5. Linea Rascetta.

When it is complete and unbroken, it denotes good fortune in all matters of importance.

From the ring finger (Solis ⨀) there commonly runs one or more lines into the Linea Mensalis. These denote the various inclinations of the heart. If but a single line is actually visible, and if this is deep and long, the person loves or will love faithfully and warmly. If a number of smaller lines are found in its place, the person is inconstancy itself, a butterfly roving from flower to flower. Add up all these little lines, and the sum will give you the number of times the person will fall in love.

PHRENOLOGY AND PHYSIOGNOMY.

The science of Phrenology teaches how to discover from the formation of the skull the qualities of the soul, and to draw conclusions as to the character of an individual. The whole head, accordingly, is divided into organs. The following are the principal ones, and are all that are necessary for the reader’s instruction. To enter more deeply into the subject would exceed our limits.

(See Engraving.)

According as these organs are more or less elevated and well formed that peculiarity of character which they indicate is more or less present.

Physiognomy, or the Features of the Head and Face, teaches us to judge of the character of a person and of events connected with his destiny from the shape, color and expression of his features. If my fair readers would like to know how many husbands they are to have, they have only to knit their eyebrows closely together, and count the folds of the skin formed by this movement.

If they wish to see how many years they have to live, let them elevate their brows as much as possible, and then count the cross folds in the forehead. Subtract the number found from one hundred, and the remainder is the number of the years which it is allotted you to pass upon this earth.

Of the Nose. A bold, projecting nose, usually called a Roman nose, denotes an enterprising temper. In general a large nose is a good sign. A long nose is a sign of good sense, a stumpy one generally indicates the contrary. A perfectly straight nose denotes a high and noble spirit, unless the expression of the eyes contradicts this judgment, and then it denotes great stupidity. A turned up nose signifies a spirit of mischief, wit, forwardness, that is, if it is not too stumpy. A very small nose indicates good nature, yet at the same time a complete want of energy. A red nose denotes a cheerful temper, or an inclination to drink, as all the world knows.

Of the Lips. Very thick lips indicate either great stupidity or very great genius. Very fine thin lips denote falsehood, especially if they are usually compressed. Swelling lips, if generally compressed, denote great decision of character, a philosophical turn of mind, and oftentimes somewhat of obstinacy. A mouth always open says as plain as words can speak,  “I am a calf.”

Of Dimples. Dimples in the cheeks signify roguery. But the dimple in the chin the God of Love has himself imprinted with his own divine finger.

Of the Eye. The soul, however, dwells particularly in the eyes, and the faculty is inborn with every man to understand their language without ever having studied it. At least it should be so; the eyes should be like an open book, which all may read and understand. But as all eyes are not to be trusted, and will sometimes lead you astray, I will give you, my dear readers, a few rules to guide you in your path through life.

A clear eye, with the pupil in continual, slightly tremulous movement, denotes a good memory, yet something of selfishness with slowness of comprehension.

An eye which, while the person speaks, roves hither and thither, denotes a deceiver. Very quiet eyes which have an imposing effect upon you, and embarrass you by their great repose, signify great self-command, yet, at the same time, great self-complacency.

Eyes which ordinarily appear impressive, yet often suddenly flash forth a clear pleasant light, denote true-heartedness and honesty, coupled with a sound understanding.

Eyes which have always an inquisitive expression in them, and then suddenly, when they turn to address a person, have an exceedingly kind expression, are not to be trusted. This indicates a suspicious temper, and he who does not trust his fellow-man, can seldom himself be trusted.

An eye in which the white has a yellowish tinge, and is streaked with reddish veins, denotes vehement passions.

Very blue eyes, betray a temper inclined to coquetry.

Gray eyes, intelligence.

Greenish, falsehood, and a disposition to tittle-tattle.

Yellowish, great phlegm.

Black, a passionate lively temperament.

Brown, a kind, good, happy disposition.

A pair of eyes which looks every one cheerfully and frankly in the face, with an air of simple joy and unaffected innocence, yet, when surprised, droops to the ground, with a certain sly bashfulness, or, when offended by another’s glance, turns aside blushing and confused, such a pair of eyes, indicates an amiable character, a faithful heart, a sound understanding, and a pure soul.

