taining a greater degree of solidity, steadiness, and regularity. The late Revolution has had a tendency to bring them into an almost constant and daily contact with nearly every other European nation; and they have naturally imbibed a portion of the spirit of each. They have, too, it is to be hoped, "learned experience by the things they have suffered;" and are becoming convinced, that it is only by a steady, peaceful, faithful, and industrious conduct, that they can maintain the high and just rank which they have long held in the scale of nations. A few years more will, in all probability, effectually eradicate from the nation that "little, foolish, fluttering thing," that petite maître, known by the name of a French fop.

It cannot have escaped the observation of the inquiring physiologist and physionomist, that the French are manifestly losing their wonted meagre, puerile, and effeminate countenances, just in proportion as their habits and deportment acquire the character of solidity and true greatness.

The Swiss character centers in fidelity, and partakes of the rural and harmless nature of their beautiful and romantic country.

The TURKS, in some points, resemble the Russians, who have, as before observed, snub noses, and brown or black hair, with fierce and untamed looks. The present enlightened and liberal emperor, Alexander, is rapidly improving the national character of his subjects.

The GREEKS and PERSIANS, like the French, are as remarkable for their gaiety as the SPANIARDS, TURKS, and CHINESE are for their gravity.

The modern GREEKS are said to be mean, cowardly, and deceitful.

The ARMENIANS in the east are distinguished among the nations with whom they reside, for probity and uprightness of character, as the Jews are in Europe for extortion and covet

ousness.

In these very meagre and imperfect sketches of national character, I have pointed to those traits which, in my mind, at least, are strongly corroborative of the truth and scientific character of Physiognomy. A careful examination of, and comparison with, what has already been said, and will hereafter be stated, respecting the contour of the human face, whether considered in a national point of view, or as applying to individuals, and of its correspondence with the manners, 'habits, and dispositions of those to whom they are respectively ascribed, will set the question whether Physiognomy be or be not a science completely at rest.

If certain signs correspond with certain characters, and if those signs can be traced, in most cases, with an unerring hand, to their several and respective objects, what more is required to prove this great and valuable truth?

SECTION II.

PRACTICAL PHYSIOGNOMICAL DETAILS AND OBSERVATIONS, ORIGINAL AND SELECTED,

DEMONSTRATIVE OF THE TRUTH OF THE

FOREGOING DOCTRINE.

I AM aware that many persons will object to the general strain of reasoning in the foregoing section, as too loose and indefinite, unless some details, illustrative or demonstrative of its truth and accuracy, are given. These I, therefore, undertake to give in the present one.

I have not, however, undertaken to write an elaborate treatise on the science of Physiognomy, but only to direct to first principles, and to delineate the leading features of this great subject; yet sufficient may be accomplished even on a narrow scale, to convince the candid student, that in the pursuit of his physiognomical

investigations, he is not running after a phantom, or courting a mere shadow.

Before we proceed to what may be termed the particulars of this science, it will not be amiss to suggest the following hints and directions to the student, as being so many general

PHYSIOGNOMICAL RULES.

I.

If the first moment in which a person appears in a proper light, be entirely advantageous to him; if the first impression he makes upon the observer have nothing in it repulsive or oppressive, and produce no kind of constraint; but if, on the contrary, you feel yourself, in his presence, continually more cheerful and free, more animated, and contented with yourself; though the stranger do not flatter you, nor even speak to you, rest assured, that such an one will, so long as no other person intervenes between you, insensibly increase in your estimation. Nature has formed you for each other. You will be able to say much to each other in