life, its quick susceptibility to all emotions, whether joyous, tender, or grievous, its many poetic and scriptural associations, and the general preference of mankind, evinced by many household terms and allusions, I feel in some degree warranted in adopting the supposition that the heart is at least the residence of the affections. From these different views of the location in the body of its demi-god, or the parts most honoured by it, have arisen as many or more theories for determining the intrinsic character of individuals. Among these rival theories, phrenology and physiognomy have been most conspicuous and popular. The phrenologists suppose that all the little protuberances upon the cranium are roofs, as it were, of cells beneath, occupied by the several faculties and affections of the mind; and that the relative prominence of the roof or capacity of the cell indicates, cæteris paribus, the comparative power and importance of the occupant. Accordingly, by their theory, all the elements of any one's character are stereotyped upon the surface, from birth, in bas-relief, or embossed upon the cranium, like mountains upon a blind-man's chart. Physiognomists have taught us to read, upon the dial of the face, the design of the clock-works within, and the degree of harmony which they keep. Indeed, there is much reason in physiognomy, and one who partially observes, may easily be persuaded, that "the human face divine, where all the graces revel, or all the Cyclops thunder,' ," is the fittest place to seek for the revelations of the inner man. We know that all muscles, when thrown into frequent and vigorous action, acquire proportionate bulk and strength. "Now particular passions cause particular muscles to contract with great energy. Thus, good humour elevates our brows, rage renders them lowering, anger compresses the upper lip against the teeth, scorn draws up the corners of the mouth." Hence we may readily infer, that, if these feelings be often and strongly experienced, a corresponding cast will, in most cases, be given to the lineaments of the face. 66 Nature," says an acute observer, and deep thinker, "intended the expression of the countenance to serve as an external indication of internal emotions, by which we are promptly and instinctively warned of the evil intentions entertained by others." Painters, sculptors, and poets, by a due observance of the facial indications, seem to imitate the expression of the passions to perfection; and how often do we observe the simplest people in distress, as children begging for favours, watch ing and tracing the effects of their eloquent petitions in the yielding indications of the countenance. Shakspeare probably alluded to these signs in accordance with physiognomy, when he made Leona to say : 66 "Which is the villain?-Let me see his eyes; That when I see another man like him, The views of Lavater, however, seem to have included a few superfluous elements, according to some of his followers : for the different configurations of the forehead, the eyes and eyebrows, the nose, the upper lip, the chin, have each had exclusive special advocates. Lavater himself placed great dependence upon the chin, as a distinguishing mark of character. If prominent, smoothly rounded, and slightly pointed,' he says, 66 it bears the marks of classic intelligence and refinement. The learned Werder says, "the nose imparts solidity and unity to the whole countenance. It is the mountain that shelters," and, we might add, sometimes irrigates and fattens "the fair vales beneath. How descriptive of mind and character," he exclaims, "are its various parts;-the insertion, the ridge, the cartilige, the nostrils, through which life is inhaled!" "Indeed there was a strenuous effort made a few years ago, to classify the different kinds and marks of the nose, as the science of character, which was called, I think, nose-ology. Of course it included the roman, grecian, acquiline, pug, snub, and bottle-nose, besides many others, with their modifications. A bold, broad-based, wide-nostrilled nose, was said to indicate greatness of character. Of which kind, among the illustrations, were named those of Cæsar and Napoleon, But, in this view of the nose, we would be inclined to regard a very great man as rather the appendage to his nose, instead of the converse. The next most popular theory for determining individual character, is founded upon the influence of the physical temperaments; which, I think, might as well include the doctrine upon the fatal influence of circumstances, as advanced by Mirabau. By the doctrine of temperaments, persons who are known to have the sanguine temperament, or a profuse and quick circulation of arterial blood through a healthful frame, are impulsive, excitable, and sprightly, but not intellectual. Those of the melancholic temperament, with narrow chests, slow and languid circulation, are said to be diffident and weak in common matters, but very persevering when decided; highly susceptible, sincere in friendship, imaginative, and sometimes eloquent. Those of the bilious temperament, who are subject to disproportioned action of the liver, are said to be much affected by the "gall of bitterness :" are quick, energetic, determined, and often ambitious to a fault. Then we have the slow, cautious, amiable people, of the phlegmatic temperament, who hold too much lymph in their system unabsorbed. To these are added the nervous, the athletic, and the romantic, which describe themselves. Another theory, probably less known, supposes the abdominal varieties to be indicative of character; as the tun, the pot, the lean, and swag bellied, the lank, and choleric. For example, a man "In fair round belly, with good capon lined," We expect to find-not a justice, "with eyes