The function of this organ is to recognise existences, or the identity
of substances without reference to their peculiarities; it has been
termed the memory of things. Its recollective powers are limited to
simple details, or facts having no reference to their form, colour, &c.
Predominant.--One in whom Individuality is predominant, will be
distinguished for his powers of observation. No object will escape
his scrutiny, and no opportunities will satiate his curiosity. If his
reflective powers are weak, he will require a great mass of facts, but
they will lie in his mind confused and unoccupied: he will be unable to
employ them in illustration or argument. If in the habit of writing,
his compositions will abound with personifications. If Causality is
large, and Concentrativeness is small, his reflective powers will
be weakened by the tendency imparted by individuality to dwell upon
substances instead of causes.
Large.--With Individuality large, one is induced to observe and examine
every object that comes under the limits of his vision. His scrutiny
does not appear to include the peculiarities of substances, but rests
satisfied with their mere corporeal existence. He is distinguished as
a close observer of men and things. In description he is exceedingly
minute; and with Concentrativeness large, prolix and tedious to the
last degree. With Eventuality and Time large, he will not only notice
quickly, but will remember with exactness; and with Language large, can
describe accurately events, manners, customs, &c. With these organs
large, he will have a great desire for reading, and for collecting
facts. With the Reflective Powers and Language large, will be much
given to reflection, and in expressing his thoughts will be clear and
perspicuous.
Moderate.--With Individuality moderate, and the Reflective Powers and
Concentrativeness large, will be subject to abstraction of mind, and
will be much more given to reflection than to observation, still, when
any thing peculiar is offered to his attention, he can readily examine
its character. He will generally notice existences more in relation to
their uses and adaptations, than as mere identities.
Small.--A person whose Individuality is small, is generally heedless
and unobserving. With Locality moderate or small, he may travel
extensively; and yet remain as ignorant as if he had staid at home.
Nothing but the more obvious characteristics has power to excite his
attention. If Constructiveness and Ideality are full, he will notice
works of architecture, but his descriptions of such will lack unity
in consequence of his incapacity to notice details. If Causality and
Comparison are large, he will be addicted to reflection, but his
expressions will be vague and apparently inconsistent, consequent on
his inability to collect minute details.