Practical cheirosophy, a synoptical study of the science ... · LISTOFPLATES. PAGE I.TheBonesoftheHand 39 II.TheThumb,theJoints,andtheLinesin theHand 51 III.TheElementaryHand 63 IV.TheSpatulateHand

/PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY

A SYNOPTICAL STUDY OF

The Science of the Hand

BY

/EDWARD HERON-ALLEN

II

AUTHOR OF "A RJAJJ.UAL OF CHEIROSOPHY," " THE SCIENCE OF THE HAND,'

"A DISCOURSE OF CHYROMANC1E," " CODEX CHIROMANTLE," ETC.

Explanatory Tlates and Diagrams

ROSAMUND BRUNEI, HORSLEY

NEW YORK AND LONDON

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS(£fte ftmcfcerbocftet 5>re$tf

1887

/PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY

1

A SYNOPTICAL STUDY OF

T/ye Science cy" if/ae Hand

BY /

/EDWARD HERON-ALLEN

I \

AUTHOR OF "Q XVLQQUAL (lCHEIROSOPl-KY," "THE SCIENCE OF THE HA

A ISCOURSE OF CHYROMANCIE," "comix CHIROMANTI/E," ETC.

VVITH

Explfmafomf Tlaies and 'DiagramsBY

ROSAMUND BRUNEI, HORSLEY

. s,A

_C/fi' 'j

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NEVV YORK AND LONDON

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS

(élbe ifinlckzrbucker ikresigi

1887

3^V

Copyright, 1887,

By G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS

Press of

G. P. Putnam's Sons

New York

@=P'=~'"I'

_

COPYRIGHT, 1887,

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS

¢ r¢ L

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4 L

¥¢¢1"

Press of

G. P. PUTNAll'S SoNs

New Yor`k_

"%u ^itmaxi^m tr

To the Memory

Of days that are />ast, and of hours that have long gone by :

INSCRIBED

With the name of a Friend

Whose gentle hands have titrned the last leaf

Of a book that is etided

:

1T Dedicate

THESE LABOURS OF MINE IN A NEW WORLD

/*Vj>/ ^ J&\

" in Qilzmnriam "

Ta the 11/Iemory

Of days that are fast, and of hour.: that have lang gene by

INSCRIBED

ll/'il/L Ike name ofa Friemz'

Whose gentle /lands have lzzrned the [asf leaf

'

Ofa book 1/la! is ended."

'H Eeoicate

THESE LABOURS OF MINE IN A NEV /VORLD

/*°`2° J -- éi U

0^ ^v ^V^ *-* v9 y

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wa/3 ~'*°/9 @/L' >="§"' W9~>5~3~C3' gsbé-/.J_, aashé

"T4

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Prefatory Excursion 9

Introduction . 13

Part I.— Hand Superstitions and Customs ... 23

Part II.— The Physiology of the Hand .... 33

Part III.— On the Shapes of Hands: Cheirog-

nomy 45

Part IV.— Cheiromancy or Palmistry 86

5

CONTENTS.

PREFATORY EXCURSION _ .

INTRODUCTION ............. _

PART I.--HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS . _

PART II.-TI-IE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HAND ....

PART III.-ON THE SHAPES OF HANDS: CHEIROG~

NOMY ............ ....

PART IV.--CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY _ .

5

PAGE

9

13

23

33

45

86

LIST OF PLATES.

PAGE

I. The Bones of the Hand 39

II. The Thumb, the Joints, and the Lines in

the Hand 51

III. The Elementary Hand 63

IV. The Spatulate Hand 67

V. The Conic Hand 71

VI. The Square Hand 75

VII. The Knotty Hand 79

VIII. The Pointed Hand S3

IX. The Mounts of the Palm 93

X. The Lines and Mounts 97

XI. The Lines and Mounts 101

XII. Ages upon the Lines of Life and Fortune, 107

XIII. The Lines in

7

I

II.

III

IV

V

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

X

XI

XII

XIII.

LIST OF PLATES.

PAGE

THE BONES OF THE HAND. . _ _ . _ . . 39

THE THUMB, THE JOINTS, AND THE LINES IN

THE HAND ............ SI

THE ELEMENTARY I-IAND . _ 63

THE SPATULATE HAND _ _ . 67

THE CoN1c HAND . _ . 7I

THE SQUARE IIAND . _ 7 5

THE KNOTTY HAND _ _ 79

THE POINTED HAND . . _ _ 83

THE BIOUNTS OF THE PALM _ . 93

THE LINES AND MOUNTS _ _ 97

THE LINES AND HIOUNTS _ . . . . _ _ _ IoI

AGES UPON THE LINES OF LIFE AND FORTUNE, IO7

THE LINES ..........___. I II

7

PREFATORY EXCURSION.

THE first lecture that I had the pleasure of giving

in the United States was delivered from the notes

from which, in turn, this little book has been written,

—

has been written in odd moments saved from the wreck

of time, amid the rapids of existence in New York. It

is therefore, perhaps, necessary that I should apologize

for the manner in which I have dealt with a subject

that stands in no need of any apology in itself, and

should offer this word of explanation of the style in

which this Opusculum has been prepared. In revising

the transcript of the stenographic notes which I caused

to be taken of that lecture, I have frequently been

astonished at my own temerity in attempting to dis-

cuss, within such narrow limits of time and space, a

subject so vast as that of The Hand ; were it not that

I had pledged myself to the preparation of this per-

manent record of the remarks I was enabled by the

time at my disposal to make, I should more than

once have laid down my pen in despair.

9

PREFATO RY EXCURSION.

HE first lecture that I had the pleasure of givingin the United States was delivered from the notes

from which, in turn, this little book has been written,-has been written in odd moments saved from the wreck

of time, amid the rapids of existence in New York. It

is therefore, perhaps, necessary that I should apologizefor the manner in which I have dealt with a subjectthat stands in no need of any apology in itselh and

should offer this word of explanation of the style in

which this Opusculurn has been prepared. In revisingthe transcript of the stenographic notes which I caused

to be taken 'of that lecture, I have frequently been

astonished at my own temerity in attempting to dis-

cuss, within such narrow limits of time and space, a

subject so vast as that of The Hand ; were it not that

I had pledged myself to the preparation of this per-

manent record of the remarks I was enabled by the

time at my disposal to make, I should more than

once have laid down my pen in despair.9

10 PREFATORY EXCURSION.

I have done what I could, during the process of

revision, to give to my work the semblance, at any

rate, of a completeness which it does not,— cannot,

possess ; but even now, at the moment that the sheets

are ready to leave the press, I am overwhelmed by

the knowledge of my inability to give completeness

even to a sketch of the subject which has been identi-

fied with my name in two continents. At the request,

therefore, of a number of those who were unable to

be present on that occasion, and whom I shall never

— in deference to a deeply rooted national aversion

to twice-told tales— be able to address to the same

effect in the future, I deliver these sheets to the

printer, "not as a guaranty of good faith, but for

publication," in the hope that in gratifying a widely

expressed curiosity with regard to that lecture, I shall

not offend those to whom, like myself, the Science

of Cheirosophy is a not un-important branch of the

great study of human nature,— a branch incapable of

being adequately honored between the covers of a

" Hand-book"— the term being used in the literary

and not the Cheirosophic sense.

I have taken advantage of the "cool reflection"

which has followed the delivery of my lecture, to add

a few passages, which I would fain have introduced

IO PREFA TOR Y EXCURSIOA/Y

I have done what I could, during the process of

revision, to give to my work the semblance, at any

rate, of a completeness which it does not,-cannot,

possess ; but even now, at the moment that the sheets

are ready to leave the press, I am overwhelmed bythe knowledge of my inability to give completenesseven to a skelfk of the subject which has been identi-

iied with my name in two continents. At the request,

therefore, of a number of those who were unable to

be present on that occasion, and whom I shall never

-in deference to a deeply rooted national aversion

to twice-told tales-be able to address to the same

effect in the future, I deliver these sheets to the

printer, "noi as a guaranty of good faith, but for

publication," in the hope that in gratifying a widely

expressed curiosity with regard to that lecture, I shall

not offend those to whom, like myself, the Science

of Cheirosophy is a not un-important branch of the

great study of human nature,-a branch incapable of

being adequately honored between the covers of a

" Hand-book"-the term being used in the literaryand not the Cheirosophic sense.

'

I have taken advantage of the "cool reflection "

which has followed the delivery of my lecture, to add

a few passages, which I would fain have introduced

PREFA TOR Y EXCURSION. I I

into my discourse, did I not hold it to be a lecturer's

duty to his audience, to be as brief as circumstances

will permit. I have also utilized the opportunities

thus offered me, to append a fairly complete system of

notes, which may help those of my readers who feel a

sufficient interest in the subject to probe the matters

referred to more deeply; and I have further made

reference, where it has seemed necessary or advisable,

to my larger works on the Science of Cheirosophy, so

that this little work may, as it were, serve for an ele-

mentary guide to the study of those larger volumes.

I claim the indulgence of the public for this little

book on one ground alone : that it may serve as an

introduction to the Science, for many whose attention

has not hitherto been called to its value as a practical

means of diagnosing the characters of our fellow-men.

May I hope, that in awakening a new interest in the

minds of some of my readers, I have acted for them

as pioneer along a path which may lead them— who

knows ?— to a solution of the intricate problem that

must so often have perplexed them,— I mean them-

selves !

ED. HERON-ALLEN.Everett House, New York,

Jan. 7, 1887.

PREFA TOR Y EXCURSIOM I I

into my discourse, did I not hold it to be a lecturer's

duty to his audience, to .be as brief as circumstances

will permit. I have also utilized the opportunitiesthus offered me, to append a fairly complete system of

notes, which may help those of my readers who feel a

sufficient interest in the subject to probe the matters

referred to more deeply; and I have further made

reference, where it has seemed necessary or advisable,to my larger works on the Science of Cheirosophy, so

that this little work may, as it were, serve for an ele-

mentary guide to the study of those larger volumes.

Iaclaim the indulgence of the public for this little

book on one ground alone: that it may serve as an

introduction to the Science, for many whose attention

has not hitherto been called to its valueas a practicalmeans of diagnosing the characters of' our fellow-men.

May I hope, that in awakening a new interest in the

minds of some of my readers, I have acted for them

as pioneer along a path which may lead them- who

knows?-to a solution of the intricate problem that

must so often have perplexed them,-I mean them-

selves lED. HERON-ALLEN.

Evansrr House., New Yom<,Jan. 7, 1887.

PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

INTRODUCTION.

THE pleasure with which I approach the task

which I have undertaken, in attempting to

record in this form the remarks I have been

privileged to make from the lecture-platform, is

sensibly modified by regret,— regret that the

space at my disposal is far too limited to enable

me to write a fractional part of what I should

wish to record upon a subject which has been

one of intense interest to me in the years that

are past, and which is one which touches us all

very nearly. The subject, however, has this

one great advantage : it stands in no need of

any preliminary apology ; its importance is its

own introduction ; and I will therefore address

myself at once to the subject that we have be-

fore us, and call your attention to some points

which I trust will interest you in connection

with the human Hand.13

PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPI-IY.

INTRODUCTION.

HE pleasure with which I approach the task

which I have undertaken, in attempting to

record in this form the remarks I have been

privileged to make from the lecture-platform, is

sensibly modified by regret,-regret that the

space at my disposal is far too limited to enable

me to write a fractional part of what I should

wish to record upon a subject which has been

one of intense interest to me in the years that

are past, and which is one which touches us all

very nearly. The subject, however, has this

one great advantage: it stands in no need of

any preliminary apology; its importance is its

own introduction ; and I will therefore address

myself at once to the subject that we have be-

fore us, and call your attention to some pointswhich I trust will interest you in connection

with the human Hand.

13

14 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

There is, I think, no need for me to lay em-

phasis upon the paramount importance of the

hand in the human economy. This has been

acknowledged ever since Aristotle, in the fourth

century before Christ, called it "the organ of

the organs," ' the active agent of the passive

powers of the entire human system ; and we, in

these latter days, shall hardly be prepared to

controvert this statement, when we reflect that

there exists no human action, and hardly any

rite or ceremony, in which the hand is not, if

not prime agent, at least an important actor.

Look only at the fountain-head of all knowledge,

— literature: is it not by means of the works

of their hands, by their writings, that we are en-

abled to hold, as Galen says, 2 converse with all

the venerable sages, both of remote antiquity

and of the recent past, with all those intellectual

heroes who have bequeathed to us in writing

the intellectual treasures of their own divine

imaginations ?

We have only to pass from this to the con-

templation of the manufactures (which it would

be impossible to conceive, were men created

without hands), to be brought to this inevitable

1 IIEPI ZfiQN MOPIfiN. Book iv. cap. 9.

2 De Usu Partium Corporis Humani. Book i. cap. 1.

I4 PRA CTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

There is, I think, no need for me to lay em-

phasis upon the paramount importance of the

hand in the human economy. This has been

acknowledged ever since Aristotle, in the fourth

century before Christ, called it "the organ of

the organs,"' the active agent of the passive

powers of the entire human system ; and we, in

these latter days, .shall hardly be prepared to

controvert this statement, when we reflect that

there exists no human action, and hardly anyrite or ceremony, in which the hand is not, if

not prime agent, at least an important actor.

Look only at the fountain-head of all knowledge,-literature: is it not by means of the works

of their hands, by their writings, that we are en-

abled to hold, as Galen says," converse with all

the venerable sages, both of remote antiquityand of the recent past, with all those intellectual

heroes who have bequeathed to us in writingthesintellectual treasures of their own divine

imaginations ?

We have only to'pass from this to the con-

templation of the manufactures (which it would

be impossible to conceive, were men created

without hands), to be brought to this inevitable

1 HEP! ZQQN MOPIQN. Book iv. cap. 9.2 De Usu Partium Corporis Humani. Book i. cap. I.

INTRODUCTION. I 5

conviction :— that (to borrow an illustration

from Darwin) it is by his hands that manhangs, monkey-like, from the branches of the

Tree of Knowledge.

Not only in writing and in manufactures, but

in verbal instruction, in the pulpit, in the senate,

and in the drama, the part which is played by

the human hand is one, the importance of which

has occupied the attention of the highest au-

thorities in these matters ; and the varied emo-

tions, expressions, and significations which maybe conveyed by the hands alone have been madethe subject not only of celebrated passages in

the works of such writers as Quintilian the

orator, 3 and Montaigne the essayist, 4 but of

entire works upon the movements and gestures

of the hands as an aid to oratory. 5 What could

be more significant as a practical confirmation

of what I say, than the fact that after the

murder of Cicero at Caieta, his hands as well

as his head were sent to be exposed in the

Roman Forum, as the means whereby he had

cajoled and deluded the Roman citizens ?

3 De Institutione Oratorica. Book xi. cap. 3.

4 Apologie de Raimond Sebond. Book ii. cap. 12.

5 Sc. J. Bulvver : Chirologia ; or the Naturall Language of the

Hand. (London, 1644.)

INTRODUCTION I5

conviction:-that (to borrow an illustration

from Darwin) it is by his hands that man

hangs, monkey-like, from the branches of the

Tree of Knowledge.Not only in writing and in manufactures, but

in verbal instruction, in the pulpit, in the senate,

and in the drama, the part which is played bythe human hand is one, the importance of which

has occupied the attention of the highest au-

thorities in these matters ; and the varied emo-

tions, expressions, and signilications which maybe conveyed by the hands alone have been made

the subject not only of celebrated passages in

the works of such writers as Quintilian the

orator,3 and Montaigne the essayist,4 but of

entire works upon the movements and gesturesof the hands as an aid to oratory.5 W`hat could

be more significant as a practical conlirmation

of what I say, than the fact that after the

murder of Cicero at Caieta, his hands as well

as his head were sent to be exposed in the

Roman Forum, as the means whereby he had

cajoled and deluded the Roman citizens?

3 De Institutione Oratorica. Book xi. cap. 3.4 Apologie de Raimond Sebond. Book ii. cap. I2.

5 Sc. Bulwer: Chirologia; or the Naturall Language of the

Hand. (London, I644.)

1

6


The ancients were therefore actuated by the

keenest reasoning in looking upon the amputa-

tion of the hands as the severest punishment

which they could inflict upon their enemies

;

6

for a man without hands is not even the ninth

part of a man. He simply cumbers the earth, so

far as any practical utility is concerned : though

there have been recorded many instances of

curious and minute forms of workmanship, and

even the playing of such musical instruments

as the violin, being effected by persons whohave been either born without hands, or have

been deprived of them early in life ; even down

to the instance quoted by Sir Charles Bell, 7 of

the Russian beggar born without arms, who,

haunting a wood a short distance from Mos-

cow, used to murder wayfarers by stunning

them with a blow of his head, dragging them

into the wood, and despatching them with his

teeth.

Many celebrated men have been one-handed.

We know that Nelson lost his right arm at

Teneriffe, and Cervantes the use of his left at

the battle of Lepanto in 175 1 ; but these acci-

6 Xenophon: 'EAAHMKON. Book ii. cap. I (31).

7 The Hand: its Mechanism and Vital Endowments. (London,

1832.)

I6 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

The ancients were therefore actuated by the

keenest reasoning in looking upon the amputa-tion of thefhands as the severest punishmentwhich they could inflict upon their enemies ;'for a man without hands is not even the ninth

part of a man. He simply cumbers the earth, so

far as any practical utility is concerned: thoughthere have been recorded many instances of

curious and minute forms of workmanship, and

even the playing of such musical instruments

as the violin, being effected by persons who

have been either born without hands, or have

been deprived of them early in life ; even down

to the instance quoted by Sir Charles Bell/ of

the Russian beggar born without arms, who,

haunting a Wood a short distance from Mos-

cow, used to murder wayfarers by stunningthem with a blow of his head, dragging them

into the wood, and despatching them with his

teeth.

Many celebrated men have been one-handed.

/Ve know that Nelson lost his right arm at

Teneriffe, and Cervantes the use of his left at

the battle of Lepanto in 1751; but these acci-

6 Xenophon: 'E..HNIKON. Book ii. cap. I (31).7 The Hand: its Mechanism and Vital Endowments. (London

1832.)

INTRODUCTION. 1

7

dents did not, in the former case, interfere with

the talents of Horatio Nelson as Lord- High

Admiral of the Fleet, nor in the latter prevent

the evolution of those heroes of romance—Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Still, all such

cases must be looked upon as historic excep-

tions ; and we come back to the original com-

ments of Anaxagoras and of Aristotle, to the

effect that man, being the wisest of all animals,

has alone, of all animals, been gifted with

hands, the instruments of his high intellectual

faculties. 8

To echo my words, I have said that manalone of all animals has hands : that is to say, in

no other creature do we find either extremities

so perfectly articulated, or mental powers so

highly developed ; and commencing at the low-

est forms of animal life, and progressing up-

wards along the scale of created beings, the

eminent natural historian, Milne Edwards, has

observed 9 that "the faculties of the mammaliaare elevated in proportion as their extremities

are the better constructed for prehension and

touch." And, to go a step farther, we find an

8 Aristotle and Galen: vide the passages quoted in notes 1

and 2.

9 A Manual of Zoology. (London, 1863.) §§306-343.

INTRODUCTIOM I7

dents did not, in the former case, interfere with

the talents of Horatio Nelson as Lord. HighAdmiral of the Fleet, nor in the latter preventthe evolution of those heroes of romance-

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Still, all such

cases must be looked upon as historic excep-

tions; and we come back' to the original com-

ments of Anaxagoras and of Aristotle, to the

effect that man, being the wisest of all animals,has alone, of all animals, been gifted with

hands, the instruments of his high intellectual

faculties.8

To echo my words, I have said that man

alone of all animals has hands : that is to say, in

no other creature do we find either extremities

so perfectly articulated, or mental powers so

highly developed ; and commencing at the low-

est forms of animal life, and progressing up-

wards along the scale of created beings, the

eminent natural historian, Milne Edwards, has

observed9 that "the faculties of the mammalia

are elevated in proportion as their extremities

are the better constructed for prehension and

touch." And, to go a step farther, we find an

3 Aristotle and Galen: vide the passages quoted in notes 1

and 2.

9 A Manual of Zoology. (London, 1863.) §§ 306-343.

1

8


ascending scale of intelligence among the ani-

mals which are gifted with the nearest approach

to, and best substitutes for, hands ; as in the

case of the elephant, an instance which has

been cited both by Lucretius and by Cicero. 10

Sir Richard Owen, in a most interesting little

book "On the Nature of Limbs/' 11 has traced

step by step the homologies between the humanhand and the paws of the brute creation, with

the effect of demonstrating that the third fin-

ger is the one digit that no animal is without,

and that as the extremities become less and

less articulated, that is to say jointed, so as to

be capable of varied movement, it is the outer

fingers which we discover by comparative anat-

omy to be missing, and it is the third or middle

finger that represents in man the hoof of the

horse, and of such animals.

To man, then, and to man alone, is the per-

fect construction of the hand, as we see it,

peculiarly adapted ; and it is to man alone with

his varied mental and physical requirements,

that, as Galen remarked, the Creator has given,

in lieu of every other natural weapon or organ

10 Lucretius : De Rerum Natura. Book ii. line 536. Cicero : DeNatura Deorum. Book ii. s. 123.

11 London, 1849. p. 29.

I8 PRA CTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

ascending scale of intelligence among the ani-

mals which are gifted with the nearest approachto, and best substitutes for, hands; as in the

case of the elephant, an instance which has

been cited both by Lucretius and by Cicero."

Sir Richard Owen, in a most interesting little

book "On the Nature of Limbs,"" has traced

step bypstep the homologies between the human

hand and the paws of the brute creation, with

the effect of demonstrating that the third fin-

ger is the one digit that no animal is without,and that as the extremities become less and

less articulated, that is to say jointed, so as to

be capable of varied movement, it is the outer

lingers which we discover by comparative anat-

omy to be missing, and it is the third or middle

finger that represents in man the hoof of the

horse, and of such animals.

To man, then, and to man alone, is the per-

fectrconstruction of the hand, as we see it,

peculiarly adapted; and it is to man alone with

his varied mental and physical requirements,that, as Galen remarked, the Creator has given,in lieu of every other natural weapon or organ

'° Lucretius: De Rerum Natura. Book ii. line 536. Cicero: De

Natura Deorum. Book ii. s. 123.U London, 1849. p. 29.

INTRODUCTION. 1

9

of defence, that exquisite and universally en-

dowed instrument, the hand.

We know, that as different orders of created

beings have differently constructed extremities,

so various races of men, even various nations

of the same race, show marked varieties of

characteristic in the shapes of their hands. It

is my intention to carry the question farther

still, and to put before you the data upon which

I have formed my unalterable conviction that

not only do these clearly marked diversities of

characteristic occur between the hands of races

and of nations, but that in every community

of men and women certain physical and men-

tal characteristics are clearly signified by cer-

tain concomitant peculiarities in the formation

of the hands ; and that by observing these

characteristics of the hands, we may read off

those characteristics of the mind, by means

of the simple and physical science of Chei-

rosophy.

We are most of us prepared to admit, from

the sculptor's point of view, the grandeur and

beauty of a large and finely modelled male

hand ; but there are very few of us who do

not confess in our hearts a preference for the

smooth and small and gently moulded hand that

[NTRODUCTION I9

of defence, that exquisite and universally en-

dowed instrument, THE HAND.

Ve know, that as different orders of created

beings have differently constructed extremities,so various races of men, even various nations

of the same race, show marked varieties of

characteristic in the shapes of their hands. It

is my intention to carry the question farther

still, and to put before you theidata upon which

I have formed my unalterable conviction that

not only do these clearly marked diversities of

characteristic occur between the hands of races

and of nations, but that in every communityof men and women certain physical and men-

tal characteristics are clearly signified by cer-

tain concomitant peculiarities in the formation

of the hands; and that by observing these

characteristics of the hands, we may read off

those characteristics of the mind, by means

of the simple and physical science of CHEI-

ROSOPHY.