severe,"—but a right jovial, generous, hospitable fellow, who makes the very air about him cheerful and wholesome, who is ever cracking his jokes over a noggin of "good sherris sack," or welcoming an old comrade with 66 laughter shaking both his sides." Then we have, in contrast, the dull-eyed, mean, and "lean apothecary." There are theorists who maintain that every individual has a peculiar effluvia, which arises from and distinguishes his personal character. Dogs, we know, select their masters in a crowd by scent alone; and a recent authoress intimates the possibility of identifying the character of "the unwashed," by this personal effluvia. This theory, however, is scarcely in embryo yet, and has only been reduced to practice by the canine species. Many people advocate the science of "pado-manology," or the characteristics of individuals indicated by the hands and feet, and the carriage of them. Among these I suppose we must include the "chirographologists," who collect autographs, and read the characteristics of greatness or villany in the hand-writings. Carlyle has very fully set forth the advantages of the "clothes philosophy" for determining character, in his Sartor Resartus. There is truly much sagacity in this theory; but some of his followers push it a little too far, and wish to insinuate that a man is either great and good or mean and vicious, according to his possessions. This is verily quite unjust, and can never be admitted; for, most assuredly, as poor Burns says, "A man may hae an honest heart, Though poortith hourly stare him ; To this long list of theories for knowing our neighbours and ourselves, I have yet to add one or two more, before I mention the one which I shall advocate. The science of " tone-ology,' or the theory of judging the character by the tones of the voice, is much recommended; the voice being supposed to partake the sounds of the animals or birds which the character nearest resembles. "The good inclinations and intentions of the heart," says the writer of the Moralische Vorlesungen, quoted by Lavater, "will always modulate and inspire the voice. And we have all noticed there are certain tones of voice, that betray a want of understanding, and which, when we have learned to think, will no more be heard." On the principles of these tone-ology doctrines, I might here be allowed to say something of certain analogies which would, in like manner, be traced in the ears of different animals, and those of similar shape in human beings. Thus the timid animals—as the hare, ass, gazelle, and bat,-have large ears; and it may be ascertained, though I know not whether any one has observed it, that large ears upon men indicate similar traits. Upon these several theories, however, I have said enough, since I regard them all as only secondary aids in judging of character. In my view the only sure way to judge of character is by ACTIONS. We cannot often trust that unruly member, the tongue, whether or not we believe, with Talleyrand, that language was designed to conceal the thoughts." The language of the eyes may indeed frequently betray the deceit of the tongue; but none of the transitory expressions of the countenance can be relied upon. Who hath not heard of "Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears?" "Full many a stoic's eye, and aspect stern, Concerning some of our arch belles even, it is further said, craving the pardon of their dear hearts, that, "Hands, lips, and eyes, are put to school, And each instructed feature has its rule.' As to the peculiar formations of the head, the hands, aud feet, or other parts of the body. they may serve very well, and probably be the only signs in fossil remains determining the animal's nature; but in man there are too many cross-breed influences, too many counteracting qualities, and the signs are too equivocal, for the ablest minds to apply or judge successfully. Would you have the portrait and craniological developments of a Howard or a Nero drawn, to know their characters? What do we care for the phrenological, or any other physical developments of Napoleon, in judging of his character? We know that he won by the brilliancy and glories of his achievements-the hearts, the fortunes, and the sovereignty of men; while, at the same time, with a reckless ambition, he wrote his name indelibly with human blood over the face of Europe. Would it exalt our wonder at the greatness of his mind, or increase our horror at the deliberate inhumanity of his disposition, to be told that he had a head like a dwarf's, as disproportioned to his body as his great mind was to those of his own stature; and that behind his ears were the two organs of destructiveness, swelling out like those of an hyena? The fame of Newton's active labours-labours which constituted and established his character is proclaimed by every falling rain-drop of the spring, by every sear leaf that falls in autumn, and by the stars and planets in their ceaseless course. What more of him then, could any one learn by phrenology, or physiognomy, or any kindred science? If the good Fenelon were pictured to us with the organ of benevolence towering even to the stars, like Virgil's figure of Fame, could we thus have any adequate idea of his character, compared with the history of his noble deeds-his life of habitual charities? If I know a man to be habitually deceitful, I care not how large and capacious his head may be, or what the lineaments of his face, or with what fair phrases he may grace his speech, in my judgment he hath condemned himself by his actions; and if I am myself injured by him, I am cautious not to let the serpent sting me twice. On the contrary, if I see a man whose life has been marked by good deeds, "my heart yearneth towards him." JANUARY, 1843. |