thing clearly but when they are enveloped in clouds of smoke. And there can be no doubt that other inhabitants of the civilized and uncivilized world exhibit in their frontispieces equally distinctive characteristic attributes. And were we to look at home, who could not detect at a glance, by his cute' features, the purveyor of wooden nutmegs ? Does not all this speak volumes for the truth of our science? Again, the professions and trades have also a decided influence in determining the character of the countenance, so that even where nature has originally impressed the features with a marked dissimilarity, they nevertheless acquire, from this cause, a peculiar resemblance in expression. This is owing, of course, to the particular pursuit calling into exercise a corresponding condition of the mind, and which, being habitual, exerts a direct and powerful influence over the features. The well known and admirably drawn portrait by Boz, of Squeers,' the Yorkshire school-master, is a case in point. What a mysterious compound does he represent!-exhibiting the broad grin of jesuitical politeness, coupled with the ill-disguised, because too legible, lines which none can mistake as indicative of tyrannical severity. These opposite emotions, so constantly alternating in his face, cause his features finally to assume the permanent expression already described. We find likewise in the physician the two-fold expression of profound and inscrutable sagacity, united with that blandness and affability of deportment so essential to the disciple of Esculapius. Who can fail to discover in the lawyer the characteristics of a stern cold-heartedness and cunning, which may be supposed to stop at nothing, where the interest of his client, and consequently his own, is concerned, provided only he is certain of legal indemnity? In him too we find the manifest expression of supercilious courtesy, and specious affability, even when he is deeply engaged in threading out the mazy sinuosities of his occult and neverto-be-by-common-people-understood profession. Again, in the clergyman: how can we fail to observe in some instances I admit more than others - the curious compound of an ill-disguised love of worldly enjoyments, united with an appearance of great sanctimoniousness, and a portion of the asceticism of the cloister, as well as contempt of all sublunary good? Should it be objected here that these sketches are not average portraits, it must be remembered that those selected have been preferred for their points of illustration simply, without the design of disparaging any class, by an attempt at carica ture. - But I should not omit, in enumerating the evidences of the validity of our theory, that we possess, in addition to this mass of incontestable demonstration, the records in its favor which are of divine origin: The countenance of the wise,' saith Solomon, 'showeth wisdom; but the eyes of the fool are in the ends of the earth.' And Ecclesiastes the Preacher: 'A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding, by his countenance, when thou meetest him.' Indeed, is it not a common maxim with us, that the face is the index of the mind?' Where we find so much apparent truth, it is scarcely just to insinuate all to be founded in error. But let us now glance at the probable advantages to be derived from the study and cultivation of this science. To acquaint himself with the principles which have been educed by the profound investigation applied to this interesting and important subject, is assuredly the duty, as it is the interest, of every diligent inquirer after truth. Man, composed as he is of a complex nature, is physically and morally a very mysterious being; and if we regard either his actions or his words, we shall find ourselves equally at a loss fully to ascertain the reality of his motives and intentions. But to enter into a detailed enumeration of the several advantages which result from the right application of this science, would require more space than can be allotted to it in the present essay: a single remark must suffice. Nothing is more important to man and to society than mutual intercourse. Any rational method, therefore, by which we may readily, as well as accurately, judge between the virtuous and the vicious, in forming our associations, must be of paramount value. Physiognomy then comes to our aid; it directs us when to choose, when to reject; when to speak, as well as when to be silent; when to console and when to reprove. Thus a more accurate acquaintance is ascertainable of the prevailing internal emotions and sentiments which determine the character, from the conformation of the external features of the countenance, than it is possible to attain by any other means. Lavater, the great father of this science, says: 'We know that nothing passes in the soul, which does not produce some change in the body; and particularly, that no desire, no act of willing, is exerted by the mind, without some corresponding motion at the same time taking place in the body. All changes of the mind originate in the soul's essence, and all changes in the body, in the body's essence. The body's essence consists in the conformation of its members; therefore the conformation of the body, according to its form, and the form of its constituent members, must correspond with the essence of the soul. In like manner must the varieties of the mind be displayed in the varieties of the body. Hence the body must contain something in itself, and in its form, as well as in the form of its parts, by which an opinion may be deduced concerning the native qualities of the mind. The question here does not indeed concern those qualities derived from education or observation; therefore, thus considered, physiognomy, or