Ve are most of us prepared to admit, from

the sculptor's point of view, the grandeur and

beauty of a large and finely modelled male

hand; but there are very few of us who do

not confess in our hearts a preference for the

smooth and small and gently moulded hand that


characterizes for us, what has been called justly

the softer, and unjustly the weaker, sex, favor-

ably contrasting such hands with the rough and

red fist, which, according to Sir Philip Sidney, I2

indicates " robust health, a warm heart, and

distance from the metropolis," or, according to

Don Quixote, great strength. 13 It is interesting

to note, that some of the keenest and cleverest

men that history has known have been re-

nowned for the elegance,— the womanliness, of

their hands. Among such I may quote the

great Sultan Mahmoud II., Lord Byron, and

Pope Leo X.

In Persia, the hawthorn blossom is called the

" white hand of Moses/' I4 and "the white hand"

is always looked upon as the symbol of inno-

cence and of gratitude

;

I5 whence, conversely,

our expression, "red-handed," as the synonym

of guilt. I shall have something to say later

on about the importance attached to the hand

among Oriental nations, at present I have said

12 Vide Ed. Heron-Allen : The Science of the Hand. (London,

1886.) 1[io.

13 Don Quixote : Part ii. chap. 23.

14 Rubaiy£t of Omar-i-Khayyam. Nicolas' text and translation

(Paris, 1867), 1 86th quatrain. Fitzgerald's translation (Boston, 1886)

fourth verse.

xs Arabian Nights (Burton), vol. iv. p. 185. Ed. Heron-Allen:

The Science of the Hand, If 11.

20 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

characterizes for us, what has been called justlythe softer, and unjustly the weaker, sex, favor-

ably contrasting such hands with the rough and

red list, which, according to Sir Philip Sidney,"

indicates " robust health, a warm heart, and

distance from the metropolis," or, according to

Don Quixote, great strength." It is interestingto note, that some of the keenest and cleverest

men that history has known have been re-

nowned for the elegance,- the womanliness, of

their hands. Among such I may quote the

great Sultan Mahmoud II., Lord Byron, and

Pope Leo X.

In Persia, the hawthorn blossom is called the

"white hand of Moses," '4 and "the white hand"

is always looked upon as the symbol of inno-

cence and of gratitude;'5 whence, conversely,our expression, "red-handed," as the synonymof guilt. I shall have something to say later

on about the importance attached to the hand

among Oriental nations, at present I have said

'2 Wde Ed. Heron-Allen: The Science of the Hand. (London,l8S6.) TIIO.

'3 Don Quixote: Part ii. chap. 23.14 Rubaiyét of Omar-i-Khayyam. Nicolas' text and translation

(Paris, 1867), 186th quatrain. Fitzgerald's translation (Boston, x886)fourth verse.

'S Arabian Nights (Burton), vol. iv. p. 185. Ed. Heron~AlIen:

The Science of the Hand, 1] Il.

INTROD UCTION. 2

1

enough to serve as an introduction to a con-

sideration of the bases upon which a complete

science of— shall I call it divination ? — has

been raised, having the Human Hand as its

point of departure.

Indeed, indeed, have I not some right to

claim a hearing for the science of cheirosophy ?

The labors of Johann Kaspar Lavater have cul-

minated in the establishment of the science of

physiognomy. 16 The untiring researches and

efforts of Franz Joseph Gall and Johann Kaspar

Spurzheim I7 have secured a place among the

sciences of to-day for that of phrenology. Now,

I claim your attention for a space whilst I bring

before you a science many centuries older than

either of these, — a science which I trust I shall

be able to prove to you to be more easy in ap-

plication, more simple in acquisition, and more

certain in its results, than either or both.

I am not going to bore you with theories. I

have done that enthusiastically in my two larger

works on the hand. 18I ask your attention now

16J. K. Lavater : Physiognomische Fragmente zur Beforderung

der Menschenkenntriss und Menschenliebe (Leipzig, 1775-78).17 F. J. Gall : Anatomie et Physiologie du systeme nerveux, et du

cerveau en particulier (Paris, 1809-19).18 Ed. Heron-Allen: A Manual of Cheirosophy (London, 1885).

The Science of the Hand (London, 1886). New York: G. P. Put-

nam's Sons, 27 West 23d St.

INTRODUCTION 21

enough to serve as an introduction to a con-

sideration of the bases upon which a completescience of - shall I call it divination ? - has

been raised, having the Human Hand as its

point of departure.Indeed, indeed, have I not some right to

claim a hearing for the science of cheirosophy?The labors of Johann Kaspar Lavater have cul-

minated in the establishment of the science of

physiognomy." The untiring researches and

efforts of Franz joseph Gall and Johann KasparSpurzheim 'Y have secured a place among the

sciences of to-day for that of phrenology. Now,I claim your attention for a space whilst I bringbefore you a science many centuries older than

either of these, -a science which I trust I shall

be able to prove to you to be more easy in ap-

plication, more simple in acquisition, and more

certain in its results, than either or both.

I am not going to bore you with theories. I

have done that enthusiastically in my two largerworks on the hand. '8 I ask your attention now

'° ]. K. Lavater: Physiognomische Fragmente zur Befiirderungder Menschenkenntriss und Menschenliebe (Leipzig, i775-78).

17 F. ]. Gall: Anatomie et Physiologie du systeme nerveux, et du

cerveau en particulier (Paris, 1809-19)." Ed. Heron-Allen: A Manual of Cheirosophy (London, 1885).

The Science of the Hand (London, 1886). New York: G. P. Put-

nam's Sons, 27 West 23d St.


to a few notes upon the hand, which I trust

will interest you as much as they have inter-

ested me, and to a short exposition of the actual

principles and practice of my science, which

may help you to understand the strange prob-

lems which must often have perplexed you, —namely, yourselves.


to a few notes upon the hand, which I trust

will interest you as much as they have inter-

ested me, and to a short exposition of the actual

principles and practice of my science, which

may help you to understand the strange prob-lems which must often have perplexed you,-

namely, yourselves.

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS. 2$

PART I.

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS.

I

HAVE, before this, had occasion to say that

I believe there exists no symbolical action,

adopted by the human race, in which the hand

does not play a— or the— principal part. In

proof of this, let us revert to simplicity.

How many times a day do we shake hands

with our friends ! Sometimes this action is

quite mechanical and meaningless ; sometimes

it is quite the reverse : but, however we perform

the ceremony, I do not think there are many of

us who remember that people only go through

it with one another to emphasize the fact that

they are not concealing a weapon wherewith to

surreptitiously murder the person with whomthey are shaking hands. Yet such was the

origin of hand-shaking. Now, indeed, that the

custom has become, as I say, mechanical and

universal, it is quite a study by itself,— the

various methods in which people go through

this ceremony, from the dreaded individual who

HAND SUPERSTITIONS A/VD CUSTOMS. 23

PART I.

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS.

HAVE, before this, had occasion to say that

I believe there exists no symbolical action,

adopted by the human race, in which the hand

does not play a-or THE-principal part. In

proof of this, let us revert to simplicity.How many times a day do we shake hands

with our friends! Sometimes this action is

quite mechanical and meaningless; sometimes

it is quite the reverse : but, however we performthe ceremony, I do not think there are many of

us who remember that people only go throughit with one another to emphasize the fact that

they are nal concealing a weapon wherewith to

surreptitiously murder the person with whom

they are shaking hands. Yet such was the

origin of hand-shaking. Now, indeed, that the

custom has become, as I say, mechanical and

universal, it is quite a study by itself,-thevarious methods in which people go throughthis ceremony, from the dreaded individual who


shakes hands with you "like that" (as Gilbert

says), to the haughty person of whom the poet

has written,—" With finger-tips he condescends

To touch the fingers of his friends,

As if he feared their palms might brand

Some moral stigma on his hand !

"

Closely allied to this, is the custom, which

obtained among the nations of classical anti-

quity, and which, indeed, still exists among sav-

age tribes, of holding up the hands as a sign of

peace before coming to close quarters for the

purposes of palaver ; and among modern civil-

ized nations, those of us who know the lonely

moor districts of England, and the still more

lonely prairie roads of North America, may per-

haps have been disconcerted by the sudden

direction, " Hold up your hands!

" from the

mouth of the casual footpad : the signification

in each case being to demonstrate the fact that

the person so placed is unarmed, or at any rate

powerless to resist.

Following the like analogy,— the abrogation

of all power, and the consequent supplication

for mercy,— we have the custom of folding the

hands in prayer, a custom which has prevailed


gg ))

shakes hands with you like that (as Gilbert

says), to the haughty person of whom the poethas written, -

" Vith finger-tips he condescends

To touch the fingers of his friends,As if he feared their palms might brand

Some moral stigma on his hand ! "

Closely allied to this, is the custom, which

obtained among the nations of classical anti-

quity, and which, indeed, still exists among sav-

age tribes, of holding up the hands as a sign of

peace before coming to close quarters for the

purposes of palaver; and among modern civil-

ized nations, those of us who know the lonelymoor districts of England, and the still more

lonely prairie roads of North America, may per-

haps have been disconcerted by the sudden

direction, "Hold up your hands!" from the

mouth of the casual footpad: the significationin each case being to demonstrate the fact that

the person so placed is unarmed, or at any rate

powerless to resist.

Following the like analogy, -the abrogationof all power, and the consequent supplicationfor mercy, -we have the custom of folding the

hands in prayer, a custom which has prevailed

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS. 2$

since the earliest historic times; 19 and allied

with this is the Oriental rule which ordains

that the hands shall be hidden in the presence

of a superior, by crossing the arms, or by hid-

ing the hands in a fold of the robe. So, again,

in giving the hand, as the bride does in the

marriage ceremony, or as the vassals did to their

lords in the mediaeval ceremony of the homage,

the like abrogation of will is intended to be

symbolized. From this we get to the kissing

of hands— perhaps the most abject expression

of humility that is known to civilization,20 being

reserved solely for princes and fair women, to

whom in this manner we signalize our allegiance

and submission. Of course I do not overlook

the kissing of the priest's hands in the celebra-

tions of the Roman-Catholic Church, but this is

more a matter of ritual than of personal homagefrom man to man. 21

It is said that the practice

of kissing one's hands to people, by way of salu-

tation, is a relic of the Parsee fire-worship ; the

ancient Persian custom being to place the hand

upon the mouth, and raise it towards the sun. 22

x9 Aristotle: Ilepi Koa-fxovl Ke<£ Z'.

20 Ed. Heron-A lien : A Manual of Cheirosophy. Iffl 18, 19.

21 F. Rous: Archeologicae Atticae (London, 1685), p. 278.22

J. Brand: Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. Hazlitt's edi-

tion (London, 1870).

r

HAND SUPERST/TIONS AND CUSTO/I/S. 25

since the earliest historic times;'9 and allied

with this is the Oriental rule which ordains

that the hands shall be hidden in the presence

of a superior, by crossing the arms, or by hid-

ing the hands in a fold of the robe. So, again,in giving the hand, as the bride does in the

marriage ceremony, or as the vassals did to their

lords in the medimval ceremony of the homage,the like abrogation of will is intended to be

symbolized. From this We get to the kissingof hands -perhaps the most abject expressionof humility that is known to civilization," beingreserved solely for princes and fair Women, to

whom in this manner we signalize our allegianceand submission. Of course I do not overlook

the kissing of the priest's hands in the celebra-

tions of the Roman-Catholic Church, but this is

more a matter of ritual than of personal homagefrom man to man." It is said that the practiceof kissing one's hands to people, by way of salu-

tation, is a relic of the Parsee fire-worship; the

ancient Persian custom being to place the hand

upon the mouth, and raise it towards the sun."

19 Aristotle: Ilept Knapwv: Kerb Z'."° Ed. Heron-Allen: A Manual of Cheirosophy. 11 18, lg.2* F. Rous: Archeologiczrc Attica: (London, 1685), p. 278.22 J. Brand: Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. Hazlitt's edi-

tion (London, 1870).


These instances are sufficient to point the

fact that the hand is more or less universally re-

garded as a symbol of power. To such a point

is this carried by the Moslem races, that in

Morocco even the number five is never men-

tioned in the presence of the Emperor, and the

fingers of the hand represent a rosary of the

five precepts of Islam ; viz., " Belief in Allah and

in Muhammad his prophet," " Prayer," "Alms-

giving," " The holy pilgrimage to Mecca," and

"The Fast of Ramadan."

Again, we find traces of the same recognition

in a thousand different words and phrases bring-

ing in the word "hand," in its Latin, Greek, or

English forms, with the signification of power

or initiative force. 23 Thus we have many such

lines in Shakspeare, as, " He is a tall man of

his hands;" and in Bacon, as, "At an even

hand" signifying equality.

Nothing was more common, at one time, than

the oath by the hand, which was either held up,

as is still the custom in Scotch and French

courts of law, or laid upon the altar or Bible

;

customs which bring us to the various religious

rites, such as the laying-on of hands in the

consecration of priests, and in the confirmation

23 A Manual of Cheirosophy. ^•j 14, 15.

26 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHJ/I

These instances are sufficient to point the

fact that the hand is more or less universally re-

garded as a symbol of power. To such a pointis this carried by the Moslem races, that in

Morocco even the number live is never men-

tioned in the presence of the Emperor, and the

Fingers of the hand represent a rosary of the

live precepts of Islam; viz., "Belief in Allah and

in Muhammad his prophet," "

Prayer," "Alms~

giving," "The holy pilgrimage to Mecca," and

"The Fast of Ramadan."

Again, we find traces of the same recognitionin a thousand different words and phrases bring-ing in the word "hand," in its Latin, Greek, or

English forms, with the signification of power

or initiative force," Thus we have many such

lines in Shakspeare, as, "He is a tall man ¢y'his ha/zds,"' and in Bacon, as, "At an even

kami" signifying equality.Nothing was more common, at one time, than

the oath by the hand, which was either held up,

as is still the custom in Scotch and French

courts of law, or laid upon the altar or Bible;customs which bring us to the various religiousrites, such as the laying-on of hands in the

consecration of priests, and in the confirmation

23 A Manual of Cheirosophy. 11] 14, 15.

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS. 27

service. The episcopal blessing, which is given

with the thumb and first two fingers only ex-

tended, is most interesting to us ; for its signifi-

cation is thus laid down in works upon the

ritual.24 The thumb is the representative of

Unity in the Godhead— the cross, by the by,

in baptism is directed to be traced upon the

child's forehead with the thumb ;— the first fin-

ger is the emblem of Christ, the indicator of

God's will, and its revealer to mankind. So,

too, the first finger was held by the older chei-

romants to be the representative of Jupiter.

The second finger represents, in the ritual, the

Holy Ghost. So that the three digits held thus

represent the Trinity, which is invoked in the

blessing. The ring in the marriage-service is

placed upon the third finger, in token that after

the Trinity the man's eternal allegiance is given

to his wife, — the ring being the symbol of eter-

nity. In the old marriage service, the ring

used to be placed on the thumb and the first

two fingers in turn, and then left upon the

third finger of the woman's hand. This also is,

of course, the origin of the position of the fingers

in the little coral or metal hands worn in the

24 Gulielmus Durandus : Rationale Divinorum Officiorum (Ven-

ice, 1589), p. 140, verso.

HAND SUPERSTIT./'OI\'.$` AND CUSTO/IIS. 27

service. The episcopal blessing, which is givenwith the thumb and first two fingers only ex-

tended, is most interesting to us; for its signifi-cation is thus laid down in works upon the

ritual."4 The thumb is the representative of

Unity in the Godhead-the cross, by the by,in baptism is directed to be traced upon the

child's forehead with the thumb ;-the first fin-

ger is the emblem of Christ, the indicator of

God's will, and its revealer to mankind. So,too, the first finger was held by the older chei-

romants to be the representative of Jupiter.The second finger represents, in the ritual, the

Holy Ghost. So that the three digits held thus

represent the Trinity, which is invoked in the

blessing. The ring in the marriage-service is

placed upon the third Hnger, in token that after

the Trinity the man's eternal allegiance is givento his wife, -the ring being the symbol of eter-

nity. In the old marriage service, the ringused to be placed on the thumb and the first

two fingers in turn, and then left upon the

third finger of the woman's hand. This also is,ofcourse, the origin of the position of the fingersin the little coral or metal hands worn in the

24 Gulielmus Durandus: Rationale Divinorum Oiiiciorum (Ven-ice, 1589), p. 140, versa


south of Italy to avert the evil eye, the hand

being cast either in the position prescribed for

the blessing, or in that known as "the devil's

horns." 25 The most potent of these charms is

that known as the Mano Pantea, in which the

hand is embossed with various symbols of occult

meaning but infallible power

!

Closely connected with "the laying-on of

hands" was the old ceremony of "touching for

the king's evil." On a given day, people

afflicted with particular diseases used to as-

semble at Whitehall ; and the sovereign used

either to touch them personally, or used to have

distributed to them pieces of money, or rings,

which had been hallowed by the royal touch. 26

Many authentic accounts of this ceremony are

to be found in contemporary literature. Thecustom is of the highest antiquity. Suetonius

and Tacitus record instances of cures performed

in this manner by the Emperor Vespasian at

Alexandria, cures which are wholly marvellous

in the recital

;

27 and as late as the reign of

25 A Manual of Cheirosophy. fl 23, 24.

26 Gentleman's Magazine. 1747, p. 13; 1751, p. 414; 1829 (ii.),

p. 499.27 Godwin's Lives of the Necromancers (London, 1834), p. 155.

Hume's Essays, Part III., sect. x.


south of Italy to avert the evil eye, the hand

being cast either in the position prescribed for

the blessing, or in that known as "the devil's

horns."'5 The most potent of these charms is

that known as the Mafzo Pafziea, in which the

hand is embossed with various symbols of occult

meaning but infallible power!Closely connected with "the laying-on of

hands" was the old ceremony of "touching for

the king's evil." On a given day, peopleafflicted with particular diseases used to as-

semble at Whitehall; and the sovereign used

either to touch them personally, or used to have

distributed to them pieces of money, or rings,which had been hallowed by the royal touch."

Many authentic accounts of this ceremony are

to be found in contemporary literature. The

custom is of the highest antiquity. Suetonius

and Tacitus record instances of cures performedin this manner by the Emperor Vespasian at

Alexandria, cures which are wholly marvellous

in the recital," and as late as the reign of

25 A Manual of Cheirosophy. 111 23, 24.2° Gentleman's Magazine. 1747, p. 13; 1751, p. 414; IS29 (ii.),

P- 499-27 Godwin's Lives of the Necromancers (London, 1834), p. 155.

I-Iume's Essays, Part III., sect. X.

A I


Queen Anne, Dr. Johnson was touched for

some real or fancied ill by the sovereign. Her-

rick has beautifully recorded such a cure in the

lines :—

" Oh, lay that hand on me,

Adored Caesar, and my faith is such,

I shall be cured, if that my king but touch.

The evil is not yours, my sorrow sings,

Mine is the evil, but the cure the king's."

Hesperides.

What I have now said sufficiently demon-

strates the importance with which the hand has

always been invested, and gives us some insight

into the atrocity of the punishment of cutting

off the hands, which was so much in vogue

among the ancient Greeks and Romans, which

has been largely practised in our own country

[England], and which exists still as a favorite

form of punishment among Oriental nations ; a

punishment which is the most horrible that it

is possible to conceive, for it entirely and per-

manently precludes the possibility of the suf-

ferer ever making his own living honestly in

the future. As late as the seventeenth cen-

tury, this punishment was inflicted in England

upon persons who should commit any assault

in a court of justice ; and Mr. Pepys refers

HAND SUPERSTITIO/VS AND CUSTOMS. 29

Queen Anne, Dr. Johnson was touched for

some real or fancied ill by the sovereign. Her-

rick has beautifully recorded such a cure in the

lines :-" Oh, lay that hand on me,

Adored Cmsar, and my faith is such,l shall be cured, if that my king but touch.

The evil is not yours, my sorrow sings,Mine is the evil, but the cure the king's."

Hexperides.

What I have now said suliiciently demon-

strates the importance with which the hand has

always been invested, and gives us some insightinto the atrocity of the punishment of cuttingoff the hands, which was so much in vogue

among the ancient Greeks and Romans, which

has been largely practised in our own country[England], and which exists still as a favorite

form of punishment among Oriental nations; a

punishment which is the most horrible that it

is possible to conceive, for it entirely and per-

manently precludes the possibility of the suf-

ferer ever making his own living honestly in

the future. As late as the seventeenth cen-

tury, this punishment was inflicted in Englandupon persons who should commit any assault

in a court of justice; and Mr. Pepys refers


graphically and quaintly to an occasion of the

kind. 28

From the cutting-off of hands to the cutting-

off of thumbs is but a short step ; and from the

Roman coward, who by cutting off his thumbs,

lest he should be sent to the wars, produced

the modern word " poltroon" (from the words

pollice truncatd), to the invention of the thumb-

screw by the Spaniards, the amputation or

mutilation of the thumb, as being the most

important digit of the hand, has been awarded

as a punishment for felonies and political of-

fences of various degrees.

Upon the importance of the thumb in the

study of the hand, too much stress could not

possibly be laid. It was with the thumb that

the Romans spared the fallen gladiator's life,

or condemned him to death ; it is by licking

his thumb that the Ulster man clinches his

bargains ; whilst it was by biting his thumb at

Abram that Sampson, in "Romeo and Juliet,"

engaged the adherents of the Montagues and

Capulets in a street brawl. 29 It is by the prick-

ing of her thumbs that the witch in " Macbeth "

knows that "something evil her way comes,"—28 Science of the Hand, Index : sub Amputation of the Hand.29 Act I., scene 2.


graphically and quaintly to an occasion of the

kind."

From the cutting-off of hands to the cutting-off of thumbs is but a short step; and from the

Roman coward, who by cutting off his thumbs,lest he should be sent to the wars, producedthe modern word "poltroon" (from the words

po!/ire frzzzzcato), to the invention of the thumb-

screw by the Spaniards, the amputation or

mutilation of the thumb, as being the most

important digit of the hand, has been awarded

as a punishment for felonies and political of-

fences of various degrees.Upon the importance of the thumb in the

study of the hand, too much stress could not

possibly be laid. It was with the thumb that

the Romans spared the fallen gladiator's life,or condemned him to death; it -is by lickinghis thumb that the Ulster man clinches his

bargains ; whilst it was by biting his thumb at

Abram that Sampson, in "Romeo and Juliet,"engaged the adherents of the Montagues and

Capulets in a street bravl.29 It is by the prick-ing of her thumbs that the witch in "Macbeth"

knows that "something evil her way comes,"-

28 Science of the Hand, Index: .mb Amputation of the Hand.

29 Act I., scene 2.


1

a peculiarity of this digit which was shared, weare told, by the Irish hero Fingal.

Who is there who has never heard of the

itching palm 3° as a sign of avarice ? Stevens

has truly observed that all sudden pains of the

body, which cannot immediately be accounted

for, were anciently assumed to be presages of

events about to happen. This theory con-

cerning the itching palm has been developed

from a much older one, which lays it downas an axiom that an itching palm is the fore-

runner of a coming legacy, or gift of money,— a superstition which came originally from

Persia. 31

Is there any one among us who has not heard

a score of jingles and superstitions concerning

finger-nails ? Even as I write, there come flit-

ting through my mind the old rhymes as to the

days for cutting them, and the white spots which

we find in them. As to what are the right days

on which to pare the nails, the superstitions are

innumerable and extremely antique. No Romancitizen would ever pare his nails save upon the

Ferice Nundince, which recurred at intervals of

30 Science of the Hand. *~ 4.

31 G.Atkinson: Customs and Manners of the Women of Persia.

(London, 1832.)

HAND SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOJIS. 31

a peculiarity of this digit which was shared, we

are told, by the Irish hero Fingal.Who is there who has never heard of the

itching palm 3° as a sign of avarice? Stevens

has truly observed that all sudden pains of the

body, which cannot immediately be accounted

for, were anciently assumed to be presages of

events about to happen. This theory con-

cerning the itching palm has been developedfrom a much older one, which lays it down

as an axiom that an itching palm is the fore-

runner of a coming legacy, or gift of money,-a superstition which came originally from

Persia."