A being with such a pair of eyes we cannot help loving, let the eyes be black, brown, blue, gray, green, or yellow, let the nose be stumpy, and the features ill-shaped, no one can help regarding their possessor with a feeling of hearty kindness and good will, if not with actual love.

Of the Eye-Brows. Upright eyebrows are amiable; the eyebrows hanging over, indicate an effeminate person; the brows very hairy, denote an industrious, affectionate man; the brows extending to the temples, usually signify a slovenly man.

Of the Ears. Open ears usually indicate but little reason; great ears not too much wisdom; very small ears foolishness; square ears of medium size, prudence.

Of the Nostrils. The nostrils thick and strong, betoken strength; if round, fair, and drawn in length, they are a sign that the person is merry and courageous; if narrow and round, they are mostly indicative of an envious and foolish person.

Of the Mouth. A very large mouth, with the upper lip hanging over, usually signifies a foolish, unsteady person, a rash man and a babbler. A mouth not too large, indicates a bold and courageous man; and a small mouth, a clever man.

Of the Face. A lean face is an indication of a wise man; the face plain and fat, denotes a person addicted to strife. The face without any rising and swelling, indicates a penurious person; a sad face sometimes denotes foolishness, and at other times wisdom; a fat face indicates a man to be inclined to untruth; a round face signifies folly; a great face denotes a man slow about business; a well-proportioned face indicates a person to have virtuous qualities.

Of the Nails on the Fingers. Broad nails show the person to be bashful, fearful, but of gentle nature. When there is a certain white mark at the extremity of them, it shows that the person has more honesty than subtlety. White long nails denote much sickness, but are sometimes indicative of strength and deceit. If upon the white anything appears at the extremity that is pale, it denotes short life; but if the white is clear and smooth, it signifies long life.

Of the Head. A large head shows a person stupid, and dull of apprehension; also a very small head signifies the same; but the head of a man being neither great nor small, is the prognostic of a wise man; for all extremes are irregular and a deviation from nature, and experience has made it manifest, that a great head and small members do always produce great indiscretion and folly in either man or woman; but we must also consider the several parts of the head: and first,

Of the Forehead. A large forehead shows a liberal man; but the forehead narrow, denotes a foolish person; a long forehead shows one apt to learn; a high forehead, swelling and round, is a sign of a crafty man, and a coward; a forehead full of wrinkles, shows a man to be envious and crafty.

But in forming your opinions of men from these or other indications, you should always bear in mind that there is no rule without an exception.

FORTUNE-TELLING BY MOLES.

These little marks on the skin, although they appear to be the effect of chance, or accident, and might easily pass with the unthinking for things of no moment, are nevertheless of the utmost consequence, since from their color, situation, size, and figure, may be accurately gathered the temper of, and the events that will happen to the person bearing them; though moles are, in their substances, nothing else than excrescences, or ebullitions which proceed from the state of the blood whilst the fœtus is confined in the womb, yet they are not given in vain, as they are generally characteristic of the disposition and temper of those that bear them; and it is also proved by daily experience, that from the shape, situation, and other circumstances, they bear a strong analogy to the events which are to happen to a person in future life. But before I presume to give any directions to those who are to form the prognostic, who are desirous to be duly enabled to pronounce an infallible judgment, I shall, in the first place, teach you herein the common prognostications by moles found in the various parts of the body, according to the doctrine of the ancients. And, first, it is essentially necessary to know the size of the mole, its color, whether it be perfectly round, oblong, or angular; because each of these will add to or diminish the force of the indication. The larger the mole, the greater will be the prosperity or adversity of the person; the smaller the mole, the less will be his good or evil fate. If the mole is round, it indicates good; if oblong, a moderate share of fortunate events; if angular, it gives a mixture of good and evil; the deeper the color, the more it announces favor or disgrace; the lighter, the less of either. If it is very hairy, much misfortune may be expected; if but few long hairs grow upon it, it denotes that your undertakings will be prosperous.