the art of judging a man by the form of his features, is well-founded.' The lines of the countenance constitute its expression, which expression is always true, when the mind is in a state of repose, and free from constraint; therefore, it is by them we are to discover, when in their native position, what are the natural bent and inclination of certain properties of the mind. Thus it is the province of this science to usurp the place of those crude and uncertain opinions, so commonly adopted, by which we imbibe at first sight either the feeling of preference or aversion toward an individual, and to aid us, by the ascertained principles of true philosophy, to arrive at correctness in our conclusions. This principle, however, has been applied by many of the advocates of Physiognomy to the entire human form. The most recent writer on the subject, Dr. A. Walker, whose anthropological works have met with so wide and deserved a popularity both in England and in this country, argues for this hypothesis, from the three great systems of which the animal economy is composed, viz. the locomotive, by means of the bones, ligaments, and muscles; the vital, or vascular, being the nutritive and secretive organs and absorbents, including also the blood-vessels; and the nervous, or mental, comprising the organs of sense, which possess the mysterious faculty of transmitting impressions from external objects. It is also ingeniously remarked of the location of these several systems, that there is a striking and curious analogy between them and the inferior orders of nature. We find the mechanical or locomotive organs, abstractly considered, are placed in the lowest situation, the extremities; while the bones, being essentially mineral, correspond with the lowest order of creation, the mineral kingdom. Those, again, which consist chiefly of the vital system, also appear to correspond with the second order, in the vessels which constitute vegetable life, being placed in a higher situation in the human body; while the nervous or mental system (proper to all animal existences, for all organized bodies are believed to possess both brain and certain nervous fibres) is placed in the head, corresponding with the highest order of creation. The science of anthropology, or anatomical development, has however but a collateral bearing upon our subject; yet it may not be amiss to take a passing notice of it, for the sake of illustration. This theory, as I have already intimated, is that of adapting the rules of physiognomical science to the developments of the entire human system, which is seen by the relative proportions of the bones, muscles, etc. Thus, for an instance of preeminent physical strength, the author refers to the muscular developments, as depicted in the statues of Hercules and the Gladiator, as constituting the beauty, and expressive of the power, of the locomotive system. Again, as in the ancient Saxons, where the body is found to be disproportionably large, and the limbs slender and small, an excess of the vascular system is portrayed. While again, as in the busts of Homer, and most specimens of Grecian sculpture, where the head is large, and the countenance expressive and indicative of thought, the beauty and power of the mental system is consequently denoted. But to return to the head and front' of our subject. Phrenologists divide the cranium into two great divisions; the cerebellum, or hinder portion, comprising the organs of sense, common to all animals, and the cerebrum, consisting of the organs of the mind: as these organs therefore respectively exhibit greater or less development, we discover the indications of the preponderance of the mental or animal qualities; as in all superior animals, the organs of sense are found precisely opposite where the face terminates, that is, opposite the articulation of the lower jaw, extending to the spine, and projecting from the occiput, or back of the head. Again, when the cerebrum is longest anteriorly, observation and intellect excels, and the reverse is seen where the animal qualities predominate. Thus physiognomy is in part allied both to phrenology and physiology, as seen in the comparative view of the three great organs of sensation, mental operation, and volition. This last faculty is situated at the back of the head, or cerebellum, while those of sense, being placed in the face, present every facility for physiognomical examination. These facul ties, or organs, are, it is well known, five in number; viz: touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. The intellectual parts of the countenance are at once self-evident; the forehead, the eye, and the ear. Where these are found amply developed, the head will be generally found of a pyriform shape, indicative of a predominance of intellectuality. We find this peculiarity displayed, in a striking manner, in the head of Daniel Webster. The expansion of the other parts of the head being adapted to animal and vital purposes are less distinctly marked: wherever these, however, are found in excess, there will also be observable a general roundness of the countenance, indicating a preponderating influence of the animal system. But it must be borne in mind, that the face not only presents organs of sense, but also those of impression, its muscular parts being under the control of the will. Had this been otherwise, we should not have been able to ascertain so accurately the extent of mental action. This then appears to be the first and most important rule of physiognomy, that of examining the preponderance of these organs respectively. How commonly do we hear it observed, that a face is beautiful, though utterly destitute of intellectual expression; and the reverse is equally