Is there any one among us who has not heard

a score of jingles and superstitions concerningFinger-nails? Even as I write, there come flit-

ting through my mind the old rhymes as to the

days for cutting them, and the white spots which

we find in them. As to what are the right dayson which to pare the nails, the superstitions are

innumerable and extremely antique. No Roman

citizen would ever pare his nails save upon the

Feriw _/Wmdzhe, which recurred at intervals of

3° Science of the Hand. '"4,

3* G. Atkinson: Customs and Manners of the Vomen of Persia.

(London, 1832.)

32 . PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

nine days;

32 and I have come across old ladies

in country districts who not only choose care-

fully the days upon which to cut their own and

their children's nails, but even make a point of

cutting them over the leaves of the Bible, to

insure their continuance in the paths of honesty

and of virtue. 33

32 Ausonius : Eclogarium, 373.33 Brand's Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. (London, 1870.)


nine days ;5' and I have come across old ladies

in country districts who not only choose care-

fully the days upon which to cut their own and

their children's nails, but even make a point of

cutting them over the leaves of the Bible, to

insure their continuance in the paths of honestyand of virtue."

32 Ausonius: Eclogarium, 373.33 Brand's Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. (London, 18:/0.)

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HAND. 33

PART II.

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HAND.

LET us devote a few moments to the consid-

eration of the exquisite construction of the

member with which we are concerned at this

present.

The first thing which cannot fail to strike us

at once, concerning the hand, is its complete

perfection. In no other combination of bones,

muscles, and nerves, and in no other animal,

do we find a perfection which results in such

superiority with regard to strength, variety,

rapidity, and extent of motion ; and this perfec-

tion resulting, as it undoubtedly does, from

the intimate relations which exist between the

hand and the intellect, we are irresistibly com-

pelled to ask with Sir Charles Bell, "Is it noth-

ing to have our minds awakened to the percep-

tion of the numerous proofs of design which

present themselves in the study of the hand, to

be brought to the conviction that every thing in

its structure is orderly and systematic, and that


PART II.

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HAND.

ET us devote a few moments to the consid-

eration of the exquisite construction of the

member with which we are concerned at this

present.The first thing which cannot fail to strike us

at once, concerning the hand, is its completeperfection. In no other combination of bones,muscles, and nerves, and in no other animal,do we find a perfection which results in such

superiority with regard to strength, variety,rapidity, and extent of motion ; and this perfec-tion resulting, as it undoubtedly does, from

the intimate relations which exist between the

hand and the intellect, we are irresistibly com-

pelled to ask with Sir Charles Bell, "Is it noth-

ing to have our minds awakened to the percep-

tion of the numerous proofs of design which

present themselves in the study of the hand, to

be brought to the conviction that every thing in

its structure is orderly and systematic, and that


the most perfect mechanism, the most minute

and curious apparatus, and sensibilities the

most delicate and appropriate, are all combined

in operation that we may move the hand." 34

And further, we are bound to say, with Galen, 35

that its entire structure is such that it could

not be improved by any conceivable alteration.

In the human hand, each part is subordinated

to a harmonious combination of function with

another part, and each by a special modification

of its own, so that every single bone is distin-

guishable from another. Each digit has its ownpeculiar character and name ; and the thumb,

which among the lower animals is the least

important and constant of the five digits, be-

comes in man the most important of all, making

the member "a hand," properly so called, as

Professor Sir Richard Owen has justly re-

marked;

36 the hand, which characterizes manalone, in justification of the words of the Persian

poet, Omar-i-Khayyam, —" Ten Powers and nine Spheres, eight Heavens made He,

And Planets seven of six sides we see;

Five Senses, and four Elements, three Souls,

Two Worlds, but only one, O Man ! like thee." n

34 op. cit. 3S op. cit.

36 On the Nature of Limbs. (London, 1S49.)

37 Whinfield's translation, verse 12c. (London, 18S3.)


the most perfect mechanism, the most minute

and curious apparatus, and sensibilities the

most delicate and appropriate, are all combined

in operation that we may move the hand."34

And further, we are bound to say, with Galen, 35

that its entire structure is such that it could

not be improved by any conceivable alteration.

In the human hand, each part is subordinated

to a harmonious combination of function with

another part, and each by 'a special modification

of its own, so that every single bone is distin-

guishable from another. Each digit has its own

peculiar character and name; and the thumb,which among the lover animals is the least

important and constant of the tive digits, be-

comes in man the most important of all, makingthe member "a hand," properly so called, as

Professor Sir Richard Owen has justly re-

marked;35 the hand, which characterizes man

alone, in justification of the words of the Persian

poet, Omar-i-Khayyam, -" Ten Powers and nine Spheres, eight Heavens made He,

And Planets seven of six sides we see ;

_Five Senses, and four Elements, three Souls,Two Vorlds, but only one, O MAN! like thee."37

54 op. fit. 35 op. eil.36 On the Nature of Limbs. (London, 1S49.)37 Whiniield's translation, verse 120. (London, .18S3.)


And when we come to consider the question,

it is the thumb, and the thumb alone, that

gives to the hand the finishing touch of its per-

fection. Without the thumb, how impotent,

comparatively speaking, the grasp of the. fin-

gers ! but let the thumb be brought into oppo-

sition and action, and the fingers find a fulcrum

whence to apply their tremendous leverage,

and the hand becomes, for its size, the most

powerful mechanism of the human body.

" But," people have said to me, " I can never

see any difference between the hands of differ-

ent people." That this should be literally the

case, seems to me to be impossible, regard be-

ing had to the fact that man is a sentient being,

endowed with powers of observation. But a

very little experience will enormously increase

the acuteness of those powers of observation.

And just as the specialist and the connoisseur

come to distinguish infinitesimal variations in

works of art, just as the banker's clerk detects

the forged bank-note after it has deceived

many people less accustomed to handling such

things, the cheirosophist very soon comes to

compare mentally the hands which he sees,

with all those that he has ever seen before, until

the classification of hands, according to the

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE IIA./VD. 35

And when we come to consider the question,it is the thumb, and the thumb alone, that

gives to the hand the finishing touch of its per-fection. Without the thumb, how impotent,comparatively speaking, the grasp of the.fin-

gers! but let the thumb be brought into oppo-

sition and action, and the fingers Find a fulcrum

whence to apply their tremendous leverage,and the hand becomes, for its size, the most

powerful mechanism of the human body."But," people have said to me, "I can never

see any difference between the hands of differ-

ent people." That this should be literally the

case, seems to me to be impossible, regard be-

ing had to the fact that man is a sentient being,endowed with powers of observation. But 'a

very little experience will enormously increase

the acuteness of those powers of observation.

And just as the specialist and the connoisseur

come to distinguish infinitesimal variations in

works of art, just as the banker's clerk detects

the forged bank-note after it has deceived

many people less accustomed to handling such

things, the cheirosophist very soon comes to

compare mentally the hands which he sees,

with all those that he has ever seen before, until

the classification of hands, according to the


leading types to which I am about to draw your

attention, becomes a purely mechanical opera-

tion, and it becomes a familiar fact, that, just as

our faces and characters present infinite varia-

tions, so no two hands, or pairs of hands, are

identical.

There exists a very interesting account of a

man discovering a murderer solely by the con-

volutions of the skin upon the ball of the

thumb.

Visiting the scene of the murder shortly after

its committal, the detective found upon the sill

of the window by which the murderer had es-

caped, an imprint of the spiral lines of the ball

of his thumb left in blood. Tracing this care-

fully, he tracked the murderer gradually from

place to place, taking impressions of the balls

of hundreds of thumbs on his way, under the

pretence of telling men's fortunes by this means

;

but he never found a figure to correspond with

the one traced in blood at the scene of the mur-

der, until he found the murderer himself, and

then, suddenly accusing him, brought him to

confession and the scaffold.

This infinite variation is still more perceptible

in the general formation of the hands ; and by

a careful study and comparison the cheirosophist


leading types to which I am about to draw your

attention, becomes a purely mechanical opera-

tion, and it becomes a familiar fact, that, just as

our faces and characters present infinite varia-

tions, so no two hands, or pairs of hands, are

identical.

There exists a very interesting account of a

man discovering a murderer solely by the con-

volutions of the skin upon the ball of the

thumb.`

Visiting the scene of the murder shortly after

its committal, the detective found upon the sill

of the window by which the murderer had es-

caped, an imprint of the spiral lines of the ball

of his thumb left in blood. Tracing this care-

fully, he tracked the murderer gradually from

place to place, taking impressions of the balls

of hundreds of thumbs on his way, under the

pretence of telling men's fortunes by this means;

but he never found a figure to correspond with

the one traced in blood at the scene of the mur-

der, until he found the murderer himself, and

then, suddenly accusing him, brought him to

confession and the scaffold.

This infinite variation is still more perceptiblein the general formation of the hands; and bya careful study and comparison the cheirosophist


is enabled, as I shall presently show, to pro-

nounce upon the capacities of the owner of the

hand, just as the sportsman can tell from the

foot of the dog or the horse the breed and capa-

bilities of the animal. " Ex pede Herculem" is

the motto upon which we proceed in cheiroso-

phy, as in most other sciences ; and by studying

the infinite variations of hands, you will come

imperceptibly, and by degrees, to a perfect

understanding of the varied characteristics of

man.

The gradual and perfect development of the

hand is one of the most interesting studies of

the physiologist. In the human embryo, whenthere appears no definite bodily formation, the

rudimentary hand is plainly distinguishable.

At birth, save for the disproportion of the palm

to the fingers, the hand is perfectly formed,

and the main osseous construction is complete

at about the age of fourteen ; so that at four-

teen the permanent shape given to the hand by

the mental capacities may be read like an open

book, by the expert in cheirosophy. This per-

fected development of the hand is what must

next occupy our attention ; though, be it under-

stood, I do not propose to discourse here at

length as I have done in " A Manual of Chei-

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF TIIE [IA/VD. 37

is enabled, as I shall presently show, to pro-

nounce upon the capacities of the owner of the

hand, just as the sportsman can tell'from the

foot of the dog or the horse the breed and capa-

bilities of the animal. "

Expede He1'cz/lem," is

the motto upon which we proceed in cheiroso-

phy, as in most other sciences ; and by studyingthe infinite variations of hands, you will come

imperceptibly, and by degrees, to a perfectunderstanding of the varied characteristics of

man.

The gradual and perfect development of the

hand is one of the most interesting studies of

the physiologist. In the human embryo, when

there appears no definite bodily formation, the

rudimentary hand is plainly distinguishable.At birth, save for the disproportion of the palmto the fingers, the hand is perfectly formed,and the main osseous construction is completeat about the age of fourteen; so that at four-

teen the permanent shape given to the hand bythe mental capacities may be read like an open

book, by the expert in cheirosophy. This per-fected development of the hand is what must

next occupy our attention; though, be it under-

stood, I do not propose to discourse here at

length as I have done in "A Manual of Chei-


rosophy," and in- "The Science of the Hand,"

upon the anatomy of the member. Still it is ne-

cessary that, before impressing upon your minds

the leading types of hands, you should be in a

position to understand by the development of

what tissues the variations of those types are

produced.

The skeleton of the hand consists of twenty-

seven bones, eight composing the carpus or

wrist, five composing the metacarpus or palm,

twelve forming the phalanges of the fingers,

and two forming the thumb. (Plate I.) Thesmall bones of the carpus, fitting exquisitely

into one another as they do, have their articu-

lating surfaces covered with a layer of cartilage,

so that the whole forms a quasi-solid and

highly elastic mass, which is gifted with enor-

mous strength, and which forms, as it were, a

"buffer" which is capable of resisting a very

powerful jar indeed. This mass of bones is

not completely developed until the twelfth year,

which accounts for the fact that until this age

the wrist is comparatively weak.

The five long bones of the metacarpus are

slightly incurved, which imparts the familiar

hollowness to the palm. At the lower ends of

these bones, a little mass of bone, termed an

38 PRA CTJCAL CHEIROSOPHK

rosophy," and in-"The Science of the Hand,"

upon the anatomy of the member. Still it is ne-

cessary that, before impressing upon your minds

the leading types of hands, you should be in a

position to understand by the development of

what tissues the variations of those types are

produced.The skeleton of the hand consists of twenty-

seven bones, eight composing the carpus or

wrist, five composing the metacarpus or palm,twelve forming the phalanges of the fingers,and two forming the thumb. (Plate I.) The

small bones of the carpus, fitting exquisitelyinto one another as they do, have their articu-

lating sur-faces covered witha layer of cartilage,so that the whole forms a quasi-solid and

highly elastic mass, which is gifted with enor-

mous strength, and which forms, as it were, a

"buffer" which is capable of resisting a very

powerful jar indeed. This mass of bones is

not completely developed until the twelfth year,which accounts for the fact that until this agethe wrist is comparatively weak.

The five long bones of the metacarpus are

slightly incurved, which imparts the familiarhollowness to the palm. At the lower ends of

these bones, a little mass of bone, termed an

Plate I.— THE BONES OF THE HAND.

(From a male adult skeleton.)

'HP

-ei?`

E 5

,;+'

xbigf þÿ�'�:�1�'�§�.�~�s�;�' ¬ 4,

"'

,Y_

J'

9*ff

,_

__

1 T21

_

'-U @ - "s'* `

_EF ,L_ _,

1'

1

Q "fé F* A

Ji F Ji'

' ;i »i -_£ 1 f

=~ > wir.

*_ -I J,`~

` fl.

iv* __ 1..¢ ,

`_.`ff_,£,; ~"'_ dv(

'

¥

Plate L - THE BONES OF THE HAND.

(From a male adult skeleton.)


1

epiphysis, becomes gradually developed, and at-

taches itself to the shaft at about the twentieth

year. This adds enormously to the strength of

the hand, so that it may be said that the perfect

ossification of the hand does not take place until

that time.

The fingers consist, as we see, of three pha-

langes, and the thumb of two, which correspond

with the first and third of the fingers, the mid-

dle phalanx being absent. Besides the little

masses of bone to which I have alluded in the

metacarpus, we often find among the tendons

at the joint of the thumb, little embedded

bones termed " sesamoid bones :" these enor-

mously increase the strength, the leverage, of

the joints ; so that where you see prominent

joints upon the thumbs, you may always be sure

of finding great manual strength.

There are two principal layers of muscles in

the hand, a superficial and a deep layer ; they

are attached to the ends of the bones by meansof the tendons and the little ridges called pro-

cesses ; and the point concerning them, to which

I desire to call your attention, is the exquisite

mechanism and enormous strength of these

tendons, which, radiating from the wrist, give

unlimited variety, and almost unlimited force,

TIIE PIIYSIOLOGY OF THE IIA./VI). 4I

cpz}>h_;/sz`s, becomes gradually developed, and at-

taches itself ttlthe shaft at about the twentieth

year. This adds enormously to the strength of

the hand, so that it may be said that the þÿ�f ¬�7�f ¬�6�fossification of the hand does not take place until

that time.

The fingers consist, as we see, of three pha-langes, and the thumb of two, which correspondwith the First and third ofthe fingers, the mid-

dle phalanx being absent. Besides the little

masses of bone to which I have alluded in the

rnetacarpus, we often Hnd among the tendons

at the joint of the thumb, little embedded

bones termed "sesamoid bones 2" these enor-

mously increase the strength, the leverage, of

the joints; so that where you see prominentjoints upon the thumbs, you may always be sure

of Hnding great manual strength.There are two principal layers of muscles in

the hand, a superficial and a deep layer; theyare attached to the ends of the bones by means

of the tendons and the little ridges called pro-ces.ve.f,~ and the point concerning them, to which

I desire to call your attention, is the exquisitemechanism and enormous strength of these

tendons, which, radiating from the wrist, giveunlimited variety, and almost unlimited force,


to the movements of the muscles of the hands.

You see these particularly when the back of

the hand is made rigid. Observe also the

powerful tendon of the thumb.

The hand is perhaps more liberally supplied

with arteries and veins than any other memberof the body. It is, to a great measure, this fact

which gives to the hand its intense keenness

of sensibility of touch. There used to exist an

interesting old superstition (which is, I regret

to say, without foundation) to the effect that

the third finger was connected directly with the

heart by means of a vein. 38

I should greatly like to discuss the nervous

system of the hand, but the space at my disposal

renders such a discussion impossible. We must,

however, bear in mind that the nerves are more

numerous, more delicate, and more highly de-

veloped in the hand, than in any other partof

the human body, excepting perhaps the lips.

In the hands and lips, the nerves are first de-

veloped in the human subject; and it is for

this reason that a baby always grasps with that

nervous infantile clutch any thing which pre-

sents itself, and carries it instinctively and im-

mediately to its mouth for identification. This

38 A Manual of Cheirosophy. ^37.

42 PRA CTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

to the movements of the muscles of the hands.

You see these particularly when the back of

the hand is made rigid. Observe also the

powerful tendon of the thumb.

The hand is perhaps more liberally suppliedwith arteries and veins than any other member

of the body. It is, to a great measure, this fact

which gives to the hand its intense keenness

of sensibility of touch. There used to exist an

interesting old superstition (which is, I regretto say, without foundation) to the effect that

the third finger was connected directly with the

heart by means of a vein.38

I should greatly like to discuss the nervous

system of the hand, but the space at my disposalrenders such a discussion impossible. We must,

however, bear in mind that the nerves are more

numerous, more delicate, and more highly de-

veloped in the hand, than in any other partof

the human body, excepting perhaps the lips.In the hands and lips, the nerves are first de-

veloped in the human subject; and it is for

this reason that a baby always grasps with that

nervous infantile clutch any thing which pre-

sents itself, and carries it instinctively and im-

mediately to its mouth for identification. This

3° A Manual of Cheirosophy. 1 37.


nervous system reaches, as you know, its high-

est development in the skin ; and it is the rows

of touch corpuscles, the bulbs at the ends of

the nerves, and the little sensitive heads called

" pacinian bodies," which form the lines in the

palms, with which we have presently to deal.

These lines are formed by the culminating

points of the sensory apparatus, and not, as

people are so fond of saying, by the mere fold-

ing of the hands. If proof were required of

this statement, we should find it in the fact

that these lines are found in the palms of the

hands at birth, and even long before birth, in

the human infant. 39

Concerning the physiology of the hand, I have

done. I particularly wanted, however, to give

you a few leading facts in this connection, be-

cause the formation, the physical composition,

of the hand, like that of every part of the body,

depends entirely upon the uses to which it is

put, the circumstances and physical conditions

which surround it ; in a word, upon the mental

characteristics which prompt and direct those uses

to which it is put. It is a well-known physio-

logical fact, that upon the duties imposed upon

39 Science of the Hand, p. 70, note 91 ; and Quain's Anatomy,

vol. ii. p. 214.


nervous system reaches, as you know, its high-est development in the skin; and it is the rows

of touch corpuscles, the bulbs at the ends of

the nerves, and the little sensitive heads called

"pacinian bodies," which form the lines in the

palms, with which we have presently to deal.

These lines are formed by the culminatingpoints of the sensory apparatus, and 1z0z', as

people are so fond of saying, by the mere fold-

ing of the hands. If proof were required of

this statement, we should find it in the fact

that these lines are found in the palms of the

hands at birth, and even long before birth, in

the human infant."

Concerning the physiology of the hand, I have

done. I particularly wanted, however, to giveyou a few leading facts in this connection, be-

cause the formation, the physical composition,of the hand, like that of every part of the body,depends entirely upon the uses to which it is

put, the circumstances and physical conditions

which surround it ; in a word, zyban the mefztal

chrzmc!e1'z`sZ'z`cs which f7'07i{Df (l7Z6Z7 þÿ�6�l�7�Z�.�7�' ¬�¢�`�fZhose uses

to which it is pal. It is a well-known physio-logical fact, that upon the duties imposed upon

39 Science of the Hand, p. 70, note 91; and Quain's Anatomy,vol. p. 214.


the limbs, their constitution and forms depend;

a fact of which I have treated at much length in

"A Manual of Cheirosophy." I am therefore

about to explain to you the science of cheiroso-

phy by reading these data backward : that is

to say, I am not going to tell you that certain

mental and physical peculiarities will produce

certain given forms of hand, but I am going to

show you certain types of hands, and tell you

what are the mental characteristics which have

brought about the formation of those types, so

that, by looking at the hand, you can tell at a

glance the character, the instincts, the habits,

and the intellectual faculties of such people as

you may be thrown into contact with.

This is what I have been leading up to ; this

is the science of cheirosophy ; and this is the

art of which I am about to lay before you what

have been erroneously called "the secrets.''

44 PRACTICAL CHEJROSOPHK

the limbs, their constitution and forms depend;a fact of which I have treated at much length in

"A Manual of Cheirosophy." I am therefore

about to explain to you the science of cheiroso~

phy by reading these data backward: that is

to say, Iam not going to tell you that certain

mental and physical peculiarities will producecertain given forms of hand, ézzil am going to

show you certain types of hands, and tell youwhat are the mental characteristics which have

brought about the formation of those types, so

that, by looking at the hand, you can tell at a

glance the character, the instincts, the habits,and the intellectual faculties of such people as

you may be thrown into Contact with.

This is what I have been leading up to ; ikzk

is the science of cheirosophy; and Ibis is the

art of which I am about to lay before you what

have been erroneously called "the secrets."

ON THE SHAPES OF HANDS. 45

PART III.

ON THE SHAPES OF HANDS:CHEIROGNOMY.

THAT man should be ever striving to attain

to that class of knowledge which is knownas "divination," is hardly strange; man's na-

ture, as we know (alas, too well!) being ever

to progress. How many are there to-day, whofrom their hearts would say, like Democritus,

" I would rather be the possessor of one of the

cardinal secrets of nature, than of the diadem

of Persia."

The time has passed when such studies as

this should be met only with derision. Modern

science has established the doctrine of the fixity

of the Laws of Nature. We know that the

events of our lives succeed one another in con-

sequence of one another ; that the whole system

of human existence obeys the great law of cause

and effect; and judging a man's character by

means of a glance at his physical peculiarities

is, after all, merely placing implicit faith in what


PART III.

ON THE SHAPES OF HANDS:

CHEIRQGNOMY.

HAT man should be ever striving to attain

to that class of knowledge which is known

as "divination," is hardly strange; man's na-

ture, as we know (alas, too welll) being ever

to progress. How many are there to-day, who

from their hearts would say, like Democritus,"I would rather be the possessor of one of the

cardinal secrets of nature, than of the diadem

of Persia."

The time has passed when such studies as

this should be met only with derision. Modern

science has established the doctrine of the {-ixityof the Laws of Nature. We know that the

events of our lives succeed one another z`1z con-

sequence qf one mzo¢%e¢f,~ that the whole systemof human existence obeys the great law of cause

and effect; and judging a man's character bymeans of a glance at his physical peculiaritiesis, after all, merely placing implicit faith in what


Newman Smyth has called " the divine veracity

of nature." 40 The law of continual development,

which has evolved astronomy out of astrology,

chemistry out of alchemy, and craniology out of

metoposcopy, has derived yet another science

from an original, which was in its inception

hardly more than the hap-hazard and conjectural

vaticinations of the impudent charlatan ; has

brought the Science of Cheirosophy out of the

ruins of the ancient and mediaeval Palmistry.

No one will deny that the use of an organ or

member is indicated by its aspects ; and from

the use indicated by the aspects, what is more

easy to deduce than the mental characteristics

which prompt that use ? (Lavater told Goethe,

on one occasion, that when in the practice of

his priestly office he held the bag in church, he

tried to observe only the hands ; and he fully

satisfied himself that in every individual the

shape of the hand and of the fingers, and their

action, were distinctly different and individually

characteristic.)

Again, it has been said that forced labor of a

particular kind will entirely alter the shape of

the hands. Now, this is not the case. Labor

diametrically opposed to the inclinations of the

40 Old Faiths in New Light (New York, 1879), P* 2 52 »


Newman Smyth has called "the divine veracityof nature."'*° The law of continual development,which has evolved astronomy out of astrology,chemistry out of alchemy, and craniology out of

metoposcopy, has derived yet another science

from an original, which was in its inceptionhardly more than the hap-hazard and conjecturalvaticinations of the impudent charlatan ; has

brought the Science of Cheirosophy out of the

ruins of the ancient and medimval Palrnistry.No one will deny that the use of an organ or

member is indicated by its aspects; and from

the use indicated by the aspects, what is more

easy to deduce than the mental characteristics

which prompt that use? (Lavater told Goethe,on one occasion, that when in the practice of

his priestly office he held the bag in church, he

tried to observe only the hands; and he fullysatisfied himself that in every individual the

shape of the hand and of the fingers, and their

action, were distinctly different and individuallycharacteristic.)

