FACES
Next to the shape of the head, the facial expression furnishes us with
the most marked indication of the outer form accompanying the inner
mental state. In fact, many authorities hold that the facial expression
affords the most easily read and most comprehensive index of character,
and that, therefore, Physiognomy possesses many points of superiority
over Phrenology. The truth seems to be that Physiognomy and Phrenology
are twin-sciences, and that the true student of Human Nature should
acquaint himself thoroughly with both.
Physiognomy is "the science and art of discovering or reading the temper
and other characteristic qualities of the mind by the features of the
face." The philosophy underlying the science of Physiognomy has been
stated at length in the first several chapters of this book, the essence
of which is that _mental states manifest in outward form_. The majority
of persons apply the principles of Physiognomy more or less
unconsciously in judging the characters of those with whom they come in
contact. Nearly every one scans closely the features of those whom they
meet for the first time, and form a general impression therefrom.
Children and domestic animals possess an instinctive knowledge of facial
expression and can often tell very accurately the general disposition
toward them possessed by various persons. Certain persons are generally
considered to "look stupid," while others have "a bright, intelligent
expression"; some look "tricky," while others "look honest" and
trustworthy.
Professor Nelson Sizer says: "Though all human beings have the general
human form and features--though all have eyes, nose, mouth, chin, etc.,
yet each one has a different face and look from every other. And, more,
yet, the same person has a very different facial look at different
times, according as he is angry or friendly, etc. And always the same
look when in the same mood. Of course, then, something causes this
expression--especially, since all who are angry, friendly, etc., have
one general or similar expression; that is, one look expresses anger,
another affection, another devotion, another kindness, etc. And since
nature always works by means, she must needs have her physiognomical
tools. Nor are they under the control of the will, for they act
spontaneously. We cannot help, whether we will or no, laughing when
merry, even though in church, pouting when provoked, and expressing all
our mental operations, down even to the very innermost recesses of our
souls, in and by our countenances. And with more minuteness and
completeness than by words, especially when the expressions are intense
or peculiar."
Professor Drayton says, "Everything, from head to feet, of form, size,
and action, indicates in some degree, the character of the individual,
or state of mind, and feeling in exercise for the time being. The
arching or depressing of the eyebrows, the full opening or partial
closing of the eye, the pursing or pouting of the lips, the firm set
jaw, the elevated head, the lofty shoulders, the stiff attitude, the
dignified and stately step, or the reverse of this, will impress each
observer in respect to the changing moods which may exist in a given
individual.... Each of the mental organs has its natural language, as
shown in pantomine, which is exhibited by the gestures and motions of
the head, hands and body. Children and animals read the feelings of
their parents or masters by their motions and attitudes, which are often
more influential than words. The brain is the central source of motive
and mental power; every action has its root or seat of impulse in the
brain and its connections, and as the mind forms purposes, the will is
sent out to the extremities, and the external motions express the inward
thought and feeling. Habitual states of mind tend to produce habitual
forms and expressions of face and body; a person who suffers pain for
years, will have in the face an expression of the internal state; one
who has been nurtured in gladness, though the face may not be beautiful,
will wear the sunshine of joy; one who has had care and responsibility,
will come to show it in the face, in the walk, and in the voice, as one
who has been subjugated and kept subordinate will have the word
humiliation written in his features not only, but in all his movements
and attitudes."
SHAPES OF FACES
The authorities in Physiognomy divide the faces of persons into three
general classes, viz: (1) The Round Face; (2) The Oblong Face; and (3)
The Pear-shaped Face.
[Illustration: FIG. 12 ROUND FACE]
In Fig. 12, we see the Round Face. This face is indicative of the Vital
Temperament. It is usually associated with broad shoulders, short neck,
full chest, and plumpness, with enlarged abdomen in middle life. These
people love ease and physical comforts, good eating and drinking, and
not too much hard mental or physical work. They are solicitous of the
comfort of their bodies, and generally "look out for No. 1" in this
respect. They are generally good-natured and sociable, and often jolly.
[Illustration: FIG. 13 OBLONG FACE]
In Fig. 13, we see the Oblong Face. This face is indicative of the
Motive Temperament. It is usually associated with a compact firm body,
which while well filled out can scarcely be called plump, certainly not
fleshy. These people are generally strong and active, persevering and
sparing neither themselves or others in the direction of work. They are
apt to have a very fair share of common sense; are _practical_; and are
generally _reliable_.
[Illustration: FIG. 14 PEAR-SHAPED FACE]
In Fig. 14, we see the Pear-shaped Face. This face is indicative of the
Mental Temperament. It is usually associated with a delicately formed
body, and finely proportioned physical shape; the shoulders often being
narrow, and the neck long. These people manifest the characteristics of
mental and nervous force, rather than of vital or motive energy. They
often have bright, expressive eyes, and show other signs of the artistic
or literary character. They are inclined to be sensitive and
impressionable, and to suffer and enjoy keenly.
In addition to the aforementioned general types, there are several
others which are modifications thereof, and which we shall now consider.
In Fig. 15, we see the Square Face. This face indicates a combination of
the Motive and Vital Temperaments, with the Religio-Moral Qualities
deficient and the Selfish-Qualities predominant. These people usually
have square, stocky bodies, strong and wiry, and are tenacious of life.
They are Materialistic to a degree, and cannot understand others who
differ temperamentally from them. Usually, they have Combativeness and
Destructiveness large; strong Perceptive Qualities; and but moderate
Conscientiousness. They look out for themselves, pushing others aside,
and not being disturbed by "the higher feelings." They are generally
stubborn; and their weak point is apt to be Amativeness.
[Illustration: FIG. 15 SQUARE FACE]
In Fig. 16, we see the Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the Mental
Temperament with the Psychic Qualities largely in the ascendent. The
Selfish Qualities are weak, while the Qualities of Mysticism, Reverence
and Ideality are large. These people are generally known as "spiritual,"
and are often very "psychic." They are generally impractical and dwell
in an ideal world apart from the things of earth.
[Illustration: FIG. 16 EGG-SHAPED FACE]
In Fig. 17, we see the Inverted-Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the
extreme form of the Vital Temperament, associated with an absence of the
active qualities which should accompany it. The Mental and Motive
Qualities are quite deficient, while the purely _Animal_ Qualities are
strong. The result is a _pig-like_ nature, content with wallowing in the
mud of the animal propensities and having a full swill-barrel. These
people are essentially lazy, gross, worthless, and animal-like. Note the
large lower-face (without the strong jaw), and the small upper head.
Note the broad nose, and general lazy expression.
[Illustration: FIG. 17 INVERTED EGG-SHAPED FACE]
In Figs. 18 and 19, respectively, we see the contrast between Broad and
Narrow Faces. The rule is that Broad Faces indicate fight,
destructiveness, and acquisitiveness--the Selfish Faculties, in fact;
while Narrow Faces indicate a lack of these qualities. The broad-headed
animals are the fighters, while the narrow-heads are the timid and
peaceful, as a rule. The same principle applies in the case of men. Look
over the charts of the Qualities, and see why this is.
[Illustration: FIG. 18 BROAD FACE]
The above mentioned several types or classes of faces have, of course,
innumerable variations and combinations, but a careful study of these
several types will give one the general key to all faces. It is well to
obtain a side view, as well as a full-face view, of the face one wishes
to study.
[Illustration: FIG. 19 NARROW FACE]
In studying faces, not only the general shape of the face must be
observed, but also the various features thereof, as for instance: the
chin; the mouth; the nose; the eyes; the ears; etc. These features form
the subject of the following chapters.