true. This partial deficiency in expression is more generally observable in the countenances of the softer sex, although there are some lamentable instances, in a stronger degree, of this peculiarity in the other. Indeed I might take occasion to enlarge upon the subject of the diversity of expression in faces to as great a length and much greater than the reader's patience would permit; beginning perhaps with that which most nearly accords with the correct standard of beauty, through an almost infinite variety, down to that curious nondescript familiarly called a wry face,' and which is, remarkably enough for our argument, often indicative of a corresponding disposition. I should like to ask, by the way, while it occurs to me, what portrait painter would disavow his belief in physiognomy; for it seems to me, it is the life and soul of his profession; since character, otherwise called expression, is every thing to the success of a picture. But to resume. The observing faculties then appear to depend on the anterior part of the brain, corresponding to the forehead, the comparing on the middle, and the determining faculties on the posterior part of the brain. From the peculiar organ of touch, we chiefly derive ideas; from sight, emotions; and from hearing and tasting, desire or aversion. No illustration is required in confirmation of these apparent truths. The two intellectual organs, the eye and ear, resemble each other in being both duplex, and also in being situated separately on each hemisphere of the cranium; while the nose and mouth, being adapted for more animal purposes, are situated near to each other, and in the centre of the face. So necessary, indeed, is this approximation of smell and taste to animal purposes, that wherever we find the greatest preponderance of these, we invariably discover the increase and nearer approach of these organs on the other hand, so far as the eye and ear are organs of impression and not of expression, and as such connected with the brain by peculiar nerves, it is obvious that they are not animal, but purely intellectual. Thus much for general principles. I shall particularize very briefly these organs respectively. And first, touching touch. This sense, as is well known, is diffused over all the human system, but is more intense both at the lips and fingers' ends. The lips therefore may be said to represent this organ, and the degree of their linear or full development to indicate accordingly the possession of the faculty. The nose and mouth in a subordinate sense possess intellectual sympathies and associations. It is a curious fact, that all the parts connected with the lower jaw are acting parts. The under teeth act on the upper, the tongue on the palate, and most generally also the under lip on the upper. Accordingly, where we find the under lip obtruded, there is sure to be the active exercise of passion, either of desire or aversion: in the former case, it is said to be everted, and in the other inverted; while we invariably find the upper lip expands on receiving pleasurable impressions. Thus we may generally decide, that an equally yet moderately prominent development of both is characteristic of a well-balanced mind. Of the nose, that called Roman, possessing large capacity, and more directly constructed to admit odors, to impress the olfactory nerve, is considered usually as a favorable development; and that which is flat, defective in this. Again: the short up-turned nose is evidently calculated to receive more rapid impressions, while that of a long overhanging shape receives them more slowly. Width of the nose is said to denote the greater permanency of its functions, and its height, their intensity. In the total absence of elevation and delicate outline of the nose, as usually observable in the commoner Irish, will be found absence of sentiment; while the contrary is equally true. Bulwer, the novelist, I remember, is an instance in point. Of the eye, that which is large, being capable of more powerful impression, especially of projecting from its orbit, betokens large capability, while that of lesser magnitude and more receding, denotes on the contrary a deficiency of power. An iris of a dark color is said to possess more accuracy, and to be of a firmer character, while one that is blue, is the reverse. In the former, the rays of light are more concentrated and absorbed, while in the latter, these are rendered more indefinite and soft. The eyelids, like the mouth and nose, are active or passive: those beneath rise or fall, with sensations of pleasure or pain, while the upper lids receive or exclude impressions at will. Those therefore which are widely expanded, exemplify intensity and keenness of inspection, but little sensibility, while the contrary indicate greater sensibility, but less keen perception. This is observable when a person is reflecting; the brow becomes depressed and contracted; so it is in cases of anger, because the object that excites it is the subject of severe and scrutinizing inspection. On the contrary, an eyebrow greatly elevated denotes absence of thought. Again: the degree of susceptibility of the auditory nerve is in proportion to its thinness and delicacy of form. Those that project and incline forward, are less calculated to collect sound. An ear that is long between its upper margin and lobe, will be best adapted to receive the niceties of elevation and depression of sound, as well as its intensity. One of great breadth will, on the contrary, be best suited to its diffusion and permanence. It is said also that there is a striking analogy between the conformation of the ear and the organ of the voice. The great length and narrowness of the space between the nose and chin always indi |