Again, it has been said that forced labor of a

particular kind will entirely alter the shape of

the hands. Now, this is not the case. Labor

diametrically opposed to the inclinations of the

4° Old Faiths in New Light (New York, 1879), p. 252.


mind, if forced upon an individual, will often

modify the outlines of a hand ; but it will never

alter the shape, so as to render it uncertain

what was the natural bent of the inclination.

The hand cannot alter. And it is here that I

claim for cheirosophy an advantage over every

other science of the kind. The phrenologist

may be deceived by the growth of the hair ; the

physiognomist may be led astray by a fixed and

unnatural expression of the face : but the chei-

rosophist finds in the hand an unvarying and

unalterable indication of the character, a mirror

whose images the bearer is powerless to distort.

The science of Cheirosophy is divided into

two great branches, — Cheirognomy, or the sci-

ence of deducing the characteristics of manfrom the shape of his hands ; and Cheiromancy,

or the art of expounding to man the events of

his life, and the inner shades of his character,

by an inspection of his palms. The latter of

these two branches is of incomparable antiquity,

but has been reduced within reasonable bounds,

and invested with all the attributes of an exact

science, only within the last fifty years, by

Adrien Desbarrolles. The former is a compar-

atively new science, having been formulated at

the beginning of this century by M. le Capi-

ON THE SZ]/IFES OF HANDS. 47

mind, if forced upon an individual, will often

modify the ozn'!z`1zes of a hand; but it will never

alter the shape, so as to render it uncertain

what was the natural bent of the inclination.

The hand cannot alter. And it is here that I

claim for cheirosophy an advantage over everyother science of the kind. The phrenologistmay be deceived by the growth of the hair; the

physiognomist may be led astray by a fixed and

unnatural expression of the face: but the chei-

rosophist finds in the hand an unvarying and

unalterable indication of the character, a mirror

Whose images the bearer is powerless to distort.

The science of Cheirosophy is divided into

two great branches, - Cheirognomy, or the sci-

ence of deducing the characteristics of man

from the shape of his hands; and Cheironiancy,or the art of expounding to man the events of

his life, and the inner shades of his character,

by an inspection of his palms. The latter of

these two branches is of incomparable antiquity,but has been reduced within reasonable bounds,and invested with all the attributes of an exact

science, only Within the la_st fifty years, byAdrien Desbarrolles. The former is a compar-

atively new science, having been formulated at

the beginning of this century by M. le Capi-


taine Casimir Stanislas d'Arpentigny, whose

book, "La Science de la Main/' it has been

my most interesting task and labor of love to

translate and to annotate.

M. d'Arpentigny first had his thoughts turned

in this direction whilst serving with his regi-

ment in the Peninsular war in the year 1820.

One day, walking along one of the highroads of

Andalusia, he was accosted by a gypsy woman,

who offered to read for him his fortune upon

his palm in exchange for the ordinary douceur.

The language in which she clothed the indica-

tions which she expounded, struck him pro-

foundly ; and from that day forth he commencedto study the works of the older cheiromants,

and* to observe carefully the hands of all with

whom he was thrown in contact. Near where

he lived in the country stood the house of

a celebrated mechanician and mathematician,

whose wife was imbued with a strong taste for

art. The result of this opposition of taste in

husband and wife was that they gave a series

of alternately artistic and scientific receptions,

to which Captain d'Arpentigny went indiffer-

ently. By degrees, he found that he could class

the various guests of his host and hostess by

the aspects of their hands; and going a step


taine Casimir Stanislas d'Arpentigny, whose

book, "La Science de la Main," it has been

my most interesting task and labor of love to

translate and to annotate.

M. d'Arpentigny first had his thoughts turned

in this direction whilst serving with his regi-ment in the Peninsular war in the year ISZO.

One day, walking along one of the highroads of

Andalusia, he was accosted by a gypsy woman,

who offered to read for him his fortune upon

his palm in exchange for the ordinary doucewc

The language in which she clothed the indica-

tions Which she expounded, struck him pro-

foundly; and from that day forth he commenced

to study the works of the older cheiromants,and' to observe carefully the hands of all with

whom he was thrown in contact. Near where

he lived in the country stood the house of

a celebrated mechanician and mathematician,Whose wife was imbued with a strong taste for

art. The result of this opposition of taste in

husband and wife was that they gave a series

of alternately artistic and scientific receptions,to which Captain d'Arpentigny went indiffer-

ently. By degrees, he found that he could class

the various guests of his host and hostessibythe aspects of their hands; and going a step

ON THE SHAPES OE HANDS. 49

farther, he found that hands might be classed,

for practical purposes, under eight categories,—hands which belonged to any one of seven

clearly accentuated and distinguished types, or

to an eighth class consisting of hands which

could not be properly placed in any of the

preceding seven.

The construction of these seven types, upon

which I am about to embark, composes the

science of Cheirognomy. Firstly, however, I

will draw your attention to a few general indi-

cations with regard to the hand considered as

a whole.

If the palm of the hand is narrow and skinny,

it denotes always timidity, a feeble mind, and

want of moral and intellectual force. If, on the

other hand, it is too thick and big and strong,

it denotes a low intelligence, and a tendency to

brutality. A hollow, deep palm always signifies

misery, ill-luck, and failures in life.

Fingers are divided into two great classes :

these are, fingers which are smooth, i.e., whose

joints are not prominent ; and fingers which

are knotty, i.e., whose joints stand out and are

clearly visible. These latter, again, are subdi-

vided into fingers with one joint only prominent,

and those with both.

ZZ]

01V THE Sl!/IFES OF [I/1./VDS. 49

farther, he found that hands might be classed,for practical purposes, under eight categories, _

hands which belonged to any one of seven

clearly accentuated and distinguished types, or

to an eighth class consisting of hands which

could not be properly placed in any of the

preceding seven.

The construction of these seven types, uponwhich I am about to embark, composes the

science of Cheirognomy. Firstly, however, I

will draw your attention to a few general indi-

cations with regard to the hand considered as

a whole.'

If the palm of the hand is narrow and skinny,it denotes always timidity, a feeble mind, and

want of moral and intellectual force. If, on the

other hand, it is too thick and big and strong,it denotes a low intelligence, and a tendency to

brutality. A hollow, deep palm always signifiesmisery, ill-luck, and failures in life.

Fingers are divided into two great classes:

these are, fingers which are smooth, i.e., whose

joints are not prominent ; and fingers which

are knotty, i.e., whose joints stand out and are

dearly visible. These latter, again, are subdi-

vided into fingers with one joint only prominent,and those with both.


Fingers which are smooth always denote a

tendency to act upon instinct, upon impulse,

upon intuition, rather than by reason, cal-

culation, or deduction. If your fingers are

smooth, you are highly endowed with more

natural tact and grace than your knotty-fin-

gered fellows.

Fingers which are knotty denote always a

tendency to order and arrangement. If your

fingers are such, you will be gifted with good

taste, which is born of reason, rather than

with natural tact, which is instinctive. If the

upper joint (A in Plate II.) is developed, it de-

notes a well-ordered mind, a neat, administra-

tive disposition, and reason in the ideas. If the

loiver joint (B in Plate II.) is developed, this

order and reason applies itself to things mate-

rial rather than to things mental and psycho-

logical. The lower joint, therefore, is termed

the joint of material order; the upper one is

termed the joint of philosophy. The material

and worldly mind is denoted by a development

of the lower, whilst the philosophic mind is

denoted by a development of the upper.

Both joints developed indicate the most

pronounced instincts of order and philosophy.

Such hands denote science, analysis, and a

SO PRACTICAL CIYEIROSOPHK

Fingers which are smooth always denote a

tendency to act upon instinct, upon impulse,upon intuition, rather than by reason, cal-

culation, or deduction. If your fingers are

smooth, you are highly endowed with more

natural tact and grace than your knotty-fin-gered fellows.

Fingers which are knotty denote always a

tendency to order and arrangement. If your

lingers are such, you 'will be gifted `with goodtaste, which is born of reason, .rather than

with natural tact, which is instinctive. If the

Wiper joint (A in Plate ll.) is developed, it de-

notes a well-ordered mind, a neat, administra-

tive disposition, and reason in the ideas. If the

þÿ�[�U�I�Q�/ ¬�7�'joint (B in Plate II.) is developed, this

order and reason applies itself to things mate-

rial rather than to things mental and psycho-logical. The lower joint, therefore, is termed

the joint of material order; the upper one is

termed the joint of philosophy. The material

and worldly mind is denoted by a developmentof the lower, whilst the philosophic mind is

denoted by a development of the upper.

Both joints developed indicate the most

pronounced instincts of order and philosophy.Such hands denote science, analysis, and a

Plate II. - THE THUMB, THE JOINTS, AND THELINES IN THE HAND.

'IP

,_.

"ir

Ai

nt' 3;

_B ¢2: _il

- EQ

":;_ -§

C' ' 6'4

`

"»,» CQ

D 5 ,§

"

J

LZ -e'.

i *`

0 %

§U

.f

6 (Jr,-"',

,I

_/irx gf, .

i :Z

7; _/=/-" _ 7;

E' THUMB, THE JOINTS, AND THE

LINES IN THE HAND.

07/ THE SHAPES OF HANDS. 53

strong love of and search after abstract and

absolute truth.

Art is the domain of smooth, science is the

domain of knotty fingers. These facts must be

clearly laid hold of at the outset, for they are

the very corner-stones of cheirognomy. Ajointed hand can never become smooth, but

with age and experience a smooth hand maybecome knotty. This change takes place when

our minds have become more sceptic, more rea-

sonable, and more mechanical than they were

when the illusions of youth tinged all things

with the roseate tints of poetry and of inspira-

tion.

A hand is either long or short by comparison

with its fellows, and the indications afforded by

these peculiarities are of synthesis or of analy-

sis. To explain : People with short fingers are

quicker, more impulsive, act more on the spur

of the moment, than people with long fingers;

they prefer generalities to details, jump at once

to conclusions, and are quick at grasping all

the bearings of a subject or scheme. Their

judgment is quick, and their action is prompt,

making up their minds the moment a subject

presents itself to them. If, however, the fingers

are very short, it results in cruelty and want

02V TIIE SHAPES OF HA1VD.SY 53

strong love of and search 'after abstract and

absolute truth.

Art is the domain of smooth, science is the

domain of knotty fingers. These facts must be

clearly laid hold of at the outset, for they are

the very corner-stones of cheirognomy. A

jointed hand can never become smooth, but

with age and experience a smooth hand maybecome knotty. This change takes place when

our minds have become more sceptic, more rea-

sonable, and more mechanical than they were

when the illusions of youth tinged all thingswith the roseate tints of poetry and of inspira-tion.

A hand is either long or short by comparisonwith its fellows, and the indications afforded bythese peculiarities are of synthesis or of analy-sis. To explain: People with short fingers are

quicker, more impulsive, act more on the spurof the moment, than people with long iingers;they prefer generalities to details, jump at once

to conclusions, and are quick at grasping all

the bearings of a subject or scheme. Their

judgment is quick, and their action is prompt,

making up their minds the moment a subjectpresents itself to them. If, however, the fingersare wig/ short, it results in cruelty and want

_'_.¢


of tact. Joints will assist the promptitude of

short fingers, for the calculation of the joints

will combine itself with the quickness of the

short fingers.

With long fingers, on the contrary, we find

a love of detail, an instinct of minutiae, and a

punctilious carefulness, which amounts some-

times even to frivolity. Such persons are tidy

as to their appointments, dignified, easily put

out, and very careful about trifles. These char-

acteristics will be intensified by a development

of the upper joint in the fingers. Such people

elaborate detail at the expense of the mass, are

distrustful, and continually seek for inner mean-

ings to things. M. d'Arpentigny himself had

fingers of this description ; and the result was,

that his book on the hand is filled with an elab-

orate mass of details and side-issues, which is

most distracting to the reader, unless his fin-

gers harmonize with those of the author. Such /

fingers often also betray cowardice, deceit, and

affectation.

Thus, therefore, large-handed people love

details, and like things to be small and exqui-

sitely finished and perfect, whilst small-handed

people love masses, and like things to be large

and grandiose. Minute workers always have

54 PRA CTICAL CHE[A)0SOPHK

of tact. joints will assist the promptitude of

short fingers, for the calculation of the jointsivill combine itself withlthefquickness of the

short fingers.i

A

With long fingers, on the contrary, we find

a love of'detail, an instinct of minutiae, and a

punctilious carefulness, which amounts some-

fimes even to frivolity. Such persons are tidyas to their appointments, dignified, easily putout, and very careful about trilies. These char-

acteristics vill be intensified by a developmentof the upper joint in the lingers. Such peopleelaborate detail at the expense of the mass, are

distrustful, and continually seek for inner mean-

ings to things. M. d'Arpentigny himself had

fingers of this description; and the result was,

that his book on the hand is filled with an elab-

orate mass of details and side-issues, which is

most distracting to the reader, unless his lin-

gers harmonize with those of the author. Such

fingers often also betray cowardice, deceit, and

affectation.

Thus, therefore, large-handed people love

details, and like things to be small and exqui-sitely finished and perfect, whilst small-hand,ed

people love masses, and like things to be largeand grandiose. Minute Workers always


large hands, whereas the constructors of colos-

sal works always have small hands. Thus,

small-handed people always write large, whilst

large-handed people always write small.

It is only the medium hand that can appre-

ciate, at the same time, the mass and the details

of a subject.

Thick fingers, especially at their bases, invari-

ably denote luxury, and, when highly developed,

sensuality. Twisted and malformed fingers,

with short nails, denote cruelty, tyranny, and a

worrying, teasing disposition. If a hand is stiff

and hard, opening with difficulty to its fullest

extent, it betrays stubbornness of character,

and avarice. If, on the contrary, the fingers,

being very supple, have a tendency to turn back,

they denote, as a rule, cleverness and inquisi-

tiveness, nearly always generosity, ending in

extravagance.

If the fingers fit close together, it is a sign of

avarice ; if they are very smooth and transpa-

rent, they betray indiscretion and loquacity. If

very twisted, so as to show considerable chinks

between them, it is always a sign of that excess

of sympathy, which is known to the vulgar as

curiosity.

In examining the hand, observe particularly

ON THE SH/IFES OF HA1VDS.

large hands, whereas the constructors of colos-

sal works always have small hands. Thus,small-handed people always writeflarge, whilst

large-handed people always write small.

It is only the 'medium hand that can appre~

ciate, at the mme time, the mass and the details

of a subject.Thick lingers, especially at their bases, invari-

ably_denote luxury, and, when highly developed,sensuality. Twisted and malformed lingers,with short nails, denote cruelty, tyranny, and a

worrying, teasing disposition. If a hand is stiff

and hard, opening with difficulty to its fullest

extent, it betrays stubbornness of character,and avarice. If, on the contrary, the lingers,being very supple, have a tendency to turn back,

they denote, as a rule, cleverness and inquisi-tiveness, nearly alvays generosity, ending in

extravagance.If the fingers Ht close together, it is a sign of

avarice; if they are very smooth and transpa-rent, they betray indiscretion and loquacity. If

very twisted, so as to show considerable chinks

between them, it is always a sign of that excess

of sympathy, which is known to the vulgar as

curiosity.in examining the hand, observe _particularly


whether or no the tips of the fingers are fur-

nished with little fleshy protuberances, which

stand out from the curved surfaces of the fin-

ger-tips. These, when present, always denote

sensitiveness, which is more or less keen as the

protuberance is more or less developed.

Beyond this, the tips of the fingers present

four principal appearances. They are either

spatulate (i.e., clubbed and broad), square, conic

(or rounded like a thimble), or pointed. Weshall consider the indications afforded by these

formations, at greater length, when discussing

the leading types of hands ; shortly, their sig-

nifications are as follows :—

If your fingers are broad— i.e., spatulate—at the tips, your main desire in life will be for

action, activity, movement, locomotion, and

manual exercises;you will love things from the

utilitarian point of view;you will have tastes

for agriculture, commerce, mechanics, indus-

tries, and the applied sciences. Bearing in

mind what has been said concerning the joints,

if your spatulate fingers are smooth, you will do

these things spontaneously; if knotty, reason-

ably and by calculation.

If your finger-tips are square, your prevailing

characteristics will be symmetry and exactitude


whether or no the tips of the fingers are fur-

nished with little fleshy protuberances, which

stand out from the curved surfaces of the fin-

ger-tips. These, when present, always denote

sensitiveness, which is more or less keen as the

protuberance is more or less developed.Beyond this, the tips of the fingers present

four principal appearances. They are either

spatulate (i.e., clubbed and broad), square, conic

(or rounded like a thimble), or pointed. We

shall consider the indications afforded by these

formations, at greater length, when discussingthe leading types of hands; shortly, their sig-nifications are as follows 1-

If your fingers are" broad-i.e., spatulate-at the tips, your main desire in life will be for

action, activity, movement, locomotion, and

manual exercises ; you will love things from the

utilitarian point of View ; you will have tastes

for agriculture, commerce, mechanics, indus-

tries, and the applied sciences. Bearing in

mind what has been said concerning the joints,if your spatulate Fingers are smooth, you will do

these things spontaneously; if knotty, reason-

ably and by calculation.`

If your linger-tips are square, your prevailingcharacteristics will be symmetry and exactitude


of habit and thought. You will have tastes for

philosophy, languages, and logic ; in literature,

you will require analysis and arrangement.

You will be imbued with respect for established

authority, and with a love of theories, of rheto-

ric, and of order and tidiness : but, unless your

joints be developed, this love of tidiness will go

no further; i.e., it will not be practical. Both

joints highly developed give one the most

advanced passion for symmetry, regularity, and

discipline. Square-fingered people are always

musical : brilliant executants are always spatu-

late-finge'red, but the most thorough musicians

have always square hands. Singers, on the

other hand, have always conic or pointed

fingers.

With conic fingers, all your instincts will be

artistic, your whole soul will be given over to a

love of the beautiful, and you are certain to be

enthusiastic and romantic. Joints give a cer-

tain moral force to such fingers as these, as also

does a good-sized thumb.

If your fingers are pointed,— i.e., long and

finely drawn out,— yours will be exclusively the

domain of idealism, of religious fervor, and of

indifference to worldly interests.

It must be borne in mind, that an exaggera,-

ON THE sf/APES OF HA/vos: 57

of habit and thought. You will have tastes for

philosophy, languages, and logic; in literature,

you will require analysis and arrangement.You will be imbued with respect for established

authority, and with a love of theories, of rheto-

ric, and of order and tidiness: ézzl, unless your

joints be developed, this love of tidiness will go

no further; i.e., it will not be practical. Both

joints highly developed give one the most

advanced passion for symmetry, regularity, and

discipline. Square-fingered people are alwaysmusical: brilliant executants are always spatu-

late-lingered, but the most thorough musicians

have always square hands. Singers, on the

other hand, have always conic or pointedfingers.

W'ith conic lingers, all your instincts will be

artistic, your whole soul will be given over to a

lbveiaf the beautiful, and you are certain to be

enthusiastic and romantic. joints give a cer-

tain moral force to such fingers as these, as also

does a good-sized thumb.

If your fingers are pointed,-i.e., long and

nnely drawn out, -yours will be exclusively the

domain of idealism, of religious fervor, and of

indifference to worldly interests.'

It must be borne in mind, that an exaggeraf

l


tion of any of these formations indicates an

excess, a diseased condition of the instincts indi-

cated by the formation. Thus, an exaggerated

pointedness will indicate excessive romanticism,

folly, and imagination, which develops into the

wildest eccentricity and into deceit.

The color of the hands varies so continually

with the temperature, that it is practically im-

possible to lay down definite readings for it.

But this one indication is infallible : if the hands

are always white, never or hardly ever changing

color, it is a sure sign of egoism, of selfish-

ness, and of a want of real sympathy with the

troubles of others.

As in physiology, so in Cheirosophy, the

thumb is by far the most important part of the

hand. It is divided into three parts : the root,

or Mount of Venus ; the second phalanx (C in

Plate II.), which is that of logic ; and the first

(D in Plate II.), which is that of will. The

second phalanx indicates our greater or less

amount of perception, judgment, and reasoning

power ; the first, by its greater or less develop-

ment, indicates the strength of our will, our

decision, and our capacity for taking the initia-

tive. If the nailed phalanx is short, weak, and


tion of any of these formations indicates an

excess, a diseased condition of the instincts indi-

cated by the formation. Thus, an exaggeratedpointedness will indicate excessive romanticism,

folly, and imagination, which develops into the

wildest eccentricity and into deceit.

The color of the hands varies so continuallyvith the temperature, that it is practically im-

possible to lay down definite readings for it.

But this one indication is infallible : if the hands|are always white, never or hardly ever changingcolor, it is a sure sign of egoism, of selfish-

ness, and of a want of real sympathy with the

troubles of others.

As in physiology, so in Cheirosophy, the

thumb is by far the most important part of the

hand. It is divided into three parts: the root,or Mount of Venus; the second phalanx (C in

Plate II.), which is that of logic; and the first

(D in Plate II.), which is that of will. The

second phalanx indicates our greater or less

amount of perception, judgment, and reasoningpower; the first, by its greater or less develop-ment, indicates the strength of our will, our

decision, and our capacity for taking the initia-

tive. If the nailed phalanx is short, weak, and

1

l

Q


thin, it betrays feebleness of will, want of decis-

ion, and of promptitude in action, with want

of self-reliance and constancy. With such a

phalanx of will, if the lower phalanx (of logic)

is long and strong, you will be able to give ex-

cellent reasons for your lack of decision. Your

common-sense will be excellent, but you will not

have sufficient strength of will-power to put

your common-sense into practice, and act boldly

on the suggestions of your better judgment.

If, on the contrary, the phalanx of will be

long, and that of logic be short, you will be

quick, active, impulsive, and tenacious of opin-

ions and purpose ; but, lacking the logic to guide

your will aright, you will run into the danger

of unreasoning obstinacy.

1 If the phalanx of will is not long, but broad,

it indicates always obstinacy ; and if this breadth

is excessive, it betrays passion, furious impulse,

tyranny, brutality, and even a tendency to

murder.

When the upper joint of the thumb turns

back, it is always a sign of extravagance, of lux-

ury, and of generosity carried to an extreme. It

will therefore be understood, as a generality,

that a large or long thumb indicates strength of

character, and individuality, whilst a small or

ON THE SHAPES OF IIANDS

thin, it betrays feebleness of will, want of decis-

ion, and of promptitucle in action, with want

of self-reliance and constancy. With such a

phalanx of will, if the lower phalanx (of logic)is long and strong, you will be able to give ex-

cellentireasons for your lack of decision. Your

common-sense will be excellent, but you will not

have sufficient strength of will-power to put

your common-sense into practice, and act boldlyon the suggestions of your better judgment.

If, on the contrary, the phalanx of will be

long, and that of logic be short, you will be

quick, active, impulsive, and tenacious of opin-ions and purpose; but, lacking the logic to guideyour will aright, you will run into the dangerof unreasoning obstinacy.

If the phalanx of will is not long, but broad,

lit indicates always obstinacy; and if this breadth

I' is excessive, it betrays passion, furious impulse,tyranny, brutality, and even a tendency to

i murder._

When the upper joint of the thumb turns

back, it is always a sign of extravagance, of lux-

ury, and of generosity carried to an extreme. It

will therefore be understood, as a generality,that a large or long thumb indicates strength of

character, and individuality, whilst a small or

`


short thumb indicates the reverse. I have dis-

cussed all the minutiae of the combinations of

large and small thumbs, with other formations

of the hand, in my book, " A Manual of Chei-

rosophy."

The consistency of hands is a great point

to be noticed ; indicating, as it does, the taste

which the subject possesses for physical exer-

tion. Soft hands are the indications of a quietj

temperament, inclining to laziness and even to

lethargy; whilst hard hands denote always an

imperious desire for action, and a love of hard

physical exercise or manual labor. These dif-

ferences show themselves in the way various

subjects put their tendencies into action. Thus

an artist with hard hands will depict scenes of

action, of real life, of movement, rather than the

ideal, imaginative pictures of the soft-handed

artist. The soft spatulate hand will love the

spectacle of action, and appreciate physical ac-

tivity in others, rather than practise it himself.

