"There are more things in Heaven and Earth...."
People who can see as far as the ends of their noses and then only
through a fog, declare (with a superior sniff) that Palmistry is
nothing but a trap to catch fools; they call it quackery, or declare
perhaps that it is merely a fake or blind guesswork.
Now, while we would be the first to deny that Palmistry is an exact
and infallible science, yet we just as strongly affirm that it is
undoubtedly a most fascinating and interesting recreation; as to its
truth, each one must decide that question for himself.
For the few who have a wish to take up this study seriously, there are
many now who will naturally wish to know just sufficient to be able to
"tell fortunes." Fortunetellers are always popular at some jolly party
or quiet friendly gathering of an evening.
In this book they will find all the simple information required; on
the other hand the student will find a sincere delight in reading and
sifting thoroughly the numerous books that probe the depths of the
subject.
Quite apart from any markings which may be upon the hand, a general
indication of the habits and temperament of the individual in question
can readily be gained by a careful examination of the texture or
quality of the skin.
It were as well to note here that the impressions gained must never
be taken by themselves, but only in conjunction with other confirming
signs. Especially is this so when judging the character of a friend or
acquaintance.
_TEXTURE OF SKIN._--The skin may, of course, be smooth or rough. To
judge this you should turn the hand in question back upwards; now get
the feel of the skin by actual touch; a smooth, fine-textured skin
denotes a refined nature, and _vice versa_. This is a very strong
indication indeed, insomuch that should there be other tendencies
pointing to coarseness of nature, this texture of the hand would have a
refining effect upon the whole.
_ELASTICITY OF THE HAND._--This is best tested by actual grip (as in
shaking hands). All hands naturally present some feeling of elasticity;
this is a matter of comparison, but it is very easy to tell the quick,
virile grip of an elastic hand to the dead fish feeling which a flabby
hand gives us when we grasp it.
_A FLEXIBLE HAND_ denotes an active and energetic person, one who will
be readily adaptable to new conditions. He will always rise to the
occasion, and manfully withstands the buffets of ill-fortune. This type
is always trustworthy and a good friend.
[Illustration: No. 6.--Beware of these Hands.--A shows a weak,
flattened thumb; B a curved little finger and C a coarse, short thumb.
Each has other defects as well.]
_A FLABBY HAND_--one that does not respond to your grip or responds but
sluggishly--is the hand of an idle man, untrustworthy and inconsistent,
a man of weak and negative character; but be sure to search well for
other confirming signs of this weakness.