Broad nails show the person to be bashful and fearful, but of a gentle
nature. When there is a certain white mark at the extremity of them, it
shows that the person has more honesty than subtilty, and that his worldly
substance will be impaired through negligence. White nails and long,
denote much sickness and infirmity, especially fevers, and are an
indication of strength, and deceit in women. If upon the white anything
appears at the extremity that is pale, it denotes short life by sudden
death, and the person to be given to melancholy. When there appear a
sudden mixed redness of divers colors at the beginning of the nail, it
shows the person to be choleric, and very quarrelsome. When the extremity
is black, it is a sign of husbandry. Narrow nails denote the person to be
inclined to mischief and to do injury to his neighbor. Long nails show the
person to be good natured, but mistrustful, and loves reconciliation
rather than differences. Oblique nails signify deceit and want of courage.
Little and round nails denote obstinate anger and hatred; if they be
crooked at the extremity, they show pride and fierceness. Round nails show
a choleric person, yet soon reconciled and a lover of secret sciences.
Fleshy nails denote the person to be mild in temper, idle and lazy. Pale
and black nails show the person to be very deceitful to his neighbor, and
subject to many diseases. Red and marked nails signify a choleric and
martial nature, given to cruelty: and as many little marks as there are,
they speak of so many evil desires.