Soft-handed subjects are always greedy of the

marvellous, and fond of occult sciences, from

their love of contemplation : whereas very hard

hands are always superstitious, by reason of

their want of reflection to make them other-

wise. Soft hands are more capable of tender-

6o PIE/1 CTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

short thumb indicates the reverse. I have dis-

cussed all the minutix of the combinations of

large and small thumbs, with other formations

of the hand, in my book, "A Manual of

rosophy."The consistency of hands is a great

to be noticed; indicating, as it does, the

which the subject possesses for physicaltion. Soft hands are the indications of a quiettemperament, inclining to laziness and even to

lethargy; whilst hard hands denote always ani

imperious desire for action, and a love of hardjphysical exercise or manual labor. These dif-

ferences show themselves in the way various

subjects put their tendencies into action. Thus

an artist with hard hands will depict scenes of

action, of real life, of movement, rather than the

ideal, imaginative pictures of the soft-handed

artist. The soft spatulate hand will love the

spectacle of action, and appreciate physical ac-

tivity in others, rather than practise it himself.

Soft-handed subjects are always greedy of the

marvellous, and fond of occult sciences, from

their love of contemplation : whereas very hard

hands are always superstitious, by reason oftheir want of reflection to make them other-

wise. Soft hands are more capable of tender-

Chei-

pointtaste

exer-

lP


1

ness and affection than of true love, but hard

hands are more capable of lasting affection than

of tenderness or passion.

Smoothness and a gentle firmness of the

hands always indicate delicacy of mind, whilst

dryness and roughness always denote rudeness

and insensibility of mind. A wrinkled hand, if

it is soft, denotes sensitiveness and uprightness,

,

but if it is hard it betrays pugnacity and irrita-

bility.

The gestures of the hand speak a language of

their own, which I have made the subject of a

complete section in my " Manual of Cheiroso-

phy." To keep the hands always closed, de-

notes secretiveness, and often untruth. If you

think a man is telling you a lie, look at his

hands ; he cannot lie with his hands open.

The same remark applies when the hands are

kept studiously quiet and impassive : this also

denotes vanity and self-consciousness.

But little can be learned from the nails, but a

few of their aspects have very marked and

infallible significations. Nails which are short

and broad indicate a spirit of criticism and pug-

nacity, a love of domination and control, and a

tendency to fidgetiness and a meddlesome dis-

ON THE SHAPES OF 11,4N/Ds. 61

ness and affection than of true love, but hard

hands are more capable of lasting affection than

of tenderness or passion.Smoothness and a gentle firmness of the

hands always indicate delicacy of mind, whilst

dryness and roughness always denote rudeness

and insensibility of mind. A wrinkled hand, if

it is soft, denotes sensitiveness and uprightness,but if it is hard it betrays pugnacity and irrita-

bility.

The gestures of the hand speak a language of

their own, which I have made the subject of a

complete section in my "Manual of Cheiroso-

phy." To keep the hands always closed, de~

notes secretiveness, and often untruth. If youthink a man is telling you a lie, look at his

hands; he cannot lie with his hands open.The same remark applies when the hands are

kept studiously quiet and impassive: this also

denotes vanity and self-consciousness.

But little can be learned from the nails, but a

few of their aspects have Very marked and

infallible signiiications. Nails which are short

and broad indicate a spirit of criticism and pug-

nacity, a love of domination and control, and a

tendency to fidgetiness and a meddlesome dis-

I


position. Women with short nails are gener-

ally inclined to be termagants. The good

points of short nails are, of course, quickness

of intellect, and perspicuity ; in a good hand

they will merely denote a spirit of sarcasm

and of good-humored irony.

Long, curved nails betray cruelty of disposi-

tion. The finer and more delicate the shape of

the nails, the finer and more delicate the mind

indicated by them. The habit of biting the

nails, it is hardly necessary to remark, results

from nervousness and a self-worrying disposition.

These are the main indications which may be

read in a moment from a casual glance at the

hands. We will now pass shortly in review

the seven leading types of hands.

The seven types of hands are the elementary,

the spatulate, the conic, the square, the knotty,

and the pointed, with a seventh hybrid type

which I have called the mixed hand. The Ele-

mentary hand (Plate III.) is so called from its

belonging exclusively to the lowest grade of

human intelligence, and argues merely sufficient

intellect for the support of human life. Thefingers are short, and thick, and stiff ; the thumb

is short, and slightly turned back ; the palm is


position. Vomen with short nails are gener-

ally inclined to be termagants. The goodpoints of short nails are, of course, quicknessof intellect, and perspicuity; in a good hand

they will merely denote a spirit of sarcasm

and of good-humored irony.Long, curved nails betray cruelty of disposi-

tion. The finer and more delicate the shape of

the nails, the liner and more delicate the mind

indicated by them. The habit of biting the

nails, it is hardly necessary to remark, results

from nervousness and a self-worrying disposition.These are the main indications which may be

read in a moment from a casual glance at the

hands. We will now pass shortly in review

the seven leading types of hands.

The seven types of hands are the elementary,the spatulate, the conic, the square, the knotty,and the pointed, with a seventh hybrid typewhich I have called the mixed hand. The Ele-

mentary hand (Plate III.) is so called from its

belonging exclusively to the lowest grade of

human intelligence, and argues merely sufficieiit

intellect for the support of human life. ThE!`fingers are short, and thick, and stiff; the thumb

is short, and slightly turned back; the palm is

Plate ni. — THE ELEMENTARY HAND.

Denoting the lowest grade of intelligence, sloth,

dulness, and coarseness.

(From the cast of an Esquimau hand.)


large and thick and hard, and, #s a rule, longer

than the fingers, as is the case in an infant's

hand.

Such hands are very rare indeed in England

or America, and, indeed, are hardly to be met

with at all in the pure state in latitudes as south-

ern, and in climates as clement, as ours. Theybetoken a crass and sluggish intelligence. Theyhave no imaginations or passions beyond the

merely brutish ones, no instincts of cultivation,

and hardly the instincts of human society,

Though, as I have said, the pure elementary

type does not exist among us, we often find

hands that come within measurable distance of

it, and then we find a very distinguishable tend-

ency to the characteristics which I have named.

The next type, the Spatulate (Plate IV.), or

Active hand, is very much more common amongus. This hand has the tips of its fingers slight-

ly flattened out like the spatula with which the

chemist mixes his drugs, and from this it de-

rives its name. The thumb is rather large, and

the whole hand has a tendency to hardness.

The main characteristics of the type are action,

movement, energy. Such subjects are resolute,

self-confident, active, rather than delicate-mind-

ed ; constant and faithful, but unromantic in

ON THE SHAPES OF //A//Ds. 65

large and thick and hard, and, as a rule, longerthan the fingers, as is the case in an infant's

hand.

Such hands are very rare indeed in Englandor America, and, indeed, are hardly to be met

with at all in the pure state in latitudes as south-

ern, and in climates as element, as ours. Theybetoken a crass and sluggish intelligence. Theyhave no imaginations or passions beyond the

merely brutish ones, no instincts of cultivation,and hardly the instincts of human society,Though, as I have said, the pure elementarytype does not exist among us, we often find

hands that come within measurable distance of

it, and then we find a very distinguishable tend-

ency to the characteristics which I have named.

The next type, the Spatulate (Plate IV.), or

Active hand, is very much more common amongus. This hand has the tips of its fingers slight-ly flattened out like the spatula with which the

chemist mixes his drugs, and from this it de-

rives its name. The thumb is rather large, and

the whole hand has a tendency to hardness.

The main characteristics of the type are action,movement, energy. Such subjects are resolute,self-confident, active, rather than delicate-mind

ed ; constant and faithful, but unromantic in


love. If such a subject has a small thumb,

much of his energy and activity will be mis-

directed or aimless, though a long phalanx of

logic will go far towards remedying this defect.

Smooth fingers will give him elegance and spon-

taneity in his active pursuits, and inspiration in

the direction of his exertions. Spatulate sub-

jects make the best colonists, as they only look

at the useful side of things, attaching themselves

to countries only for the useful things they de-

rive from them. They are very slightly sensual,

and like travelling about and shifting for them-

selves. They like colossal architecture rather

than beauty of design, wealth rather than luxury,

quantity rather than quality. People talk a good

deal of nonsense about a fine hand as an indica-

tion of ancient race. As a matter of fact, the

pure descendants of the old fighting Saxon nobil-

ity are always distinguishable by their spatulate

hands. In religion, spatulate-handed subjects

are conventional above all things, Protestants

rather than Catholics. It is thus that these

hands are in a majority in Northern latitudes;

whereas in Southern climes, where the atmos-

phere produces a more romantic turn of mind,

the Catholic religion, and pointed or conical

hands, have the numerical advantage. Promi-


love. If such a subject has a small thumb,much of his energy and activity will be mis-

directed or aimless, though a long phalanx of

logic will go far towards remedying this defect.

Smooth fingers will give him elegance and spon-

taneity in his active pursuits, and inspiration in

the direction of his exertions. Spatulate sub-

jects make the best colonists, as they only look

at the useful side of things, attaching themselves

to countries only for the useful things they de-

rive from them. They are very slightly sensual,and like travelling about and shifting for them~

selves. They like colossal architecture rather

than beauty of design, wealth rather than luxury,quantity rather than quality. People talk a gooddeal of nonsense about a fine hand as an indica-

tion of ancient race. As a matter of fact, the!

pure descendants of the old lighting Saxon nobil-lity are always distinguishable by their spatulate hands. In religion, spatulate-handed subjectsare conventional above all things, Protestants

rather than Catholics. It is thus that these

hands are in a majority in Northern latitudes;whereas in Southern climes, where the atmos-

phere produces a more romantic turn of mind,the Catholic religion, and pointed or conical

hands, have the numerical advantage. Pro

Plate TV.— THE SPATULATE HAND.

Denoting action, movement, energy, self-reliance,

and locomotion.

(The hand of the " great" Duke of Wellington.)

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Plate IV. - THE SPA

ating action,

,_ (The hand of

TULA TE' HAND.

movement, energy, self-reliance,

and locomotion.

the "

great"

Duke of Ve1lington_)

E7

ON THE SHAPES OE HANDS. 69

nent joints give an intense love of science to

these hands, and make them expert in all

mechanical or applied sciences. Such men are

the best engravers, and the readiest inventors

in mechanical arts and sciences. Softness, of

course, as I have said, greatly modifies the

active qualities of the type.

Next to this, and by way of contrast, we have

the Conic, or Artistic hand (Plate V.). Of this

hand the fingers are always slightly broad at

the lower phalanges, diminishing gently to the

tips, which are conic or rounded. The joints

are not prominent, the thumb is generally small,

and the palm fairly developed. If your hand

presents these peculiarities of formation, you

are ruled by impulse and instinct, rather than

by reason or calculation;you are attracted by

the beautiful, rather than by the useful, aspects

of life and matter;you are attracted by ease,

novelty, and liberty. Enthusiastic and impul-

sive, rather than forcible or determined, you

are at heart a pure Bohemian, and your imagina-

tion is as warm as your heart is cold !

If the formations of your type are still more

accentuated, that is, if the palm is larger, the

fingers more drawn out, the thumb still smaller,

you are still more the slave of your passions

0./v THE S11/:PES OF 11/1/vos. a 69

nent joints give an intense love of science to

these hands, and make them expert in all

mechanical or applied sciences. Such men are

the best engravers, and the readiest inventors

in mechanical arts and sciences. Softness, of

course, as I have said, greatly modifies the

active qualities of the type.Next to this, and by way of contrast, we have

the Conic, or Artistic hand (Plate V.). Of this

hand the fingers are always slightly broad at

the lower phalanges, diminishing gently to the

tips, which are conic or rounded. The jointsare not prominent, the thumb is generally small,and the palm fairly developed. If your hand

presents these peculiarities of formation, youare ruled by impulse and instinct, rather than

by reason or cadculation ; you are attracted bythe beautiful, rather than by the useful, aspectsof lifefand matter; you are attracted by ease,

novelty, and liberty. Enthusiastic and impul-sive, rather than forcible or determined, youare at heart a pure Bohemian, and your imagina-tion is as warm :TQ your heart is cold !

If the formations of your type are still more

accentuated, that is, if the palm is larger, the

lingers more drawn out, the thumb still smaller,

you are still more the slave of your passions


and your impulses. Your enthusiasm is higher,

your love warmer and shallower;you are gen-

erous to a fault, painfully sensitive, and easily

moved. With such a hand, you are right to

strew the pathway of your life with roses ; but

you must not forget that when the petals have

fallen from the wreath of roses, it becomes a

crown of thorns.

Unfortunately, if the thumb is very weak,

and other bad signs, which I shall presently

expound, appear in the hand, you will often

find in such subjects only the bad qualities of

the type, — sensuality, laziness, egotism, eccen-

tricity, dissipation, and deceit ; but a hand must

be very bad to show all this. The main char-

acteristics, the guiding principles, of the type

are, love of beauty and the beautiful, preference

of the ideal over the real, intuition, impulse, and

selfishness.

The next type is that of the Square, or Useful

hand (Plate VI.). This hand is generally large,

rather than small ; the palm broad ; the lower

joint, that of material order, developed : the

tips of the fingers square, i.e., neither pointed

nor spread out ; the thumb rather large ; the

palm thick, hollow, and rather firm.

The leading instincts on which this hand


and your impulses. Your enthusiasm is higher,your love warmer and shallower; you are gen-erous to a fault, painfully sensitive, and easilymoved. With such a hand, you are right to

strew the pathway of your life with roses; but

you must not forget that when the petals have

fallen from the Wreath of roses, it becomes a

crown of thorns. »

Unfortunately, if the thumb is very weak,and other bad signs, which I shall presentlyexpound, appear in the hand, you will often

find in such subjects only the bad qualities of

the type, - sensuality, laziness, egotism, eccen-

tricity, dissipation, and deceit; but a hand must

be very bad to show all this. The main char-

acteristics, the guiding principles, of the typeare, love of beauty and the beautiful, preferenceof the ideal over the real, intuition, impulse, and

selfishness.

The next type is that of the Square, or Useful

hand (Plate VI.). This hand is generally large,rather than small ; the palm broad; the lower

joint, that of material order, developed; the

tips of the fingers square, i.e., neither pointednor spread out; the thumb rather large; the

palm thick, hollow, and rather firm.

The leading instincts on which this hand

Plate V. - THE CONIC HAND.

Denoting art, brilliancy, love of beauty, enthusiasm,and genezvsity.

(The hand of Sir Frederick Leighton, P.R.A.)

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mDenoting art, brzlliancy, love of beauty, enthuszas

and generosity

(The hand of Sir Frederick Leighton, P.R.A.)


founds its characteristics are perseverance, fore-

sight, order, and regularity. To these hands,

the useful is far preferable to the beautiful.

Their great passions are for organization, ar-

rangement, classification, regularity of form and

outline, and the acceptation of things pre-

scribed and understood as customary. Theyare great disciplinarians, and are strongly im-

bued with a sense of the fitness of things;

they prefer privileges to complete liberty, and

have a passion for experiences of all kinds.

If your hands are of this type, you are a

slave to arrangement;you have a place for

every thing, and every thing is in its place.

Unless your joints are well developed, it is

quite possible that your drawers and cupboards

may be untidy ; but you will be outwardly in

perfect order, and, amid the chaos of your pos-

sessions, you will always know where to find

every thing, for memory is one of the most

precious attributes of the type. You will be

handy with your fingers, tidy in person, and

always most particular about your general

arrangements. You are suspicious, and quietly

cunning. Vigilant, and a complete master of

intrigue, you are a flatterer, and you like to be

flattered ; and you are also quietly and unosten-

tatiously ambitious.

ON THE SH/IFES OF [IA/VDS.

founds its characteristics are perseverance, fore-

sight, order, and regularity. To these hands,the useful is far preferable to the beautiful.

Their great passions are for organization, ar-

rangement, classification, regularity of form and

outline, and the acceptation of things pre-scribed and understood as customary. Theyare great Qsciplinarians, and are strongly im-

bued with a sense of the fitness of things;they prefer privileges to complete liberty, and

have a passion for experiences of all kinds.

If your hands are of this type, you are a

slave to arrangement; you have a place for

every thing, and every thing is in its place.Unless your joints are well developed, it is

quite possible that your drawers and cupboardsmay be untidyg, but you will be outwardly in

perfect order, and, amid the chaos of your pos-

sessions, you will always know where to find

every thing, for memory is one of the most

precious attributes ofthe type. You will be

handy with your fingers, tidy in person, and

always most particular about your generalarrangements. You are suspicious, and quietlycunning. Vigilant, and a complete master of

intrigue, you are a Hatterer, and you like to be

flattered ; and you are also quietly and unosten-

tatiously ambitious.

f


If the joint of order is absent, yours is a

most enviable mind ; for you have the strongest

aptitude for metaphysical and abstract sciences,

with a natural capacity for checking your tend-

ency to enthusiasm. This is the cleverest

hand that exists. Heaven help you if with a

square hand both your joints are developed!

you will be the most aggressively methodical

creature that ever existed, living by rote and

rule, and doing every thing by pre-arranged

order. Good sense and reasonable egoism are

the main features of the type.

The next is the Knotty or Philosophic type

of hand (Plate VII.) : its appearance is most dis-

tinctive. The palm is large and elastic ; both

joints are highly developed, especially the upper

one, which, with the half-conic, half-square for-

mation of the tips, gives a curious clubbed oval

appearance to the fingers. The thumb is large,

having its two phalanges of equal length.

The great characteristics of this hand are

analysis, meditation, philosophy, and deduction;

and these continually lead to deism and de-

mocracy. Their main and vital instinct is,

however, a love of and search after abstract and

absolute truth. The joints give to tKe hand

calculation, method, and deduction. The quasi-

74 PRACTICAL C/IEIROSOPHK

If the joint of order is absent, yours is a

most enviable mind; for you have the strongestaptitude for metaphysical and abstract sciences,with a natural capacity for checking your tend-

ency to enthusiasm. This is the cleverest

hand that exists. Heaven help you if with a

square hand b@ your joints are developed!you will be the mostpaggressively methodical

creature that ever existed, living by rote and

rule, and doing every thing by pre-arrangedorder. Good selpe and reasonable egoism are

the main features of the type.The next is the Knotty or Philosophic type

of hand (Plate VII.) : its appearance is most dis-

tinctive. The palm is large and elastic; both

joints are highly developed, especially the upper

one, which,`{7i'th"the half-conic, half-square for-

mation of the tips, gives a curious clubbed oval

appearance to the fingers. The thumb is large,having its two phalanges of equal length.

The great characteristics of this hand are

analysis, meditation, philosophy, and deduction ;

and these continually lead' to deism and de-

mocracy. Their main and vital instinct is,

however, a love of and search after a_`t&'g13ct and

absolute trigh. The joints give to the hand

calculation, method, and deduction. The quasi-

Plate VI.- THE SQUARE HAND.

Denoting1 order, arrangement, method, symmetryof form and outline, and discipline.

(The hand of the author.)

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Plate VI.-THE SQUARE HAND.

Dezzoting order, arrangeznezxt, method, symmetryof form and outline, and discipline.

(The hand of the author.)

0

O.V THE SHAPES OF HANDS. J?

conic formation of the finger-tips give it the

instincts of poetry and real beauty, and the

thumb gives it perseverance. Such subjects

pay more attention to the significance of things

than to their appearances ; their literature,

therefore, is notable for its clearness and util-

ity, rather than for its form or literary style.

They require to account for every thing. Theyrequire reason in every thing. They form their

own opinions on all subjects, without reference

to those of other people, and form them after

the most careful analysis and consideration of

the questions involved.

Subjects of the philosophic type are essen-

tially sceptical in religion, for they refuse to look

at the emotional side of any thing. They are

therefore great advocates of social and religious

freedom, being moderate in all their pleasures.

The smaller the philosophic hand, the keener

its search after the attainment of truth ; the

larger it is, the more analytical it becomes.

The last type, the Pointed or Psychic hand

(Plate VIII. ), is the most beautiful and delicate,

but, alas ! the most ideal and useless of all.

Small and delicate, with a thin palm, and fine,

long and pointed fingers, its joints are barely

visible, and it has a pretty little thumb. Theonly thing to regret about it is its rarity.

0/V THE SHAPES OF HA./VDS

conic formation of the finger~tips give it the

instincts of poetry and real beauty, and the

thumb gives it perseverance. Such subjectspay more attention to the significance of thingsthan to their appearances ; their literature,therefore, is notable for its clearness and util-

ity, rather than for its form or literary style.They require to zzccazmt for every thing. Theyrequire reason in every thing. They form their

own opinions on all subjects, without reference

to those of other people, and form them after

the most careful analysis and consideration of

the questions involved.

Subjects of the philosophic type are essen-

tially sceptical in religion, for they refuse to look

at the emotional side of any thing. They are

therefore great advocates of social and religiousfreedom, being moderate in all their pleasures.The smaller the philosophic hand, the keener

its search after the attainment of truth; the

larger it is, the more analytical it becomes.

The last type, the Pointed or Psychic hand

(Plate VIII.), is the most beautiful and delicate,but, alas! the most ideal and useless of all.

Small and delicate, with a thin palm, and fine,

long and pointed lingers, its joints are barelyvisible, and it has a pretty little thumb. The

only thing to regret about it is its rarity.


To these subjects belongs the domain of the

beautiful ideal. They have all the artistic in-

stinct of their conic-handed fellows, with none

of their bad points. They are guided entirely

by their idealism, their impulse, and their in-

stinct of abstract right. They never command,for they are above any such earthly aggrandize-

ment, or material interests of any kind ; but

they always inspire respect, if only on account

of the beauty of their brilliant incomprehensi-

bility. In politics and religion, they acknowl-

edge no leadership, being guided only by their

innate sense of right and wrong. Theirs is the|

talent of inspired lyric poetry, and they possess,

with this faculty, the more important one of

communicating their enthusiasm to others. It

is this that makes them such splendid orators

and preachers. These are the men who have a

real call to the ministry. I once heard the late

Henry Ward Beecher say, that when God calls

a man to preach, he generally calls a congrega-.

tion to listen to him ; when this happens, you

may expect to see pointed fingers. Other kinds

of men often say they have heard a call : maybe

they have, but it wasn't for them, it was for

somebody else ! A joint will sometimes appear

in a hand of this kind ; this is fatal. Such a


To these subjects belongs the domain of the

beautiful ideal. They have all the artistic in-

stinct of their conic-handed fellows, with' none

of their bad points. They are guided entirelyby their idealism, their impulse, and their in-

stinct of abstract right. They never command,for they are above any such earthly aggrandize-ment, or material interests of any kind; but

they always inspire respect, if only on account

of the beauty of their brilliant incomprehensi-bility. In politics and religion, they acknowl-

edge no leadership, being guided only by their

innate sense of right and wrong. Theirs is the

talent of inspired lyric poetry, and they possess, ywith this faculty, the more important one of

communicating their enthusiasm to others. It

is this that makes them such splendid orators

and preachers. These are the men who have al

real call to the ministry. I once heard the late

Henry Ward Beecher say, that when God calls

!

a man to preach, he generally calls a congrega- ,

tion to listen to him; when this happens, you

may expect to see pointed Fingers. Other kinds

of men often say they have heard a call : maybethey have, but it wasn't for them, it was for

somebody else ! A joint will sometimes appearin a hand of this kind; this is fatal. Such a

Plate VIL — THE KNOTTY HAND.

Denoting philosophy, analysis, logic, deduction, science,

research, and truth.

(The hand of Sir Richard Owen, F.R.S., K.C.B.)

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[flPlate VIL-THE KNOTTY HAND.

Denoting philosophy, analysis, logic, deduction, science,research, and truth.

(The hand of Sir Richard Owen, F.R.S., K.C.B.)