We shall further remark only, that moles of a middling size and color are those which we are now going to speak of. The rest may be gathered from what we have just above mentioned, but as it may frequently happen that modesty will sometimes hinder persons from showing their moles, you must depend upon their own representation of them for your opinion.

SIGNIFICATION OF MOLES.

Arm. (Right or Left.) Show a courteous disposition, great fortitude, resolution, industry, and conjugal fidelity; it foretells that the person will fight many battles, and be successful in all; that you will be prosperous in your undertakings, obtain a decent competency, and live very happy—it denotes that a man will be a widower at forty, but in a woman it shows that she will be survived by her husband.

Ankle. Shows an effeminate disposition, given to foppery in dress, and cowardice in a man; but in a woman it denotes courage, wit, and activity—they foretell success in life with an agreeable partner, accumulation of honors and riches, and much pleasure in the affairs of love.

Anus. Around outside this place, a mole predicts that you will be indolent, shiftless and poor, though of good capacity.

Arm-Pits. You will be very good looking, will become rich, and be benevolent.

Back. If just below either of the shoulder blades, it signifies that you will have misfortune and defeat in the enterprises you may undertake.

Belly. Shows an indolent, slothful disposition, given to gluttony, very selfish, addicted to the pleasures of love and drink, negligent of dress, and cowardly; it denotes small success in life, many crosses, some imprisonment, and travelling, with losses by sea; but it foretells that you will marry an agreeable partner of a sweet temper, have children, who will be industrious and become very respectable in life.

Bosom. Shows a quarrelsome and unhappy temper, given to low debauchery, and exceedingly amorous, indolent and unsteady; it denotes a life neither very prosperous nor very miserable, but passed without many friends or much esteem.

Breast. A mole on the right breast shows an intemperate and indolent disposition, rather given to drink, strongly attached to the joys of love; it denotes much misfortune in life, with a sudden reverse from riches to poverty—many unpleasant and disagreeable accidents, with a sober and industrious partner—many children, mostly girls, who will all marry well, and be a great comfort to your old age; it warns you to beware of pretended friends, who will harm you much. A mole on the left breast shows an industrious and sober disposition, amorous, and much given to walking; it denotes great success in life and in love, that you will accumulate riches, and have many children, mostly boys, who will make their fortunes by sea.

A mole under the left breast under the heart, shows a rambling, unsettled disposition, given to drinking and little careful of your actions; very amorous, and much given to indulge indiscriminately in the pleasures of love, in a man. In a woman it indicates sincerity in love, industry, and a strict regard for character; in life it denotes a varied mixture of good and bad fortune, the former rather prevailing; it denotes imprisonment for debt, but not of long duration. To a woman it denotes easy labors, and children who will become rich, live happy and respected, and marry well.

Buttocks. Signifies shiftlessness and poverty, though a good capacity; it is a sign that you will be too lazy to do anything for yourself.

Cheek. A mole on either cheek, shows an industrious, benevolent and sober disposition, given to be grave and solemn, little inclined to amorous sports, but of a steady courage and unshaken fortitude; it denotes a moderate success in life, neither becoming rich nor falling into poverty—it also foretells an agreeable and industrious partner, with two children, who will do better than the parents.

Chin. A mole on the chin shows an amiable and tranquil disposition, industrious and much inclined to travelling, and the joys of Venus; it denotes that the person will be highly successful in life, accumulating a large and splendid fortune, with many respectable and worthy friends, an agreeable conjugal partner, and fine children, but also indicates losses by sea and in foreign countries.

Ear. On either ear it denotes riches in man or woman. If on the lower tip of the ear, keep off the water, or you will be drowned.

Elbow. A mole on either elbow shows a restless and unsteady disposition, with a great desire for travelling—much discontented in the married state and of an idle turn; it indicates no very great prosperity, rather a sinking than rising condition, with many unpleasant adventures, much to your discredit—marriage to a person who will make you unhappy, and children who will be disobedient, and cause you much trouble.

Eye. A mole on the outside corner of either eye shows a sober, honest, and steady disposition, much inclined to the pleasures of love; it foretells a violent death, after a life considerably varied by pleasures and misfortunes; in general it foreshadows that poverty will keep at a distance.

