs of the body, whose operations can be understood by examining them in the dissecting-room, the brain does not disclose its capacity for thought through the experiments of anatomists. We are obliged, therefore, to pursue other methods of investigation in order to discover its mode of action and the meanings of its external formation. The study by physicians of those with disordered or defective minds, together with the investigation of those whose brains have been accidentally injured, has given the world the most definite knowledge in regard to the method of action of this portion of man's structure, while the observations and comparisons of physiognomists have advanced our understanding of the meaning of the forms of the brains observed in the various races of man. Great attention is now paid to the training of the feebleminded and imbecile, as well as to the treatment of the insane, and it is here that the most marked advance in mental knowledge has been made. While the brain and nervous system is in a normal condition and acting healthfully, it does not present (strange as it may seem) so fruitful a field for investigation as the mind in disorder; on the principle that a man would never think of inquiring into the construction of a complete piece of machinery so long as all went well with it, but directly it becomes disordered and performs its work poorly, he then investigates and endeavors to remedy it by a study of the principles involved in its construction. As physiognomists, we are much concerned in the external shape and other physical indications of the brain, as well as in the laws affecting its internal action. In delineations of character we can derive assistance from the observations and research of physicians to the insane, and of anatomists who make a special study of this portion of the human anatomy, while physiognomical observation can also be of assistance to these classes of investigators. The theoretical division of this work has, I opine, given the reader the idea that other organs of the body are of equal importance with the brain. The ancients instinctively comprehended this, for Taine tells us that The Greeks, having assigned to the body a dignity of its own, were not tempted like the moderns to subordinate it to the head. A chest breathing healthily, a trunk resting solidly on the thighs, and a nervous, supple leg, impelling the body forward with ease, they did not occupy themselves solely with the breadth of a thoughtful forehead, with the frown of an irritated brow, or a turn of a sarcastic lip.* A large brain of high quality, together with large lungs, good digestive and fair muscular and osseous development, will exhibit uncommonly great mental power; but a large brain, particularly a large front brain, without most of these accessories, will exhibit either feebleness and dullness of mind or such feebleness of body as to make the brain of little practical benefit. A moderate-sized * Philosophy of Art, H. Taine, p. 135. brain with large lungs will disclose more mental vigor than a merely large front brain, for the largest brains on record have been those of idiots. TOUCH.-The entire outer skin-covering is the organ of touch through which our impression of temperature and the divers qualities of objects come to us. The finer the skin, the more vivid, accurate, and powerful will be the capacity for receiving impressions of surrounding objects and atmospheres, etc. The tips of the fingers and the tip of the tongue are the most sensitive to tactile impressions. MENTAL SIGNS OF CHARACTER IN THE FACE. FIRST SUBDIVISION (1).-By dividing the face into five parts we are enabled to make a ready estimate of the relative development of these several subdivisions. Where there is great length or great relative length and breadth from the nostrils downward, including the chin, the domestic, social, and moral faculties are most decidedly exhibited. (See Fig. 15.) These mental faculties are named as follows: Conscientiousness, Firmness, Benevolence, Economy, Alimentiveness or Digestion, Amativeness, Love of Young, Patriotism or Love of Country, Love of Home, Hospitality, Mirthfulness, Friendship, Approbativeness, Self-esteem, and Modesty. SECOND SUBDIVISION (2).—The division of the face lying between the nostrils and the line drawn across the middle of the nose discloses the locality where the facial signs for Imagination, Sublimity, Constructiveness, Mental Imitation, and Analysis are situated, as well as the signs for Hope and Acquisitiveness. The noses most developed in width and height at the lower part are seen in the countenances of the most talented artists and writers. Here the term "artist" is used in its most comprehensive sense, and includes all kinds of artists, such as actors, poets, painters, sculptors, elocutionists, orators, writers, and athletes. Rembrandt's nose is an excellent illustration of one type of artist, so also is the nose of Dickens. Wilkie Collins' nose exhibits another form of the dramatic writer's nose. Many persons term these large noses "homely," perhaps because they are not in accord with the ideas of Greek art. Now, art-ideas of the human face are formed without any reference as to the real meaning of the outlines delineated, hence it is that Art utterly fails as a revelator of character and physiognomy. Lavater tells us that Characters pregnant with strong contending powers generally contain in the prominent features of the face somewhat of the severe, violent, and perplexed; consequently are very different from what the Grecian artists and men of taste name beauty."* * Lavater's Essays, p. 29. We are not to be disappointed because Art fails to expound the meanings of forms in a scientific manner. Art is intended more for sensuous enjoyment and amusement than for instruction, and all classes of artists are not noted for the high grade of prac FIG. 15.-LOCAL SIGNS FOR THE MENTAL FACULTIES. ticality and reason which characterizes scientists, whose province is to investigate natural laws and expound them, while Art is merely imitative, and aims at exciting the emotions mainly; yet both are useful to humanity. |