1

subject will be prone to rush from one extreme

to another ; he will be credulous, greedy of the

marvellous, discontented, and eccentric. Psy-

chic-handed people should never go beyond their

own intuitions, for they have not the gifts of

reason and of analysis. Sometimes, however,

both joints will appear in such a hand; this will

give doubt, fear, dejection, and revolutionary

ideas (but not practice). The only redeeming

point of such a hand is its capacity for inven-

tion, which is not, however, supported by the

necessary practical talents.

Finally, I must call your attention to the

hybrid type, known as the Mixed hand ; that

is to say, hands which being, as it were, inter-

mediate, so nearly resemble more than one type,

as to admit the possibility of their being mis-

taken for either. Thus a conic hand may be

nearly pointed, a square nearly spatulate, a

spatulate nearly philosophic, and so on. In

such cases the peculiarities of both types are

present in the character, and it is the task of

the cheirosophist so to combine them as to give

a true analysis of the subject under examina-

tion. Such subjects may generally be described

as " jacks of all trades, and masters of none;"

they attain to skill in a variety of pursuits, but

ON THE SHAPES OF IIA/VDS. 81

subject will be prone to rush from one extreme

to another; he will be credulous, greedy of the

marvellous, discontented, and eccentric. Psy-chic-handed people should never go beyond their

own intuitions, for they have not the gifts of

reason and of analysis. Sometimes, however,both joints will appear in such a hand ; this will

give doubt, fear, dejection, and revolutionaryzdeas (but not practice). The only redeemingpoint of such a hand is its capacity for inven-

tion, which is not, however, supported by the

necessary practical talents.

Finally, I must call your attention to the

hybrid type, known as the Mixed hand; that

is to say, hands which being, as it were, inter-

mediate, so nearly resemble more than one type,as to admit the possibility of their being mis-

taken for either. Thus a conic hand may be

nearly pointed, a square nearly spatulate, a

spatulate nearly philosophic, and so on. In

such cases the peculiarities of both types are

present in the character, and it is the task of

the cheirosophist so to combine them as to givea true analysis of the subject under examina-

tion. Such subjects may generally be described

as "jacks of all trades, and masters of none,"they attain to skill in a variety of pursuits, but


seldom to excellence in any one. They are gen-

erally amusing, but seldom instructive. Their

great advantage is their adaptability and readi-

ness to suit themselves to any company in

which they may find themselves ; but these

advantages £re generally combined with lack of

sincerity, application, or perseverance.

This is the Science of Cheirognomy. Fromwhat I have said, you ought now to be able to

tell, by a rapid glance at the hands, the char-

acter of any one into whose company you are

thrown. In my "Manual of Cheirosophy," I

have devoted a special section to the minutiae

of Cheirognomy, as applied to the hands of the

softer sex. It is, however, only necessary for

me to say here that the same remarks apply to

women as to men, save that the qualities of

the more robust types are less, and those of the

gentler types are more, developed among them

than among us. It should also be remarked,

that the motives of the action of women must

be sought for in instinct, impulse, and intuition,

rather than in calculation or reason. It is, I

think, very generally admitted, that the instinct

of a woman is far superior to any amount of

reason, and this is why they usually dispense


seldom to excellence in any one. They are gen-

erally amusing, but seldom instructive. ;I`heirgreat advantage is their adaptability and readi-

ness to suit themselves to any company in

which they may find themselves; but these

advantages are generally combined with lack of

sincerity, application, or perseverance.

This is the Science of Cheirognomy. From

what I have said, you ought now to be able to

tell, by a rapid glance at the hands, the char-

acter of any one into whose company you are

thrown. In my "Manual of Cheirosophy," I

have devoted a special section to the minutim

of Cheirognomy, as applied to the hands of the

softer sex. It is, however, only necessary for

me to say here that the same remarks apply to

women as to men, save that the qualities of

the more robust types are less, and those of the

gentler types are more, developed among them

than among us. It _should also be remarked,that the motives of the action of Women must

be sought for in instinct, impulse, and intuition,rather than in calculation or reason. It is, I

think, very generally admitted, that the instinct

of a woman is far superior to any amount of

reason, and this is why they usually dispense

Plate VIII. — THE POINTED HAND.

Denoting poetry, enthusiasm, idealism, abstract right,

impulse, and high ideals.

(The hand of " Violet Fane," the poetess.)

sf\,

_f Q, »'

~_ 'J

1"Q

I ,_ =_`* ' ":,_-*,f-SQ,-` Q"' E,

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- §<¢.§ffi; 712 - _ A-'sfiffff 1

W " ~ '-"'2 if'

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Plate VIH-THE POINTED HAND.

enotzlng poetry, enthusiasm, idealism, abstract right,Jznpulse, and high ideals.

(The hand of " Violet Fane," the poetess.)

F'

P


with the latter commodity. A ribald friend of

mine used to say that he never knew but one

woman who could understand reason, and she

wouldn't listen to it. It will, therefore, strike

the observer as natural that smooth fingers are

in a majority among women, rather than promi-

nently jointed ones.

I turn now to a branch of the science which,

though not so useful, is perhaps even more inter-

esting than Cheirognomy. I mean, to Cheiro-

mancy, whereby, in examining the mounts and

lines of the palm, the past, the present, and even

the future, may be explained and foretold.

0./V THE SI/APES OF /[A/VDS. 85

with the latter commodity. A ribald friend of

mine fused to say that he never knew but one

woman who could understand reason, and :ke

wou1dn't listen to it. It will, therefore, strike

the observer as natural that smooth lingers are

in a majority among women, rather than promi~nently jointed ones.

I turn now to a branch of the science which,

though not so useful, is perhaps even more inter-

esting than Cheirognomy. I mean, to Cheiro-

mancy, whereby, in examining the mounts and

lines of the palm, the past, the present, and even

the future, may be explained and foretold.


PART IV.

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY.

THERE have not been wanting authorities

who have claimed for cheiromancy, or, as

it used to be called, " cheiroscopy," the support

of Scripture, basing their arguments upon that

oft-cited passage of the Book of Job, which I

have dissected and discussed at such length in

"A Manual of Cheirosophy," 4I and " The Sci-

ence of the Hand." The passage to which I

refer is cited in error, and there is no doubt

now that the science of cheirosophy is not

even remotely alluded to. But there is equally

no doubt that this science is of incomparable

antiquity; and Juvenal tells us, that in his

time,—" The middle sort, who have not much to spare,

To cheiromancer's cheaper art repair,

Who clap the pretty palm to make the lines more fair." 42

The works of Aristotle, as I said some time

ago, are full of references to the science ; and

41PP- 55—5S.

42 Satyra vi., 1. 5S1. (Dryden's translation.)


PART IV.

CHEIROMANCY on PALMISTRY.

HERE have not been wanting authorities

who have claimed for cheiromancy, or, as

it used to be called, "cheiroscopy," the supportof Scripture, basing their arguments upon that

oft-cited passage of the Book of job, which I

have dissected and discussed at such length in

"A Manual of Cheirosophy," 4' and "The Sci-

ence of the Hand." The passage to which I

refer is cited in error, and there is no doubt

now that the science of cheirosophy is not

even remotely alluded to. But there is equallyno doubt that this science is of incomparableantiquity; and _Iuvenal tells us, that in his

time, -

" The middle sort, who have not much to spare,To cheiromancer's cheaper art repair,Vho clap the pretty palm to make the lines more fair." 42

The works of Aristotle, as I said some time

ago, are full of references to the science; and

4*pp. 55-58. 42 Satyra vi., 1. 581. (Drydcn's translation.)

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. 87

it is interesting to know that one of the first

block books ever produced by the printing-press

(before the introduction of movable types) was

"Die Kunst Ciromantia," written by Johann

Hartlieb in 1448, and published at Augsburg

in 1495.

The absolute origin of the art, panoplied, as

Mr. Edgar Saltus would say, "in the dim mag-

nificence of myth," was probably Oriental. Mr.

Herbert Giles, Her Majesty's consul at Shanghai,

than whom probably no greater authority on

Chinese culture exists, tells me that the science

was practised in China many centuries before

Christ. Philip Baldoeus alludes to its antiquity

in India, in the seventeenth century

;

43 and weknow that Apollonius of Tyana 44 studied magic

in the time of our Lord, among the Brahmins

in that country. Whatever its antiquity, the

more one studies it, the more one is amazed by

the truths — the inexplicable truths — which it

teaches us.

It is strenuously objected to this science,

that it professes to predict with certainty

future events. Now, this is what it does not do ;

43 Wahrhaftige aiisflirliche Beschreibung der ost-indischen Kiist-

en Malabar, etc. (Amsterdam, 1672), cap. v. p. 513.44 William Godwin: Lives of the Necromancers (London, 1S34),

p. 158.

CHEIRO/IIANCY OR PALZIIISTRK 87

it is interesting to know that one of the first

block books ever produced by the printing-press(before the introduction of movable types) was

"Die Kunst Ciromantia," written by JohannHartlieb in 1448, and published at Augsburgin 1495.

The absolute origin of the art, panoplied, as

Mr. Edgar Saltus would say, "in the dim mag-

nificence of myth," was probably Oriental. Mr.

Herbert Giles, Her Majesty's consul at Shanghai,than whom probably no greater authority on

Chinese culture exists, tells me that the science

was practised in China many centuries before

Christ. Philip Baldoeus alludes to its antiquityin India, in the seventeenth century;43 and we

know that Apollonius of Tyana 44 studied magicin theltime of our Lord, among the Brahmins

in that country. Whatever its antiquity, the

more one studies it, the more one is amazed bythe truths - the inexplicable truths -which it

teaches us.

It is strenuously objected to this science,that it professes to predict with certaintyfuture events. Now, this is what if does not do ,-

'3 Va.hrh§ftige ausfiirliche Beschreibung der ost-indischen Kiist-

en Malabar, etc. (Amsterdam, 1672), cap. v. p. 513.4* Vllliam G0dvin: Lives of the Necromancers (London, 1834),

p. 158.


but it teaches men to observe the great laws

of Cause and Effect so closely as to be able

to predict the almost inevitable results of exist-

ing circumstances. Cheirosophy aims at ascer-

taining the established conjunctions, which in

their turn establish the order of the universe.

They say it is impossible to predict a future

malady or death. What is more reasonable to

believe than that, of a future malady, the germ

already lurks in the system, which must ulti-

mately supervene, and may prove fatal ? Such

a germ as this must affect the universal nerve-

fluid, the vital principle ; and what is more

likely than that this affection should be visible

at the point where the nerves are most numer-

ous and apparent, and that is— in the palm of

the hand ?

Then, so surely as the future exists already

for us, let us minutely examine the present,

which is forming and modifying and developing

that future. Our thoughts are free, as Sir

Richard Owen has said, to soar as far as any le-

gitimate analogy may seem to guide them rightly

across the boundless ocean of unknown truth

!

Cheirosophy is not fatalism. It never says

what shall be, shall be : it merely warns us

of what will happen if we pursue the course we

88 PRA CTICAL C115/zeosof-*Hx

but it teaches men to observe the great laws

of Cause and Effect so closely as to be able

to predict the almost inevitable results of exist-

ing circumstances. Cheirosophy aims at ascer-

taining the established conjunctions, which in

their turn establish the order of the universe.

They say it is impossible to predict a future

malady or death. What is more reasonable to

believe than that, of a future malady, the germ

already lurks in the system, which must ulti-

mately supervene, and may prove fatal? Such

a germ as this must affect the universal nerve-

fluid, the vital principle; and what is more

likely than that this affection should be visible

at the point where the nerves are most numer-

ous and apparent, and that is-in the palm of

the hand?

Then, so surely as the future exists alreadyfor us, let us minutely examine the present,which is forming and modifying and developingthat future. Our' thoughts are free, as Sir

Richard Owen has said, to soar as far as any le-

gitimate analogy may seem to guide them rightlyacross the boundless ocean of unknown truth !

Cheirosophy is not fatalism. It never sayswhat shall be, shall be: it merely warns us

of what will happen if we pursue the course we


are adopting. If we neglect the warning, as

I have constantly known people to do, turn-

ing aside with a lofty smile, we have only our-

selves to blame when the events, which wemight easily have averted by an effort of will,

supervene to our harm and annoyance. It is

true, that certain signs have been handed downfrom generation to generation, such as the indi-

cations of coming accidents and sudden death;

and, in numberless instances, my own personal

experiences have proved the correctness of

these signs, for the explanation of which it is

impossible to hazard any reasonable conjecture.

These facts, of which I will shortly give you

a few instances, simply exist as facts, and as

such we are bound to accept them.

As to the expounding of the past, I would

argue, in the same way, that great events prin-

cipally affect our nerves, and this affection of

the nerves produces strange and infinitely varied

combinations of the lines in the palm. If trou-

ble can leave its marks upon the face, as Byron

says, —" The intersected lines of thought,—Those furrows which the burning share

Of sorrow ploughs untimely there

;

Scars of the lacerated mind,

Which the soul's war doth leave behind,"—

CHEIRO/IIAYVCY OR PAL/IIISTRK 89

are adopting. If we neglect the warning, as

I have constantly known people to do, turn-

ing aside with a lofty smile, we have only our-

selves to blame when the events, which we

might easily have averted by an effort of will,

supervene to our harm and annoyance. It is

true, that certain signs have been handed down

from generation to generation, such as the indi-

cations of coming accidents and sudden death ;

and, in numberless instances, my own personalexperiences have proved the correctness of

these signs, for the explanation of which it is

impossible to hazard any reasonable conjecture.These facts, of which I will shortly give youa few instances, simply exist as facts, and as

mc/z we are bound to accept them.

As to the expounding of the past, I would

argue, in the same way, that great events prin-cipally affect our nerves, and this affection of

the nerves produces strange and infinitely varied

combinations of the lines in the palm. If trou-

ble can leave its marks upon the face, as Byronsays,

-

"The intersected lines of thought,-Those furrows which the burning share

Of sorrow ploughs untimely there;Scars of the lacerated mind,

'

Which the soul's war doth leave behind,"-


why should not the same effect be produced

upon the hands, which are so much more sensi-

tive than the face ?

How continually one is told, by some one

who imagines he has discovered a brand-new

argument, that the lines are simply the result

of the folding of the hands! The evidence

against this is infinite. Quain has told us 45

that the lines are clearly traced even before

a man is born ; and it is easy to verify the fact,

that the hands of women, and of men whonever use their hands in active exercises, are

always covered with lines, whereas the hands

of labourers and men who work hard with them,

are nearly always almost destitute of lines at

all. It is activity of brain, and not of body, that

causes the lines to appear ; otherwise, how ac-

count for lines between the joints of the fin-

gers, and in directions in which no folding

could ever, by any possibility, take place ?

No : the hands fold, it is true, upon some of

the major lines, but the lines are not caused by

the folding. However, let us get on. Whyseek to account for facts, which, being existent,

need no proof? Let us accept the axiom laid

down by Herbert Spencer, by Henry Drum-

45 Ouain's Anatomy, vol. ii. p. 214.

QO PRA CTICAL CHEIROSOPHI/I

why should not the same effect be producedupon the hands, which are so much more sensi-

tive than the face ?

How continually one is told, by some one

who imagines he has discovered a brand-new

argument, that the lines are simply the result

of the folding of the hands! The evidence

against this is infinite. Quain has told us 45

that the lines are clearly traced even before

a man is born; and it is easy to verify the fact,that the hands of women, and of men who

never use their hands in active exercises, are

always coveredwith lines, whereas the hands

of labourers and men who work hard with them,are nearly always almost destitute of lines at

all. It is activity of brain, and not of body, that

causes the lines to appear; otherwise, how ac-

count for lines between the joints of the fin-

gers, and in directions in which no foldingcould ever, by any possibility, take place ?

No : the hands fold, it is true, upon some of

the major lines, but the lines are not caused bythe folding. However, let us get on. Whyseek to account for facts, which, being exisiefzl,need no proof ? Let us accept the axiom laid

down by Herbert Spencer, by Henry Drum-

45 Quain's Anatomy, vol. ii. p. 214.


1

mond, and by a host of the finest intellects of

the day, that all science is more or less a mys-

tery. 46 We can only tabulate facts, and, after

letting them speak for themselves, draw our

own deductions. I have advanced all the data

that can be necessary, in the introductory argu-

ments to my two larger works upon this science.

Now I propose to lay before you what actually

is the case, in the hope that you will not refuse

to believe acknowledged truth, as did the hard-

headed scientists of even so late as the end

of the last century, who denied that aerolites

either had fallen or could fall. This is not a

superstition, this science of mine. But, if it

were, superstition will only come to an end

when exact science— if such exists — will take

the trouble to examine without prejudice the

facts it has hitherto distinctly denied ; that is to

say, when it will approach them with the admis-

sion that things are not necessarily untrue be-

cause they are unexplained !

It is necessary to say, at the outset of the

study of this branch of the science of chei-

rosophy, that the names of the planets applied

46 Compare these passages: Herbert Spencer's Study of Sociology

(London, 1873), chap, iv., and Henry Drummond's Natural Law in

the Spiritual World (London, 1S84), pp. 28 and SS.

CHEIRO/TIANCY OR PAL/IIISTRK QI

mond, and by a host of the finest intellects of

the day, that all science is more or less a mys-

tery." We can only tabulate facts, and, after

letting them speak for themselves, draw our

own deductions. I have advanced all the data

that can be necessary, in the introductory argu-ments to my two larger works upon this science.

Now I propose to lay before you what actuallyis the case, in the hope that you will not refuse

to believe acknowledged truth, as did the hard-

headed scientists of even so late as the end

of the last century, who denied that aerolites

either had fallen or could fall. This is not a

superstition, this science of mine. But, if it

were, superstition will only come to an end

when exact science- if such exists - will take

the trouble to examine without prejudice the

facts it has hitherto distinctly denied ; that is to

say, when it will approach them with the admis-

sion that things are not necessarily untrue be-

cause they are unexplained !'

It is necessary to say, at the outset of the

study of this branch of the science of chei-

rosophy, that the names of the planets applied

45 Compare these passages: Herbert Spencer's Study of Sociology(London, 1873), chap. iv., and Henry Drummond's Natural Law in

the Spiritual Vorld (London, 1884), pp. 28 and SS.


to the mounts and some of the lines of the palm

are not astrological. When I speak of the mountof Jupiter, the plain of Mars, and the line of

Saturn, I do not mean that the planets have

as has been believed, and, I regret to say, writ-

ten — any thing to do with those parts of the

hand. The explanation of these terms is, that

on certain parts of the hand are found the indi-

cations of certain temperaments, which we have

come to look upon as peculiar to certain deities

of the heathen mythology : so that when I say

the mount of Venus, I mean that part of the

hand upon which are found the indications of

love ; the plain of Mars, the part denoting

audacity and warlike instinct ; the line of Saturn

indicates fate, and so on.

The five digits of the hand have, or may have,

at their bases, mounts ; i.e., little protuberances

of muscle, each of which has a certain signifi-

cation, and is called after a particular planet

(Plate IX.). They are as follows : under the

thumb, the mount of Venus (A) ; under the first

finger, the mount of Jupiter (B) ; under the

second, that of Saturn (C) ; under the third, that

of Apollo, or the Sun (D) ; under the fourth, that

of Mercury (E). Below this, on the hand, comes

the mount of Mars (F) ; below that, again, the


to the mounts and some of the lines of the palmare not astrological. When Ispeak of the mount

of jupiter, the plain of Mars, and the line of

Saturn, I do not mean that the planets have

as has been believed, and, I regret to say, writ-

ten -any thing to do with those parts of the

hand. The explanation of these terms is, that

on certain parts of the hand are found the indi-

cations of certain temperaments, which we have

come to look upon as peculiar to certain deities

of the heathen mythology: so that when I saythe mount of Venus, I mean that part of the

hand upon which are found the indications of

love ; the plain of Mars, the part denotingaudacity and warlike instinct ; the line of Saturn

indicates fate, and so on.

The five digits of the hand have, or may have,at their bases, mounts ; i.e., little protuberancesof muscle, each of which has a certain signiii-cation, and is called after a particular planet(Plate IX.). They are as follows: under the

thumb, the mount of Venus (A); under the first

finger, the mount of Jupiter (B) ; under the

second, that of Saturn (C); under the third, that

of Apollo, or the Sun (D) ; under the fourth, that

of Mercury Below this, on the hand, comes

the mount of Mars (F) ; below that, again, the

Plate IX. - THE MOUNTS OF THE PALM.

.-.5 _

,__ ,-:T-5

flg

'§ §

*§_

K-,,i»-"` "If RV

:V

' `

3

B : c J D y/' /` I/ y,-

` ~-' ~~---//E/1

_V l `

H z F

` }~' II,

~_,_-»

A I" /IfYi Q'

1

1 I '~

,I \`ll,

`

Plate IX.-THE MOUNTS OF THE PALM.


mount of the Moon (G) ; and in the centre of

the hand, the plain of Mars (H). The hand is

crossed by six principal lines (Plate II.) : the

line of life, which surrounds the thumb (a a);

the line of head, which starts at the same point,

and goes to the mount of Mars (b b) ; the line of

heart, almost parallel above the line of head

(c c) ; the line of Saturn, or fortune, which goes

from the wrist to the mount of that name (d d);

the line of Apollo, or art, which goes from the

plain of Mars to the mount of Apollo (e e) ; and

the line of liver, or health, which goes from the

base of the line of life to the mount of Mars or

of Mercury (ff). To these are added two in-

ferior sets of lines : the girdle of Venus, which

encircles the mounts of Saturn and of Apollo

(g g) yand the rascettes, which appear at the

wrists (k k). These two latter are not invariably

found in the hands.

Every mount betrays certain characteristics

in a greater or less state of development, and

the mount which is highest in a hand gives

the keynote to the character of the subject. Ahand has seldom only one mount developed, and

any well-formed mount will modify the signifi-

cation of the principal one. Sometimes, instead

of being high in a hand, the mount is covered

CIJEIIEO./IIA./VCY OR PAL/IIISTR K Q5

mount of the Moon (G); and in the centre of

the hand, the plain of Mars (H). The hand is

crossed by six principal lines (Plate II.): the

line of life, which surrounds the thumb (zz zz);the line of head, which starts at the same point,and goes to the mount of Mars (6 6) ; the line of

heart, almost parallel above the line of head

(c c) ; the line of Saturn, or fortune, which goesfrom the wrist to the mount of that name (dd);the line of Apollo, or art, which goes from the

plain of Mars to the mount of Apollo (e e) ; and

the line of liver, or health, which goes from the

base of the line of life to the mount of Mars or

of Mercury (ff). To these are added two in-

ferior sets of lines: the girdle of Venus, which

encircles the mounts of Saturn and of Apollo(gg), and the rascettes, which appear at the

wrists (h h). These two latter are not invariablyfound in the hands.

Every mount betrays certain characteristics

in a greater or less state of development, and

the mount which is highest in a hand givesthe keynote to the character of the subject. A

hand has seldom only one mount developed, and

any well-formed mount will modify the signifi-cation of the principal one. Sometimes, instead

of being high in a hand, the mount is covered

g6 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

with lines (E, Plate IX.). This has the same

effect as high development, and makes a mount

the principal one in the hand. All the mounts

equally developed indicate an evenly balanced

mind, whilst no mounts at all betray a dull,

negative character. A mount displaced towards

another, instead of being immediately beneath

the finger, takes an influence from that mount

towards which it inclines. If, not only is it

absent, but a hollow occupies its place, it de-

notes the converse, the opposite, of the qualities

of the mount.

The lines in a hand should be, clear, red, and

apparently marked, not ragged, or broken, or

indistinct. Pale lines in a hand indicate a

phlegmatic disposition, and, in a man, effemi-

nacy. A sister line following the course of

a principal line (i i in Plate II.) will always

strengthen and support it. A tassel at the

end always indicates a disorder of the quality.

Ascending branches {a in Plate X.) always an-

nounce a favorable issue of the qualities of a

line; descending {b, Plate X.), the reverse. Achained formation indicates obstacles and worries

connected therewith (c in Plate X.).

