extensive or confined signification, is the origin of all human decisions, efforts, actions, expectations, fears, and hopes; of all pleasing and unpleasing sensations, which are occasioned by external objects. From the cradle to the grave, in all conditions and ages, throughout all nations, from Adam, to the last existing man, from the worm we tread on to the most sublime of philosophers, physiognomy is the origin of all we do and suffer.

Every insect is acquainted with its friend and its foe; each child loves and fears, although it knows not why. Physiognomy is the cause: nor is there a man to be found on earth who is not daily influenced by physiognomy; not a man who cannot figure to himself a countenance, which shall to him appear exceedingly lovely, or exceedingly hateful; not a man who does not more or less, the first time he is in company with a stranger, observe, estimate, compare, andjudge of him according to appearances, although he might never have heard of the word or thing called physiognomy; not a man who does not judge of all things that pass through his hands by their physiognomy, that is, their internal worth by their external appearance.

The act of dissimulation itself, which is adduced as so insuperable an objection to the truth of physiognomy, is founded upon physiognomy. Why does the hypocrite assume the appearance of an honest man, but because that he is convinced, though not perhaps from any systematic

réflection, that all eyes are acquainted with the characteristic mark of honesty?

What judge, wise or unwise, whether the criminal confess or deny the fact, does not sometimes in this sense decide from appearances? Who can, is, or ought to be absolutely indifferent to the exterior of persons brought before him to be judged? What king would choose a minister without examining his exterior, secretly at least, and to a certain extent? An officer will not enlist a soldier without thus examining his appearance, putting his height out of the question. What master or mistress of a family will choose a servant without considering the exterior? No matter that their judgment may or may not be just, or that it may be exercised unconsciously.

I am weary of citing such numerous instances, which are so continually before our eyes, to prove that men, tacitly and unanimously, confess the influence which physiognomy has over their sensations and actions. I feel disgust at being obliged to write thus, in order to convince the learned of truths which lie within the reach of every child.

Let him see who has eyes to see; but should the light, by being brought too close to his eyes, produce phrensy, he may burn himself by endeavouring to extinguish the torch of truth. I am not fond of using such expressions; but I dare to do my duty, and my duty is boldly to declare, that I believe myself certain of what I now and hereafter shall affirm; and that I think my

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self capable of convincing all lovers of truth, by principles which are in themselves incontrovertible. It is also necessary to confute the pretensions of certain literary despots, and to compel them to be more cautious in their decisions. It is therefore proved, it being an eternal and manifest truth, that, whether they are or are not sensible of it, all men are daily influened by physiognomy; nay, there is not a living being, which does not, at least after its manner, draw some inferences from the external to the inter nal; which does not judge concerning that which is not, by that which is apparent to the

senses.

This universal, though tacit confession, that the exterior, the visible, the superficies of objects, indicate their nature, their properties, and that every outward sign is the symbol of some inherent quality, I hold to be equally certain and important to the science of physiognomy.

When each apple, each apricot, has a physiognomy peculiar to itself; shall man, the lord of the earth, have none?. The most simple and inanimate object has its characteristic exterior, by which it is not only distinguished as a species, but individually; and shall the first, noblest, best harmonised, and most beautiful being, be denied all characteristic ?

Whatever may be objected againt the truth and certainty of the science of physiognomy, by the most illiterate or the most learned; how much soever he, who openly professes faith in

this science, may be subject to ridicule, to philosophic pity and contempt; it still cannot be contested, that there is no subject, thus considered, more important, more worthy of observation, more interesting than man, nor any occupation superior to that of disclosing the beauties and perfections of human nature.

I shall now proceed to inquire into the Ad vantages of physiognomy. Whether a more certain, more accurate, more extensive, and thereby a more perfect knowledge of man, be, or be not profitable; whether it be, or be not, advantageous to gain a knowledge of internal qualities from external form and feature? is at question most deserving of inquiry. This may be classed first as a general question, Whether knowledge, its extension, and increase, be of consequence to man?

Certain it is, that if a man has the power, faculties, and will to obtain wisdom, that he should exercise those faculties for the attainment of wisdom. How paradoxical are those proofs, that science and knowledge are detrimental to man, and that a rude state of ignorance is to be preferred to all that wisdom can teach! I here dare assert, that physiognomy has at least as many claims of essential advantage, as are granted by men, in general, to other sciences.

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With how much justice may we not grant precedency to that science which teaches the knowledge of men? What object is so important to man, as man himself? What knowledge

can more influence his happiness, than the knowledge of himself? This advantageous knowledge is the peculiar province of physiognomy.

- Whoever would wish perfect conviction of the advantages of physiognomy, let him imagine but for a moment, that all physiognomonical knowledge and sensation were lost to the world. What confusion, what uncertainty and absurdity must take place in millions of instances, among the actions of men! How perpetual must be the vexation of the eternal uncertainty in all which we should have to transact with each other! and how infinitely would probability, which depends upon a multitude of circumstances, more or less distinctly perceived, be weakened by this privation! From how vast a number of actions, by which men are honoured and benefited, must they then desist!

Mutual intercourse is the thing of most consequence to mankind, who are destined to live in society. The knowledge of man is the soul of this intercourse, that which imparts animation to it, pleasure and profit. Let the physiognomist observe varieties, make minute distinctions, establish signs, and invent words, to express these his remarks; form general abstract propositions; extend and improve physiognomical knowledge, language, and sensation; and thus will the uses and advantages of physiognomy progressively increase.

Physiognomy is a source of the purest, the most exalted sensations; an additional eye, wherewith