Eyebrow. A mole on the right eyebrow signifies a sprightly, active disposition, a great turn for gallantry, much courage, and great perseverance; it denotes wealth and success in love, war and business; that you will marry an agreeable mate, live happy, have children, and die in an advanced old age, at a distance from home. On the left eyebrow, temple, or side of the forehead, shows an indolent peevish temper, a turn for debauchery and liquor, little inclined to amorous sports and very cowardly; foretells poverty, imprisonment and disappointments in all your undertakings, with undutiful children, and a bad-tempered partner.

Finger. On either finger of either hand, it shows that you will be a thief, or a dishonest person in some way, and never wealthy.

Foot. A mole on either foot shows a melancholy and inactive disposition, little inclined to the pleasures of love, given to reading and a sedentary life; they foretell sickness and unexpected misfortunes, with many sorrows and much trouble, an unhappy choice of a partner for life, with disobedient and unfortunate children.

Forehead. If the mole is in the centre of the forehead it predicts an active, industrious disposition, success in business, riches, honors, a happy marriage, and a son who will be distinguished. But if the mole is on the side of the forehead, the signification is not so favorable, particularly if on the left side. (See [Eyebrow].) On the right side of the forehead, or right temple, shows an active and industrious disposition, much given to the sports of love; it denotes that she will be very successful in life, marry an agreeable partner, and arrive at unexpected riches and honors, and have a son, who will become a great man.

Groin. On the right groin denotes riches and honors, but to be accompanied with disease. On the left groin, you will have the sickness without the wealth.

Gullet. On that part of the throat called the gullet, it predicts that you will be distinguished in some way and become rich.

Hand. Moles on either hand, if not on the fingers, denote wealth, industry and energy in either sex. You will also be fortunate and happy in your children.

Heart. Over the heart, denotes wickedness, poverty and a hasty, headstrong disposition. (See [Breast].)

Heel. Shows a spiteful and malevolent disposition, but a person of much energy, who may be successful in what he undertakes; that he will be greatly talked about behind his back.

Hip. A mole on either hip shows a contented disposition, given to industry, amorous and faithful in engagements, of an abstemious turn; it foretells moderate success in life, with many children, who will undergo many hardships with great fortitude, and arrive at ease and affluence, by dint of their industry and ingenuity.

Knee. A mole on the left knee shows a hasty and passionate disposition, extravagant and inconsiderate turn, with no great inclination to industry and honesty, much given to the pleasures of Venus, but possessed of much benevolence; it indicates good success in undertakings, particularly in contracts, a rich marriage, and an only child. On the right knee, shows an amiable temper, honest disposition and a turn for amorous pleasures and industry; it foretells great success in love, and the choice of a conjugal partner, with few sorrows, many friends, and dutiful children.

Leg. Moles on either leg show a person of a thoughtless, indolent disposition, of an amorous turn, much given to extravagance and dissipation; it denotes many difficulties through life, but that you will surmount them all; it shows that imprisonment will happen to you at an early age, but that in general you will be more fortunate than otherwise; you will marry an agreeable person, who will survive you, by whom you will have four children, two of which will die young.

Lips. A mole on either lip shows a delicate appetite, a sober disposition, and much given to the pleasures of love, of an industrious and benevolent turn; it denotes that the person will be successful in undertakings, particularly in love affairs—that you will rise above your present condition, and be greatly respected and esteemed—that you will endeavor to obtain some situation, in which you will at first prove unsuccessful, but afterward prevail.

Mons. If a woman have a mole here, she will become the mother of a great genius, or else the wife of a distinguished personage. It is also a sign of riches.

Mouth. (See [Lips].)

Navel. On a woman it denotes many children, a good husband, and an abundance of this world’s goods. On a man it is a sign he will be lucky in all he undertakes, become very rich, and that he will have a son who will be distinguished.

Neck. In front of the neck is a good sign; you will rise to unexpected honors and dignities, or become rich. On the back of the neck it denotes misfortune. On either side of the neck it foretells that you will become wicked or quarrelsome; and if on the right side, behind the ear, it is a sign that you will be hung.