Beneath the first finger we find the mount of

Jupiter. The predominance of this mount in


with lines (E, Plate IX.). This has the same

effect as high development, and makes a mount

the principal one in the hand. All the mounts

equally developed indicate an evenly balanced

mind, whilst no mounts at all betray a dull,

negative character. A mount displaced towards

another, instead of being immediately beneath

the finger, takes an influence from that mount

towards which it inclines. If, not only- is it

absent, but a hollow occupies its place, it de-

notes the converse, the opposite, of the qualitiesof the mount.

g

-

The lines in a hand should be_ clear, red, and

apparently marked, not ragged, or broken, or

indistinct. Pale lines in a hand indicate a

phlegmatic disposition, and, in a man, effemi-

nacy. A sister line following the course of

a principal line (i i in Plate Il.) will alwaysstrengthen and support it. A tassel at the

end always indicates a disorder of the quality.Ascending branches (zz in Plate X.) always an-

nounce a favorable issue 'of the qualities of a

line; descending (6, Plate X.), the reverse. A

chained formation indicates obstacles and worries

connected therewith (c in Plate X.).Beneath the first finger we find the mountof

Jupiter. The predominance of this mou_

'

Plate X.-THE LINES AND MOUNTS.

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LITES AND MOUNTS.


a hand denotes ambition, honor, gayety, and

religion. It also, if very high, denotes love of

pomp and ceremony, with a certain amount of

pride ; and in excess the mount gives tyranny,

arrogance, and ostentation ; if the fingers are

pointed, ostentation. Complete absence of the^

mount betrays idleness, egoism, want of dignity,

and even vulgarity. Confused lines on the

mount indicate a continued and unsatisfied am-

bition. A cross on the mount denotes a happy

marriage (a in Plate XlJft If a star be there

as well (b in Plate XL), the ^marriage is also

brilliant and ambitious. A spot on the mount

indicates disgrace.

The next mount is that of Saturn (c, Plate IX.).

When this mount is the highest in the hand,

we find in the subject caution, prudence, and a

fatality either for good or evil. Such subjects

are sensitive and punctilious, given to occult

science, to incredulity, melancholy, and timid-

ity. They love solitude and a quiet life, taking

naturally to agriculture, mineralogy, and kin-

dred sciences. Developed to excess, the mountdenotes a profound melancholy and morose taci-

turnity, remorse and morbid imagination, fear

of death, and, at the same time, a tendency

to suicide. Absence of the mount denotes an

CIIEIRO/IIA/VCY 01' PALIIIISTR K Q9

a hand denotes ambition, honor, gayety, and

religion. It also, if very high, denotes love of

pomp and ceremony, with a certain amount of

pride; and in excess the mount gives tyranny,arrogance, and ostentation; if the fingers are

pointed, ostentation. Complete absence of themount betrays idleness, egoism, wantof and even evulgarity. Confused lines on the

mount indicate a continued and unsatisfied am~

bition. A cross on the mount denotes a happymarriage (zz in Plate XI. If a star be there

as well (6 in Plate XI.)(, t marriage is also

brilliant and ambitious. A spot on the mount

indicates disgrace.The next mount is that of Saturn (c, Plate IX.).

When this mount is the highest in the hand,we rind in the subject caution, prudence, and a

fatality either for good or evil. Such subjectsare sensitive and punctilious, given to occult

science, to incredulity, melancholy, and timid-

ity. They love solitude and a quiet life, takingnaturally to agriculture, mineralogy, and kin-

dred sciences. Developed to excess, the mount

denotes a profound melancholy and morose taci-

turnity, remorse and morbid imagination, fear

of death, and, at the same time, a tendencyto suicide. Absence of the mount denotes an

1

~.._

IOO PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

insignificant, uneventful disposition. A single

line on the mount signifies good luck ; many(c

yPlate XI.) signify bad luck ; and a spot on

the mount denotes a great misfortune. Dis-

placed towards Jupiter, it argues a great good

fortune.

Under the third finger we find the mount of

the Sun. When it is prominent in a hand, it

argues a powerful love of art, and indicates suc-

cess, glory, brilliancy, good fortune, the results

of genius "and intelligence. Such subjects are

inventors and imitators, prone to shortness of

temper, pride, eloquence, and a tendency to

religion. In excess, the mount indicates love of

wealth, extravagance, luxury, fatuity and envy,

quick temper and frivolity. These subjects are

also boastful and conceited. Absence of the

mount denotes dulness, and a complete absence

of the artistic instinct. A single line on the

mount denotes fortune and glory ; two lines (d

in Plate XL) indicate talent, but probable failure

in life ; and a confusion of lines (e in Plate X.)

denotes a love of art as a science, and an ana-

lytical disposition. A spot on the mount always

announces a disgrace.

At the outside of the hand is the mount of

Mercury. Its prominence in a hand denotes

IOO PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHKI

insignificant, uneventful disposition. A singleline on the mount signifies good luck; many

(c, Plate XI.) signify bad luck; and a spot on

the mount denotes a great misfortune. Dis-

placed towards jupiter, it argues a great goodfortune. _

Under the third finger We find the mount of

the Sun. Vi/hen it is prominent in a hand, it

argues a powerful love of art, and indicates suc-

cess, glory, brilliancy, good fortune, the results

of geniusand intelligence. Such subjects are

inventors and imitators, prone to shortness of

temper, pride, eloquence, and a tendency to

religion. In excess, the mount indicates love of

wealth, extravagance, luxury, fatuity and envy,

quick temper and frivolity. These subjects are

also boastful and conceited. Absence of the

mount denotes dulness, and a complete absence

of the artistic instinct. A single line on the

mount denotes fortune and glory; two lines (rlin Plate XI.) indicate talent, but probable failure

in life; and a confusion of lines (e in' Plate X.)denotes a love of art as a science, and an ana-

lytical disposition. A spot on the mount alwaysannounces a disgrace.

At the outside of the hand is the mount of

Mercury. Its prominence in a hand denotes'

Plate XL-THE LINES AND MOUNTS.

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Elie XL- THE LINES AND MOUNTS.

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CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. IO3

science, spirit, eloquence, commercial capacity,

speculation, industry, invention, and agility.

Such subjects are always quick and clever at

occupations which require skill, and they are

selfishly good-natured ; i.e., they are good to

their fellow-men when it amuses them to be

so, not when it goes against their inclinations.

Excess of the mount is very bad, denoting theft,

cunning, deceit, and treachery. Such subjects

are always charlatans, and prone to the more

evil forms of occultism and superstition. Com-plete absence of the mount betrays inaptitude

for science, and no capacity for commerce.

Many lines on the mount (d, Plate X.) denote

science and eloquence ; little flecks and dashes

indicate a babbler and chatterer. Lines on the

percussion indicate liaisons and affairs of the

heart if horizontal (e, Plate XL), children if

vertical. A marriage line terminated by a star

proves that the love-affair has terminated, with a

death (/, Plate XL). A great star crossing the

vertical lines on the percussion indicates steril-

ity. If the mount is quite smooth, it announces

extreme coolness and sang-froid.

Below this we have the mount of Mars (F,

Plate IX.), and the immediately contiguous part

of the palm is called the plain of Mars (H, Plate

CHEIRO/IIANCY 0/8 PAL./IIISTIEYZ IO3

science, spirit, eloquence, commercial capacity,speculation, industry, invention, and agility.Such subjects are always quick and clever at

occupations which require skill, and they are

selfishly good-natured; i.e., they are good to

their fellow-men when it amuses them to be

so, not when it goes against their inclinations.

Excess of the mount is very bad, denoting theft,

cunning, deceit, and treachery. Such subjectsare always Charlatans, and prone to the more

evil forms of occultism and superstition. Com-

plete absence of the mount betrays inaptitudeforlscience, and no capacity for commerce.

Many lines on the mount (a§ Plate X.) denote

science and eloquence ; little llecks and dashes

indicate a babbler and chatterer. Lines on the

percussion indicate [Z'lZZ'5071.S` and affairs of the

heart if hofizontai (ff, Plate XL), children if

vertical. A marriage line terminated by a star

proves that the love-affair has terminated. with a

death (ji Plate XL). A great star crossing the

vertical lines on the percussion indicates steril-

ity. If the mount is quite smooth, it announces

pxtreme coolness and 56Z7Zg`:f7'0Z'l2{Below this we have the mount of Mars (F,

Plate IX.), and the immediately contiguous partof the palm is called the plain of Mars (H, Plate


IX.). The mount denotes resistance, the plain

aggression. If the mount is prominent, you are

defensive rather than offensive ; if the plain is

developed, we find an aggressive, encroaching

spirit. A subject with the mount of Mars high

in the hand is cool-tempered, magnanimous,

and generous. If it is excessive, i.e., spreading

into the plain of Mars, he is furious, brusque,

cruel, violent, and defiant in manner. Theabsence of the mount denotes cowardice and

childishness.

Lower still upon the hand we have the mount

of the Moon. This indicates imagination, poesy,

melancholy, a love of mystery, solitude, and

silence, and a tendency to%revery. Such sub-

jects love harmony, rather than melody, in

music ; they are capricious, changeable, and in-

clined to be idle ; fond of voyaging, mystical,

and void of self-confidence or perseverance. In

a hard hand we get a dangerous activity and

imagination. Excess of the mount gives irrita-

bility, discontent, superstition, fanaticism, and

error; absence argues want of imagination and

of poetry in the disposition. Lines on the mount

(g, Plate XI.) give prophetic dreams, visions, pre-

sentiments, and the like. These are also shown

by a curved line extending to the mount of Mer-

IO4 PRA CTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

IX.). The mount denotes resistance, the plainaggression. If the mount is prominent, you are

defensive rather than offensive; if the plain is

developed, we iind an aggressive, encroachingspirit. A subject with the mount of Mars highin the hand is cool-tempered, magnanimous,and generous. If it is excessive, i.e., spreadinginto the plain of Mars, he is furious, brusque,cruel, violent, and defiant in manner. The

absence of the mount denotes cowardiceand

childishness.

Lower still upon the hand We have the mount

of the Moon. This indicates imagination, poesy,

melancholy, a love of mystery, solitude, and

silence, and a tendency to_ revery. Such'sub-jects love harmony, rather than melody, in

music; they are capricious, changeable, and in-

clined to be idle ; 'fond of voyaging, mystical,and void of self-coniidence or perseverance. In

a hard hand we get a dangerous activity and

imagination. Excess of the mount gives irrita-

bility, discontent, superstition, fanaticism, and

error; absence argues want of imagination and

of poetry in the disposition. Lines on the mount

(g, Plate XI.) give prophetic dreams, visions, pre-

sentiments, and the like. These are also shown

by a curved line extending to the mount of Mer-


cury (/ in Plate X.). Horizontal lines from

the percussion (g in Plate X.) denote voyages;

terminating in a star (/i, Plate X.) these lines

indicate a voyage which will be terminated by

death. A large star on the mount (h9Plate XL)

denotes hysteria, and, with other concomitant

signs, madness. Many crossing lines (i, Plate

XL) betray self-torment and worry. An angle

or circle on the mount denotes a danger of

death by drowning.

The last mount with which we have to deal

is that of Venus, at the root of the thumb.

This mount gives to a subject beauty, grace,

benevolence, melody in music (as opposed to

harmony), and, indeed, all the more feminine

attributes of character. Such people are great

lovers of and seekers after pleasure, are gay

and always charming. In excess, the mountbetrays debauchery, effrontery, license, incon-

stancy, and other excesses. Absence of the

mount shows coldness, laziness, and selfishness.

Lines on the mount always indicate warmth of

passion and strong affection. A line extending

to the line of head indicates a worry (j, Plate

XL) ; extending to the mount of Mercury, it

denotes a marriage (k k in Plate XL), so does a

strong line coming from the phalanx of logic to

f

CHEIROJIIANCY OR PAL./IIIST/<`K IOS

cury (f in Plate X.). Horizontal lines from

the percussion (g in Plate X.) denote voyages;

terminating in a star (k, Plate X.) these lines

indicate a voyage which will be terminated bydeath. A large star on the mount (h, Plate Xl.)denotes hysteria, and, wiik oiker concomita/af

szlgws, madness. Many crossing lines (z`, Plate

XI.) betray self-torment and worry. An angleor circle on the mount denotes a danger of

death by drowning.The last mount with which we have to deal

is that of Venus, at the root of the thumb.

This mount gives to a subject beauty, grace,

benevolence, melody in music (as opposed to

harmony), and, indeed, all the more feminine

attributes of character. Such people are greatlovers of and seekers after pleasure, are gayand always charming. In excess, the mount

betrays debauchery, effrontery, license, incon-

stancy, and other ezigedsses. Absence of the

mount shows coldness, laziness, and selfishness.

Lines on the mount always indicate warmth of

passion and strong affection. A line extendingto the line of head indicates a worry (j, Plate

XI.); extending to the mount of Mercury, it

denotes a marriage (k k in Plate XL), so does a

ong line coming from the phalanx of logic to


the line of life (/ /, Plate XL) which surrounds

the mount of Venus. Islands on the mount(z, Plate X.) denote opportunities of marriage

which have been missed.

These are the interpretations of the mounts.

I shall conclude this opusculum by noticing the

principal lines and their significations.

The most important line in the hand is, of

course, the Line of Life {a a in Plate II.), which

surrounds the mount of Venus. Long, clear,

straight, and well-colored, it denotes long life,

good health, and a good character and disposi-

tion. Pale and broad, it indicates ill-health,

evil instincts, and a weak, envious disposition.

Thick and red, it betrays violence and brutality

of mind ; chained, it indicates delicacy ; and of

varying thicknesses, a capricious, fickle temper.

The ages at which events have happened to one

may be told by the points at which they have

marked the line ; for this purpose, it is divided

into segments of five and ten years, commen-

cing at the head of the line (Plate XII.), and

breaks and so on in the line indicate events at

the age at which the breaks occur. I have

treated of this subject very carefully in "AManual of Cheirosophy."

1o6 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK A

the line of life (Z L Plate XI.) which surrounds

the mount of Venus. Islands on the mount

(5, Plate X.) denote opportunities of marriagewhich have been missed.

These are the interpretations of the mounts.

I shall conclude this opusculum by noticing the

principal lines and their signiiications.

The most important line in the hand is, of

course, the Line of Life (az a in Plate II.), which

surrounds the mount of Venus. Long, clear,

straight, and well-colored, it denotes long life,good health, and a good character and disposi-tion. Pale and broad, it indicates ill-health,evil instincts, and a weak, envious disposition.Thick and red, it betrays violence and brutalityof mind; chained, it indicates delicacy; and of

varying thicknesses, a capricious, fickle temper.The ages at which events have happened to one

may be told by the points at which they have

marked the line; for this purpose, it is divided

into segments of five and ten years, commen-

cing at the head of the line (Plate XII.), and

breaks and so on in the line indicate events at

the age at which the breaks occur. I have

treated of this subject very carefully in "A

Manual of Cheirosophy."

Plate Xn.-AGES UPON THE LINES OFLIFE AND FORTUNE.

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P1a.teXlI.-AGES UPON THE LINES

LIFE AND FORTUNE.

OF'


The shorter the line, the shorter the life ; and

from the point at which the line terminates in

both hands, may be accurately predicted the

time of death. A break in the line is always

an illness ; if in both hands, there is a grave

danger of death, especially if the lower branch

turn in towards the mount of Venus. Ceasing

abruptly with a few little parallel lines (J in

Plate X.), the death will be sudden; a quantity

of little bars across the line (a in Plate XIII.)

denote continual but not very severe illnesses.

Broken inside a square (b, Plate XIII.), it is a

sign of a recovery from a serious illness, and a

bar across the broken ends (c, Plate XIII.) has

the same significance. However broken up the

line may be, a sister line (i i, Plate II.) will always

strengthen and mend it, and is a sign of excel-

lent good fortune. A tassel at the end (d, Plate

XIII.) is a sign of poverty in old age; and a ray

going to the mount of the Moon (e}Plate XIII.)

signifies that the head will be affected by these

troubles.

Rays across the hand from the mount of

Venus (j k, Plate XL) always denote worries,

and the age at which they occur is shown by

the point at which the rays terminate. Their

variation is infinite, and I have discussed them

CHEIROIIIANCY OR PALIPIISTRK IO9

The shorter the line, the shorter the life ; and

from the point at which the line terminates in

both hands, may be accurately predicted the

time of death. A break in the line is alwaysan illness; if in both hands, there is a grave

danger of death, especially if the lower branch

turn in towards the mount of Venus. Ceasingabruptly with a few little parallel lines (j in

Plate X.), the death will be sudden; a quantityof little bars across the line (a in Plate XIII.)denote continual but not very severe illnesses.

Broken inside a square (6, Plate XIII.), it is a

sign of a recovery from a serious illness, and a

bar across the broken ends (c, Plate XIII.) has

the same significance. However broken up the

line may be, a sister line (ii, Plate II.) will alwaysstrengthen and mend it, and is a sign of excel-

lent good fortune. A tassel at the end (d, Plate

XIII.) is a sign of poverty in old age; and a ray

going to the mount of thepl/Ioon (e, Plate XIII.)signifies that the head will be affected by these

troubles.

Rays across the hand from the mount of

Venus (jk, Plate XI.) always denote worries,andthe age at which they occur is shown bythe point at which the rays terminate. Their

variation is infinite, and I have discussed them


fully elsewhere. At the present moment I can-

not do more— or less— than refer to them.

A ray ascending to the mount of Jupiter (/,

Plate XIII.) indicates success.attained by merit

with lofty aims, ambition, and egoism. Branches

ascending from the line (a, Plate X.) denote

ambition, and nearly always riches.

If the three lines are all joined together (/z,

Plate XIII. ), it indicates grave danger of misfor-

tune and sudden death. If, on the contrary,

the line of head, instead of being joined to, is

separated from the line of life (kyPlate X.), it

indicates carelessness, extreme self-reliance, and

generally foolhardiness in consequence.

An island in the line of life (m, Plate XL) is

generally an indication of some mystery as re-

gards the birth of the subject, or else an illness

during the years which it covers.

The Line of Head, which is the next great line

in the hand, should be clear and well colored,

extending from the beginning of the line of life

to the base of the mount of Mars, without fork,

break, or ramification. Pale and broad, it de-

notes feebleness or lack of intellect ; short, it

argues a weak will ; chained, lack of fixity of

mind ; very long and thin, it denotes treachery

and avarice. A long line of head gives domi-

IIO PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

fully elsewhere. At the present moment I can-

not do more-or less-than refer to them.

A ray ascending to the mount of Jupiter (jiPlate XIII.) indicates success_attained by merit

with lofty aims, ambition, and egoism. Branches

ascending from the line (zz, Plate denote

ambition, and nearly always riches.

If the three lines are all joined together (k,Plate XIII.), it indicates grave danger of misfor-

tune and sudden death. If, on the contrary,the line of head, instead of being joined to, is

separated from the line of life (k, Plate X.), it

indicates carelessness, extreme self-reliance, and

generally foolhardiness in consequence.An island in the line of life (nz, Plate XI.) is

generally an indication of some mystery as re-

gards the birth of the subject, or else an illness

during the years which it covers.

The Line of Head, which is the next great line

in the hand, should be clear and well colored,

extending from the beginning of the line of life

to the base of the mount of Mars, without fork,break, or ramiiication. Pale and broad, it de-

notes feebleness or lack of intellect; short, it

argues a weak will; chained, lack of iixity of

mind; very long and thin, it denotes treacheryand avarice. A long line of head gives domi-

Plate XIII.- THE LINES.

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THE LINES.

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nation and self-control to a character ; if it starts

from the line of life under the mount of Saturn,

it shows that the education has been acquired

comparatively late in life, having been neglected

in early youth. Such subjects are generally

benevolent, and are generally great theorists.

Stopping under the mount of Saturn is a sign

of a sudden check to the intellectual develop-

ment in early youth. Joined closely to the line

of life for some distance at its commencement,

it indicates timidity and want of self-confidence

in a weak hand, caution and circumspection in

a strong one.

Declining upon the mount of the Moon, it is

a strong sign of a wild imagination. Comingvery low (z, Plate XIIL), it leads to mysticism

and folly, often culminating in madness, to

which there is a strong tendency. In a strong

hand it gives a talent for literature ; but in

a weak one, if it terminates in a star, with

a star on the Mount of Saturn, it is a sign of

hereditary madness. Turning up towards the

line of heart {n> Plate XL), it denotes a person

with a weak mind, who lets his heart and pas-

sions domineer over his reason. If it touch the

line of heart, it is a sign of an early death. Abreak in the line indicates an accident to the

CHEIRO/IIANCY OR PAL./EIISTRK II3

nation and self-control to a character; if it starts

from the line of life under the mount of Saturn,it shows that the education has been acquiredcomparatively late in life, having been neglectedin early youth. Such subjects are generallybenevolent, and are generally great theorists.

Stopping under the mount of Saturn is a signof a sudden check to the intellectual develop-ment in early youth. joined closely to the line

of life for some distance at its commencement,it indicates timidity and want of self-confidence

in a weak hand, caution and circumspection in

a strong one.

Declining upon the mount of the Moon, it is

a strong sign of a wild imagination. Comingvery low (z`, Plate XllI.), it leads to mysticismand folly, often culminating in madness, to

which there is a strong tendency. In a stronghand it gives a talent for literature; but in

a weak one, if it terminates in a star, with

a Star on the Mount of Saturn, it is a sign of

hereditary madness. Turning up towards the

line of heart (zz, Plate XL), it denotes a personwith a weak mind, who lets his heart and pas-sions domineer over his reason. If it touch the

line of heart, it is a sign of an early death. A

break in the line indicates an accident to the


head, especially under the mount of Saturn;

under these circumstances, the break has been

said to be a sign that the subject will be hung.

Ragged, it denotes a bad memory. Forked at

the end, with one of the " prongs " descending

towards the mount of the Moon, is a sure indi-

cation of hypocrisy, lying, and deceit, (/, Plate

X.). Such subjects are clever sophists, always

on their guard, and ready with excuses when

necessary, reflecting that necessity is the mother

of invention. With a good line of Apollo, it is

a sign of great talent. If one " prong' ' go up

to the line of heart, it is the indication of a fatal

love-affair. A cross and a break in the line (/,

Plate XIII.) are a sure prognostic of a violent

death. An island on the line (£, Plate XIII.) is

a sign of acutely sensitive nerves. A star (a,

Plate XII.) is a sign of a wound. A ray going

to Jupiter (/, Plate XIII.) betrays extreme ego-

ism, and consequent good luck.

The next line is the Line of Heart. It should

extend clear, well traced, and of a good color,

from the mount of Jupiter to the base of that

of Mercury. According to the length of the

line we find stronger or weaker affections. If

it goes right across the hand, from side to side,

it indicates excessive affection, resulting in a

II4 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

head, especially under the mount of Saturn;under these circumstances, the break has been

said to be a sign that the subject will be hung.Ragged, it denotes a bad memory. Forked at

the end, with one of the "prongs" descendingtowards the mount of the Moon, is a sure indi-

cation of hypocrisy, lying, and deceit, (L Plate

X.). Such subjects are clever sophists, alwayson their guard, and ready with excuses when

necessary, reflecting that necessity is the mother

of invention. With a good line of Apollo, it is

a sign of great talent. If one "prong" go up

to the line of heart, it is the indication of a fatal

love-affair. A cross and a break in the line (j,Plate XIII.) are a sure prognostic of a Violent

death. An island on the line (k, Plate XIII.) is

a sign of acutely sensitive nerves. A star (a,Plate XII.) is a sign of a wound. A ray goingto _Iupiter (fl Plate XIII.) betrays extreme ego-

ism, and consequent good luck.`

The next line is the Line of Heart. It should

extend clear, well traced, and of a good color,from the mount of _Iupiter to the base of that

of Mercury. According to the length of theline we find stronger or weaker affections. If

it goes right across the hand, from side to side,it indicates excessive affection, resulting in a

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. II5

morbid jealousy. If it is chained (c, Plate X.),

the subject is an inveterate flirt; bright red,

it denotes violence in affairs of the heart;pale

and broad, on the contrary, it indicates a cold-

blooded roue if not a worn-out libertine. Very,

very thin and bare, it is a sign of murder.

Turning up and disappearing between the first

and second fingers (0, Plate XL), it indicates a

long life of unremitting labor. Broken up, it is

a sign of inconstancy, and often of misogyny.

