that I contend for is this, that Physiognomy, though still in its infancy, has advanced to that state of improvement in the world, as to take its proper place in the circle of human

sciences.

Having premised thus much, the task of demonstrating that Physiognomy is truly a science is reduced to a narrow compass.

Physiognomy, if it be true in a single point, must be true throughout; for every animal is possessed but of one centre and one circumference. If it be allowed that the face of a negro possesses less intelligence than the face of a Lord President Blair,"* a Sir Isaac Newton, a Milton, or a Shakespeare, the truth of Physiognomy is granted. If more rage, and consequently less complacency, be allowed to the face of a tiger, or a hyæna, than to that of a lamb, the truth of Pathognomy is at once granted; and pathognomy is nothing more, in fact, than the Physionomy of the passions. Indeed, the truth of the thing is self-evi

* Cross's Attempt to establish Physiognomy upon Scientific Principles, p. 13.

dent. It remains, therefore, only to show that this truth is founded on certain fixed principles, and capable of being ascertained, according to certain known rules; the exception to these rules, it has already been shown, are no rational grounds of objection to the science itself. The most scientific physionomist is he who possesses the greatest powers of observation, discernment, and discrimination; provided, at the same time, he be blest with a benevolent heart, and observe a correct line of moral rectitude in his own conduct; for a depraved heart, and a narrow and contracted mind, but ill accord with that patient, impartial, and accurate investigation essential to the character of an expert physionomist.

"It is more from the limited nature of our comprehension, than from the weakness of our intellectual powers, that we cannot study Physiology and Physiognomy in the lump; that we cannot see all the parts of the body, entering into the formation of a single organ, performing

a single function, and that we cannot see, at once, from the appearance of that one organ, how well it is calculated to perform its functions.

"In order to accommodate the subject to our limited and contemplative faculties, we must take down the whole vital and animal machinery into its constituent parts; and having examined every part, not only by itself, but also in relation to all the others, and found out the separate use and meaning of each, we must again put them altogether into one machine."*

To divide and arrange the body into organs, and to ascribe to each its functions, is Physiology. To view all these organs in connection, and to compute the influence of each, and the concentrated influence of the whole, in determining the great movements of an individual among other individuals, all acting their respective parts in the great struggle and bustle of life, is Physiognomy. It is a system of corollaries, arising out of Physiology. Wherever

* Cross.

there is life, the science of Physiology may set to work; but it is not until vitality begins to be covered with voluntary organs, that Physiognomy can commence. It then speedily assumes a purely scientific character; the knowledge it conveys is explained by fixed principles, and is imparted as clearly as words, lines, rules, and definitions, can develop it.

According to those rules and definitions, it is possible to say, "This is an exalted character;"-"This is a man of spirit ;"- "This feature is peculiar to gentleness, that to moroseness;"" These lineaments dispose to anger;"-"Here is the look of contempt, and there is that of candour;"-" In this I discover judgment;"-"That is the expression of talents;" "This trait is inseparable from genius," &c. &c.

Physiognomy, however, does not teach to prognosticate particular events; although it will be found of considerable service in helping us to discover the predominant passions, the vices, the views, and the natural dispositions

of those with whom we may have connections and concerns. Seneca justly remarks, that violent emotions of every kind, cannot escape manifesting themselves in the countenance.

Nothing passes in the soul without producing a perceptible change in the body, especially in cases of desire: there no determination is formed without the instant appearance of a corresponding bodily motion. The actual moment of passion roused into exertion, is depicted in the agitation of the features, always connected with an increased action of the heart; and when no boisterous passion stirs the powers to passionate exertion, the serenity of the countenance, conjoined with the calmness of the heart, is always visible in the uniformity of the features.

We find, by observation, that anger swells the muscles, and hence we judge that prominent muscles, and a choleric habit, are to be considered as cause and effect. Rapid movements of the body, and sharp looks are ge