If we regard either hand closely, we notice that the surface of the
fingers and palms consists of elevations, depressions and lines. The
ancients gave these different formations separate names to which they
attached certain meanings.
For the purpose of divination the science of palmistry is of great
importance, because it is these selfsame lines and elevations in the
palm which betray the character and disposition of its possessor. The
old notion that they also disclose his future has been discarded by
modern authorities.
The lines on the palm remain unchangeable and irremovable. This has
been often proved in the cases where through accident the palm happened
to become disfigured; even where the entire skin came off, it was
observed that these delicately indented lines which seemed to be only
in the superficial layer of the skin were in reality indelibly stamped
into the tissues of the hand, and the new skin bore them in the same
manner.
[A] _The significance of the lines and mountains of the hands are
compiled from several old and authentic treatises on Palmistry._
The Line of Life and the Line of Fate are the only ones to undergo any
change, and they are also the lines which, though unable to hint the
future, clearly show the earliest past and the direction which the
possessor should pursue. But despite some pretensions to the effect, it
is impossible to tell whether the objects sought for will be reached.
When it is desired to do that the other lines which are unchangeable
must be called to assistance. For instance, if the Line of Character is
strong and well defined, the palmist assumes that the object will be
accomplished, and _vice versa_. As may be seen, this method is one of
probabilities rather than positive truths.
The chief value of palm-reading consists in the helpful suggestions
which it offers to the conscientious psychic in his efforts to unravel
the future of his client.