Forked, with one ray of the fork going on to

the mount of Jupiter (;;/, Plate X.), is a lucky

sign of great good fortune, and of subsequent

riches ; it also indicates enthusiasm in love,

while spots on the line denote conquests in

love, and according to the mount under which

you find the spot you can tell the nature of the

person with whom the love-affair has taken

place. Turning down to the line of head is a

sign of an unhappy marriage, or of very deep

griefs of the heart. Lines ascending from that

of the heart (b, Plate XII.) show curiosity, re-

search, and versatility, but very often useless-

ness.

The fourth great line in the hand is that of

Saturn, or of Fortune, which rises through the

whole hand, from the wrist to the mount of

CIJEIROJIA/VCY OR PALIIIISTR K I I5

morbid jealousy. If it is chained (c, Plate X.),the subject is an inveterate flirt; bright red,it denotes violence in affairs of the heart; paleandlbroad, on the contrary, it indicates a cold-

blooded rozze' if not a worn-out libertine. VFW,very thin and bare, it is a sign of murder.

Turning up and disappearing between the first

and second fingers (0, Plate XI.), it indicates a

long life of unremitting labor. Broken up, it is

a sign of inconstancy, and often of misogyny.Forked, with one ray of the fork going on to

the mount of Jupiter (nz, Plate X.), is a luckysign of great good fortune, and of subsequentriches; it also indicates enthusiasm in love,while spots on the line denote conquests in

love, and according to the mount under which

you find the spot you can tell the nature of the

person with whom the love-affair has taken

place. Turning down -to the line of head is a

sign of an unhappy marriage, or of very deepgriefs of the heart. Lines ascending from that

of the heart (6, Plate XII.) show curiosity, re-

search, and Versatility, but very often useless-

ness.

The fourth great line in the hand is that of

Saturn, or of Fortune, which rises through the

le hand, from the wrist to the mount of

Il6 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

Saturn. It may start from the wrist (/, Plate

XIIL), from the line of life (m, Plate XIIL), or

from the mount of the Moon, («, Plate XIIL).

If it start from the line of life, it shows that

one's fortune results from one's own deserts

;

rising from the wrist, it is always a sign of

good luck ; and starting from the mount of the

Moon, the fortune comes entirely from a caprice,

generally of the opposite sex. Sometimes it

turns off, and goes to some other mount, instead

of to that of Saturn : thus, if to Mercury, wefind success in commerce, eloquence, and sci-

ence ; if to Apollo, fortune from art ; if to Jupi-

ter, satisfied pride and realized ambition. If

the line cut through the mount, and extend

on to the finger (<?, Plate XIIL), we get a great

fatality, which is either good or bad, according

to the general appearance of the hand. If the

line of fortune is stopped at that of head, it

shows that an impulse of the head, or error of

calculation, has stopped one's fortune ; stopped

at the line of heart, the ill-luck results from a

love-affair.

Twisted or ragged at the base, it indicates ill

luck in early life. Split and twisted through-

out, it denotes ill luck and ill health through

abuse of pleasure ; or, at any rate, continual

II6 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

Saturn. It may start from the wrist (I, Plate

XIII.), from the line of life (azz, Plate XIII.), or

from the mount of the Moon, (11, Plate XIII.).If it start from the line of life, it shows that

one's fortune results from one's own deserts;

rising from the wrist, it is always a sign of

good luck; and starting from the mount of the

Moon, the fortune comes entirely from a caprice,generally of the opposite sei. Sometimes it

turns off, and goes to some other mount, instead

of to that of Saturn: thus, if to Mercury, we

find success in commerce, eloquence, and sci-

ence; if to Apollo, fortune from art; if to jupi-ter, 'satisfied pride and realized ambition. If

the line cut through the mount, and extend

on to the finger (0, Plate XHL), we get a greatfatality, which is either good or bad, accordingto the general appearance of the hand. If the

line of fortune is stopped at that of head, it

shows that an impulse of the head, or error of

calculation, has stopped one's fortune; stoppedat the line of heart, the ill-luck results from a

love-affair.

Twisted or ragged at the base, it indicates ill

luck in early life. Split and twisted through-out, it denotes ill luck and ill health throughabuse of pleasure; or, at any rate, continual

I

I

I

ll

nl

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. \\J

quarrels arising therefrom. An irregular line

betrays irritability; cut by little lines on the

mount (p, Plate XIIL), it indicates misfortune

late in life. Forked at the base, the life is a

continual struggle of ambition and of love ; both,

however, will be successful and fortunate, if the

line go well up to the mount. Any cross upon

the line (;/, Plate X.) indicates a change in the

life or in the position of the subject. A star

at the base of the line (o, Plate X.) shows a

misfortune in early youth, happening probably

to one's parents ; especially if there is also a

cross on the mount of Venus (/, Plate X.),

when the misfortune arises through the death

of a relation.

An island on the line of fortune( q, Plate X.)

nearly always betrays a conjugal infidelity; and

if a star appear on the mount, it has brought

great misfortune in its train. A malformed line

with an island at its base is a sign of illegiti-

macy. If, however, the rest of the hand is

good, this island only shows a hopeless passion

;

if with a star on Jupiter, the passion has been

for some celebrated or exalted person.

Less important than these last four, but not

less interesting, is the Line of Apollo, or Bril-

liancy (e e, Plate II.), which rises from the plain

C[fE[1'0/IIA./VCY OR PALAIISTR K I I 7

quarrels arising therefrom. An irregular line

betrays irritability; cut by little lines on the

mount (p, Plate XIII.), it indicates misfortune

late in life. Forkcd at the base, the life is a

continual struggle of ambition and of love ; both,however, will be successful and fortunate, if the

line go well up to the mount. Any cross upon

the line (12, Plate X.) indicates a change in the

life or in the position of the subject. A star

at the base of the line (0, Plate X.) shows a

misfortune in early youth, happening probablyto one's parents; especially if there is also a

cross on the mount of Venus (p, Plate X.),when the misfortune arises through the death

of Ia relation.

An island on the line of fortune (g, Plate X.)nearly always betrays a conjugal infidelity; and

if a star appear on the mount, it has broughtgreat misfortune in its train. A malformed line

with an island at its base is a sign of illegiti-rnacy. lf, however, the rest of the hand is

good, this island only shows a hopeless passion;if with a star on Jupiter, the passion has been

for some celebrated or exalted person.

Less important than these last four, but not

less interesting, is the Line of Apollo, or Bril-

liancy (e e, Plate Il.), which rises from the plain

Il8 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

of Mars, or the mount of the Moon, and goes

to the mount of Apollo. Whenever it is pres-

ent to any marked degree, we find glory, celeb-

rity, art, wealth, merit, and success. It is

best when it is neat and straight, making a

clear cut upon the mount. Such subjects have,

in all their successes, the calmness of natural

talent, and the contentment of a proper self-

esteem. It must always appear more or less

in a lucky hand. If, however, the fingers are

twisted, and the palm is hollow, it is a bad thing

to have this line in the hand, for these indica-

tions show an ill use of the talents denoting it.

If it is absent from a hand, it denotes failures in

the undertakings of the subject. Visible, but

much broken up, it denotes a jack-of-all-trades,

and betrays an eccentricity in matters artistic.

Many little lines on the mount (e, Plate X.) de-

note an excess of the artistic qualities which

bring the subject to naught. If the line is

equally divided on the mount (d, Plate XL), it.

shows that the subject has two counterbalan-

cing artistic instincts ; if, however, the line forms

a trident (g> Plate XIII.), it is a sure sign of

glory and of success. Cross lines on the mount

(c, Plate XII.) signify obstacles to the success in

art. A star at the top of the line is a sign of

118 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHYZ

of Mars, or.the mount of the Moon, and goesto the mount of Apollo. Whenever it is pres-ent to any marked degree, we find glory, celeb-

rity, art, Wealth, merit, and success. It is

best when itis neat and straight, making a

clear cut upon the mount. Such subjects have,in all their successes, the calmness of natural

talent, and the contentment of a proper self-

esteem. It must always appear more or less

in a lucky hand. If, however, the lingers are

twisted, and the palm is hollow, it is a bad thingto have this line in the hand, for these indica-

tions show an ill use of the talents denoting it.

If it is absent from a hand, it denotes failures in

the undertakings of the subject. Visible, but

much broken up, it denotes a jack-of-all-trades,and betrays an eccentricity in matters artistic.

Many little lines on the mount (e, Plate X.) de-

note an excess of the artistic qualities which

bring the subject to naught. If the line is

equally divided on the mount (d, Plate XL), it

shows that the subject has two counterbalan-

cing artistic instincts; if, however, the line forms

a trident (g, Plate Xlll.), it is a sure sign of

glory and of success. Cross lines on the mount

(c, Plate XII.) signify obstacles to the success in

art. A star at the top of the line is a sign of


great good fortune. A black spot at the junc-

tion of the lines of heart and of Apollo indi-

cates blindness.

The Line of Liver, or Health (//, Plate II.),

comes from the base of the line of life, and goes

towards— but seldom as far as— the mount of

Mercury. Clearly traced, it seldom exists in a

hand ; but when it is found, it is a sign of good

health, gayety, and success, with long life if the

line extend up to the mount of Mercury. Com-plete absence of line, far from being a bad sign,

gives to a subject great vivacity both of man-

ner and of conversation. Any unevenness of

color in the line denotes bad health ; muchtwisted, it is a sign of biliousness ; much broken

up, of a weak or disordered liver. Forked at

the top, it gives a great capacity for occult

sciences (d, Plate XII.). A coming sickness

marks itself on this line by a little deep-red

cross-ray ; a past sickness leaves a gap. Well

joined to the line of head, it betokens a strong

aptitude for all kinds of natural magic or psy-

chology. An island in the line (e, Plate XII.)

denotes a somnambulist.

Of the girdle of Venus (gg, Plate II.), we can

dispose in a few words. Wherever you find it

in a hand, it is a sign of hysteria and emotion.

CHEIROMANCY OR PAL./IIISTRK I IQ

great good fortune. A black spot at the junc-tion of the lines of heart and of Apollo indi-

tcates blindness."

The Line of Liver, or Health (ff, Plate II.),comes from the base of the line of life, and goestowards-but seldom as far as-the mount of

Mercury. Clearly traced, it seldom exists in a

hand; but when it is found, it is a sign of goodhealth, gayety, and success, with long life if the

line extend up to the mount of Mercury. Com-

plete absence of line, far from being a bad sign,gives to a subject great vivacity both of man-

ner and of conversation. Any unevenness of

color in the line denotes bad health; much

twisted, it is asign of biliousness ; much broken

up, of a weak or disordered liver. Forked at

the top, it gives a great capacity for occult

sciences (a§ Plate XII.). A coming sickness

marks itself on this line by a little deep-redcross-ray; a past sickness leaves a gap. Well

joined to the line of head, it betokens a strong

aptitude for all kinds of natural magic or psy-

chology. An island in the line (e, Plate XII.)denotes a somnambulist.

Of the girdle of Venus (gg, Plate II.), we can

dispose in a few Words. V/herever you find it

in a hand, it is a sign of hysteria and emotion.

120 PRACTICAL CHEIR0S0PHY.

You may generally look upon it as a bad sign,

for these qualities in a bad or weak hand lead

very frequently to the lower forms of vice ; but

this is not invariable, especially if, instead of

being a complete semicircle, it goes off on the

mount of Mercury (n nyPlate XIII.), when it

becomes merely a sign of great energy and

enthusiasm.

If the girdle is much broken up, it is an in-

dication of the lower passions of our natures;

and as I have discussed the question in A Man-

ual of Cheirosophy, there is no need to allude to

it here. The curious are referred to that vol-

ume upon the point.

On the wrist are found certain lines which

are known as the Rascettes, or Bracelets of Life

(Ji h in Plate II.). Each of these represents from

five and twenty to thirty years of life. Thegeneral maximum is three of these lines ; and

when clearly traced, they denote health, good

luck, and a tranquil life. Chained, the rascettes

indicate a laborious but fortunate life ; very

badly formed, the lines are an indication of

extravagance. Broken in the centre, and turn-

ing up towards the line of fortune (r, Plate X.)

is a sign of vanity and of deceit. A star in the

centre of the rascette (s, Plate XIII.) is nearly

I2O PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

You may generally look upon it as a hm' sign,for these qualities in a bad or weak hand lead

very frequently to the lower forms of vice ; but

this is not invariable, especially if, instead of

being a complete semicircle, it goes off on the

mount of Mercury (fz 12, Plate XIII.), when it

becomes merely a sign of great energy and

enthusiasm.

If the girdle is much broken up, it is an in-

dication of the lower passions of our natures;and as I have discussed the question in A Man-

ual of Cheirosophy, there is no need to allude to

it here. The curious are referred to that vol-

ume upon the point.On the wrist are found certain lines which

are known as the Rascettes, or Bracelets of Life

(0 h in Plate II.). Each of these represents from

live and twenty to thirty years of life. The

general maximum is three of these lines; and

when clearly'traced, they denote health, goodluck, and a tranquil life. Chained, the rascettes

indicate a laborious but fortunate life; very

badly formed, the lines are an indication of

extravagance. Broken in the centre, and turn-

ing up towards the line of fortune (13 Plate X.)is a sign of vanity and of deceit. A star in the

centre of the rascette (J, Plate XIII.) is nearly


always a sign of unexpected good fortune.

Lines extending from the wrist to the mounts

always betoken long voyages and good luck.

These are the lines of the palms, as far as it

is possible for us to go into them. There exist,

of course, in every hand, lines which do not

come under any of these rules ; but the expert

in cheirosophy will have no difficulty in reading

these by reference to their position in the hand

with regard to the mounts and the principal

lines.

As to the signs which are to be found in

the hands, I have alluded to them from time

to time during the foregoing remarks, and their

significance will have been more or less gath-

ered.

A star is always an indication of some great

event beyond our own control, it may be either

good or bad ; but it is generally the latter.

A square is always protection from some

great danger ; a spot is generally, if not inva-

riably, a malady ; the island is always a mystery,

something secret, and generally a disgraceful

circumstance, connected with the line upon

which it is found. A triangle (/, Plate XII.)

is a symbol of a science.

CHEIRO/IIANCY OR PAL/IIISTRK I2I

always a sign of unexpected good fortune.

Lines extending from the wrist to the mounts

always betoken long voyages and good luck.

These are the lines of the palms, as far as it

is possible for us to go into them. There exist,of course, in every hand, lines which do not

come under any of these rules ; but the expertin cheirosophy will have no difficulty in readingthese by reference to their position in the hand

with regard to the mounts and the principallines.

As to the signs which are to be found in

the hands, I have alluded to them from time

to time during the foregoing remarks, and their

significance will have been more or less gath-ered.

A star is always an indication of some greatevent beyond our own control, it may be either

good or bad ; but it is generally the latter.

A square is always protection from some

great danger; a spot is generally, if not inva-

riably, a malady; the island is always a mystery,something secret, and generally a disgracefulcircumstance, connected with the line upon

which it is found. A triangle (jf Plate XII.)is a symbol of a science.


A cross is seldom favorable, signifying gener-

ally an obstacle ; but at the same time, it usually

highly accentuates the qualities of the mounts

and lines on which it is found. A cross, by-the-

bye, in the quadrangle, i.e., the space between

the lines of head and of heart, the consideration

of which the limits of space have compelled

me to omit (s in Plate X.), is always a sign

of superstition, and of a penchant to occult

science.

Cross lines on a mount {c, Plate XII.) are

always an obstacle to that mount, and accen-

tuate its bad qualities.

In the foregoing remarks, I have endeavored

to give you a short outline of some of the inter-

esting points to be noted in connection with

our hands. To hear the science ridiculed, I amperfectly prepared. It was the word "absurd,"

says Balzac, which condemned steam, which con-

demned the inventions of gunpowder, printing,

spectacles, engraving, and, more recently, aerial

navigation, and photography. The self-compla-

cent stolidity of lazy incredulity is invincible

;

but people who laughat the science are, to the

possessors of this knowledge, like the people in

the gallery at a theatre, who can find no means

122 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHYY

A cross is seldom favorable, signifying gener-

ally an obstacle , but at the same time, it usuallyhighly accentuates the qualities of the mounts

and lines on which it is found. A cross, by-the-bye, in the quadrangle, i.e., the space between

the lines of head and of heart, the consideration

of which the limits of space have compelledme to omit (5 in Plate X.), is always a signof superstition, and of a peizc/mmf to occult

science.

Cross lines on a mount (c, Plate XII.) are

always an obstacle to that mount, and accen-

tuate its bad qualities.

In the foregoing remarks, I have endeavored

to give you a short outline of some of the inter-

esting points to be noted in connection with

our hands. To hear the science ridiculed, I am

perfectly prepared. It was the word "absurd,"

says Balzac, which condemned steam, which con-

demned the inventions of gunpowder, printing,spectacles, engraving, and, more recently, aerial

navigation, and photography. The self-compla-cent stolidity of lazy incredulity is invincible;but people who laughat the science are, to the

possessors of this knowledge, like the people in

the gallery at a theatre, who can find no means

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. 1 23

of expressing their disapproval save by whis-

tling and cat-calling. It is as if people who

were born blind laughed at people who could

see, not believing in the sense of sight. Nay,

more, it is the blindness of people who refuse

to see ; for here is the science, and any one

who will learn it may do so with the greatest

ease if he only have patience and intelligence.

There are even people who call it wicked ; as

if this intimate knowledge of one's fellow-men,

and the works of an omnipotent Creator, did

not tend to raise the hearts of men. They say

it is wicked to go beyond the limits which

nature has set upon our knowledge. Theymight as well condemn as wicked the use of

spectacles, of telescopes, of microscopes, and of

all instruments which tend to enlarge the field

of our research. But I quote once more the

words of Sir Richard Owen :" Our thoughts are

free to soar, as far as any legitimate analogy

may seem to guide them rightly, across the

boundless ocean of unknown truth.

"

The acquisition of this science is a vast sys-

tem of mental training ; in its research it covers

a vast historical and archaeological field, and ed-

ucates the mind to new and more acute habits

of observation. What is more necessary to us

CHEIRO./IIA./VCY OR PALMISTRK I23

of expressing their disapproval save by whis-

tling and cat-calling. It is as if people who

were born blind laughed at people who could

see, not believing in the sense of sight. Nay,more, it is the blindness of people who nj/'zzsfto see; for here is the science, and any one

who will learn it may do so with the greatestease if he only have patience and intelligence.

There are even people who call it wicked ; as

if this intimate knowledge of one's fellow-men,and the works of an omnipotent Creator, did

not tend to raise the hearts of men. They sayit is wicked to go beyond the limits which

nature has set upon our knowledge. Theymight as well condemn as wicked the use of

spectacles, of telescopes, of microscopes, and of

all instruments which tend to enlarge the field

of our research. But I quote once more the

words of Sir Richard Owen: " Our thoughts are

free to soar, as far as any legitimate analogymay seem to 'guide them rightly, across the

boundless ocean of unknown truth."

The acquisition of this science is a vast sys-tem of mental training; in its research it covers

a vast historical and archaeological Held, and ed-

ucates the mind to new and more acute habits

of observation. What is more necessary to us


than that our first indelible impression of a

man should be the right one ? And, by means

of this science, I claim that we are able at a

glance to comprehend the mental development

of whose-soever hands we are able to see. It is

not, of course, sufficient to buy a book, and read

it up ; especially not the ancient ones of which

I have placed a bibliography at the end of "TheScience of the Hand." The science must be

continually practised, so that the comparative

size and development of a hand may be seen

at a glance. The knowledge will soon come if

the exercise is continual,— personal experiment,

said Coleridge, is necessary in order to correct

our own observation of the experiments which

Nature herself makes for us, which are the

phenomena of the universe. There must always

be, as I have said before, a certain amount of

mystery remaining ; for all science is myste-

rious. Even the origin of muscular power and

animal heat, the existence of which we shall

hardly find any one to deny, are unknown and

mysterious. The more we investigate this sci-

ence, the clearer and the simpler it becomes;

and even when we cannot exactly define the

cause, the invariable effect is such as to establish

cheirosophy as a fixed and exact science.

[24 PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHK

than that our first indelible impression of a

man should be the right one? And, by means

of this science, I claim that we are able at a

glance to comprehend the mental developmentof whose-soever hands we are able to see. It is

not, of course, sufficient to buy a book, and read

it up; especially not the ancient ones of whichI have placed a bibliography at the end of "The

Science of the Hand." The science must be

continually praciiseri so that the comparativesize and development of a hand may be seen

at a glance. The knowledge will soon come if

the exercise is continual, - personal experiment,said Coleridge, is necessary in order to correct

our own observation of the experiments which

Nature herself makes for us, which are the

phenomena of the universe. There must alwaysbe, as I have said before, a certain amount of

mystery remaining; for all science is myste-rious. Even the origin of muscular power and

animal heat, the existence of which we shall

hardly find any one to deny, are unknown and

mysterious. The more we investigate this sci-

ence, the clearer and the simpler it becomes;and even when we cannot exactly denne the

cause, the invariable e/fer! is such as to establish

cheirosophy as a fixed and exact science.

CHEIROMANCY OR PALMISTRY. 12$

You must be prepared to find in this, as in

all other sciences, occasional anomalies, contra-

dictions. These must not dismay you. Youwill soon learn to profit as much by your fail

ures as by your successes.

And with this, I have done. If I have suc-

ceeded in opening to you another page of the

great Book of Nature, I shall feel myself more

than repaid for the time which I have spent in

tabulating these few notes, — too few, alas ! to

give you more than a very meagre idea of this

great science. And so I conclude. Let mehope that I have made clearer to you the sim-

plicity, the beauty, and the enormous utilitarian

value of Practical Cheirosophy.

ioth March, 1887.

CIIEIRO/IIA/VCY OR PALJIISTRIC IZS

You must be prepared to find in this, as in

all other sciences, occasional anomalies, contra-

dictions. These must not dismay you. You

will soon learn to profit as much by your fail

ures as by your successes.

And with this, I have done. Ifl have suc-

ceeded in opening to you another page of the

great Book of Nature, I shall feel myself more

than repaid for the time which I have spent in

tabulating these few notes, -too few, alas! to

give you more than a very meagre idea of this

great science. And so I conclude. Let me

hope that I have made clearer to you the sim-

plicity, the beauty, and the enormous utilitarian

value of PRACTICAL CHEIROSOPHY.

lor:-I MARCH, 1837.

T'

THE LITERARY LIFE.

Edited by WILLIAM SHEPARD.

EXTRA CLOTH, GILT TOP, §1 25 PER VOLUME.

I. AUTHORS AND AUTHORSHIP.M An eminently readable little volume, setting forth with an interest some-

times amusing, sometimes pathetic, but never deficient, the peculiarities, advan-

tages, and drawbacks of the literary profession. To all who have not yet

committed themselves to a literary career it may be earnestly commended;

and to the world at large it will need no other commendation than the bright-

ness of its style and the character of its facts and anecdotes."

—

London Satur-

day Remli A delightful little book, bright, gossipy, and instructive. It quotes from a

host of authors and gives their views on the various aspects of the literary

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M The presentation of such particulars as the reader wishes and has a right

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day Rn/iru." A delightful little book, bright, gossipy, and instructive. It quotes from a

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taining throughout."-Haryirrd Courant.

II. PEN PICTURES OF MODERN AUTHORS.

Containing Sketches, Anecdotes, and Personal Reminiscences of Carlyle,George Eliot, Ruskin, Cardinal Newman, Tennyson, Vhittier, Longfellow,Holmes, Lowell, Valt "'hitman, Swinburne, Oscar Wilde, Emerson, Haw-

thorne, the Brownings, Dickens, Thackeray, Wm. Black, Ouida, Jean Inge-low, etc.

" The presentation of such particulars as the reader wishes and has a rightto know could not be accomplished with more delicacy, spirit, and intelligencethan in the present little volume.-Bostnn Courier.

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THE STORY OF THE NATIONS

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Documents

Practical cheirosophy, a synoptical study of the science ... · LISTOFPLATES. PAGE I.TheBonesoftheHand 39 II.TheThumb,theJoints,andtheLinesin theHand 51 III.TheElementaryHand 63 IV.TheSpatulateHand