The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy: To which is added an inquiry into the analogy existing between brute and human physiognomyPorta, Giambattista della
Philosophy
The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy: To which is added an inquiry into the analogy existing between brute and human physiognomy
Porta, Giambattista della
Physiognomy
This is the physiognomy of one designed by nature to be a man of
business; he does not possess the forehead of a poet, nor of one whose
impetuous imagination transcends the barriers of cold reason; but its
elevation and roundness at the summit, are proofs of a sedate, cool, and
reflecting mind. The nose announces firmness--benevolence is imprinted
on the mouth; but the bold shape of the lips betrays a slight
disposition to choler. This chin denotes a man incapable of violating a
trust, or betraying the confidence reposed in him, and it would seem as
if he had been formed to be essentially useful: as a man of business, a
lawyer, or a merchant, his probity and integrity will always render him
respectable.
[Illustration: 16]
No. XVI.
Firmness, judgment, and profundity, are the most striking
characteristics of this countenance. The bony formation of the head
shows that this person possesses a constancy of mind not easy to be
shaken: what he has once grasped will never escape him, and he will
always advance straight forward to the point. His materials will be
disposed with diligence and reflection, but without taste. His forehead,
however, is too concave, which lessens the superiority of his
character.
This phisiognomy is peculiarly appropriate to a lawyer or a
magistrate.
[Illustration: 17]
No. XVII.
Here is the phisiognomy of one who judges the actions and characters of
men with severity; he extends no indulgence to the follies of mankind,
although he yields them his commiseration when bewildered in the mist of
error. His scrutinizing look penetrates their thoughts, and his
intrepidity never suffers him to conceal from them the truth. His mouth
disclaims loquacity; on the contrary, he thinks much, and speaks little;
the shape of his forehead betokens a man of the highest intellectual
endowments: his mind, however, is methodical, and reason directs its
operations. His eyebrows designate a profound thinker, and the irregular
shape of the face holds forth the promise of originality of genius.
[Illustration: 18]
No. XVIII.
Benevolence and probity are depicted on this countenance, which is not
that of a man of the world, nor of one subservient to the punctilios of
etiquette, and the rules of politeness: for the face, bearing, as it
does, the stamp of frankness, seems rather to have the air of a person
of inferior rank; and its component features exhibit a kind of muscular
strength which is rarely discoverable in the wealthy inhabitants of a
great city. This proves that the face of a mechanic may display the
noblest qualities as unequivocally as the visage of a man of the most
exalted rank; and although not susceptible of the same delicacy of
sentiment, and of that nice attention to others, the deficiency is
supplied by open and cordial good nature. His features, collectively,
proclaim him possessed of intrepidity and calmness.
[Illustration: 19]
No. XIX.
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