And here we might descant, at considerable length, and with much show of
learning, on the influence of the Mind over the Body. We might impugn
the wisdom of those who, undertaking to cure either, have forgotten that
they were so intimately united and mutually dependent, that they could
not be treated separately with success. We might show that the first
step of the physician towards curing mental disorder, is to free the
body from disease; and that of him who would cure the body, is,
ofttimes, to apply his remedies to the derangement of the mind. But,
though by so doing we might swell our pages and eke out an additional
chapter—an important consideration if we were a mere book-maker—we shall
not, as we have some qualms of conscience whether it would be quite
germane to the matter in hand. It might not, however, be out of place to
remind the reader that physiognomy, or the form which mind gives to the
features, is universally recognised. A pleasant mouth, a merry eye, a
sour visage, a stern aspect, are some of the common phrases by which we
daily acknowledge ourselves to be physiognomists; for by these
expressions we mean, not that the mouth is pleasant or the visage sour,
but that such is the mind which shines out from them. If it were the
face alone which we thus intended, we should never trouble or concern
ourselves about a human countenance, nor be attracted, nor repulsed by
one, any more than if it were a carved head on a gothic waterspout, or a
citizen’s door-knocker. We all acknowledge the impression given by the
mind to the mouth and the eyes because they express Temper and the
Passions—those feelings which more immediately interest us in our mutual
intercourse—and because they change with the feelings; now flashing with
anger, or sparkling with pleasure, compressing with rage, or smiling
with delight.
But because the Nose is uninfluenced by the feelings which agitate and
vary the mind, and, is, therefore, immovable and unvaried, no one will
hear the theory of Nasology broached without incredulity and risibility.
Because the Nose is subject only to those faculties of mind which are
permanent and unfluctuating; and is, therefore, likewise permanent and
unfluctuating in its form, men have paid no attention to its
indications, and will, accordingly, abuse as an empiric and dotard the
first Nasologist. But, is there, _à priori_, any thing so unreasonable
in attributing mental characteristics to the Nose, when we all daily
read each other’s minds in the Nose’s next-door neighbours, the eyes and
mouth? Is not the _à priori_ inference entirely in favour of a negative
reply? And that, _à posteriori_, it may confidently be replied to in the
negative will, it is hoped, presently appear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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