The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy

The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy - To which is added an inquiry into the analogy existing between brute and human physiognomy

Nothing is more common than to hear the study of physiognomy condemned as being calculated to mislead men in their judgments of each other, and the impossibility of its being reduced to a science; yet, nothing is more universally prevalent, in all classes of society, than forming judgments from the appearances of the face. How often do we hear these observationsHe has an open countenanceHis countenance is forbiddingThat man has an honest faceHis looks are enough for meRogue is depicted in his countenance, That bewitching eyeThat stupid face, and many other expressions of the kind. This proves that, although differences of opinion may be entertained respecting physiognomy, all men are, in the true signification of the term, physiognomists. We shall here proceed to point out some of its advantages.{4} 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 certainly a question deserving of inquiry. It may be asked, Is knowledge, its extension and increase, of consequence to man? This question, it is presumed, can receive but one answer from all unprejudiced persons: for, as certainly as man is possessed of corporeal strength, so certain is it that to exercise strength is necessary. As certainly as he has the faculties, power, and will, to love, so certain is it that it is necessary he should love. Equally certain is it, that if man has the faculties, power, and will, to obtain wisdom, that he should exercise those faculties for the attainment of wisdom. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 57030
Author: Lavater, Johann Caspar
Release Date: Apr 23, 2018
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): Porta, Giambattista della, 1535?-1615