Nipple. In woman it is a sign that she will have a child that will become famous and distinguished in the world. In man it denotes that he will be fond of women, and spend much of his life in amours, to the neglect of his proper business.

Nose. Moles on any part of the nose, show a hasty and passionate disposition, much given to amorous pleasures, faithful to engagements, candid, open, and sincere in friendship, courageous and honest, but very petulant, and rather given to drink; it denotes great success through life and in love affairs—that you will become rich, marry well, have fine children and be much esteemed by your neighbors and acquaintance—that you will travel much, particularly by water.

Nostril. Inside the nostril shows that you will be energetic and persevering, and well off in the world; that you will get a good wife or husband when you marry.

Private Members. Moles on these parts show a generous, open and honest disposition, extremely disposed to gallantry, and the joys of Venus, given to sobriety, and of undaunted courage; it denotes great success in the latter part of life, but many and severe misfortunes in the former, which will be borne with fortitude; it also foretells a happy marriage and fine children, who will be happy, thrive well, and grow rich and respectable: in man it shows that he will have natural children, who will cut a great figure in life, but he will experience much plague and vexation from their mother.

Shin. (See [Leg].)

Shoulder. On the left shoulder shows a person of a quarrelsome, unruly disposition, always inclined to dispute for trifles, rather indolent, but much inclined to the pleasures of love, and faithful to the conjugal vows. It denotes a life not much varied either with pleasures or misfortunes; they indicate many children, and moderate success in business, but dangers by sea. On the right shoulder shows a person of a prudent and discreet temper, one possessed of much wisdom, given to great secrecy, very industrious, but not very amorous, yet faithful to conjugal ties; it indicates great prosperity and advancement in life, a good partner, and many friends, with great profit from a journey to a distant country, about the age of thirty-five.

Side. On either side, near any part of the ribs, shows an indolent, cowardly disposition, given to excessive drinking, of an inferior capacity, and little inclined to the pleasures of love; it denotes an easy life, rather of poverty than riches, little respected, a partner of an uneven and disagreeable temper, with undutiful children, who will fall into many difficulties.

Stomach. If in the pit of the stomach, it shows a person of foppish disposition, with little common sense, though much industry; it also denotes riches. If lower down on the stomach, it is a sign that you will promise more than you will perform, but will nevertheless be highly esteemed.

Thigh. On the right thigh, it shows the person to be of an agreeable temper, inclined to be amorous, and very courageous: it also denotes success in life, accumulation of riches by marriage, and many fine children, chiefly girls. On the left thigh, shows a good and benevolent disposition, a great turn for industry, and little inclined to the pleasures of love: it likewise indicates many sorrows in life, great poverty, unfaithful friends, and imprisonment by the false swearing of some one.

Throat. It predicts a fortunate and wealthy marriage to either sex. (See [Neck].)

Tongue. If a man shall have a mole on his tongue, it foretells that he shall marry with a rich and beautiful woman of great celebrity. On a woman’s tongue it denotes reserve of manner and wisdom; also a fortunate marriage.

Wrist. Moles on the wrist, or between that and the finger ends, show the person to be of an ingenious and industrious turn, faithful in his engagements, amorous and constant in his affections, rather of a saving disposition, with a great degree of sobriety and regularity in his dealings. It foreshows a comfortable acquisition of fortune, with a good partner, and beautiful children, but some disagreeable circumstances will happen about the age of thirty, which continue four or five years. In a man, it denotes being twice married—in a woman only once, but that she will survive her husband.

TO CHOOSE A HUSBAND BY THE HAIR.

Black. Generally healthy, but apt to be cross; fond where he fixes his attachment, and likely to make a good husband, and be careful of his family: but if short and curly, is usually of an unsettled temper, apt to show a want of prudence and carefulness in early life.

White or Fair Hair. Usually of a weak and sickly constitution, fond of music, and will cut no great figure in the world.

Yellow. Fond, but inclinable to jealousy; and not always industrious.

Light Brown. Sensible and good-humored, careful and attentive, and, if saving of his income, generally makes a good husband; but is apt to be otherwise.

Dark Brown. Neither very good nor very bad, middling in all respects, but may be regarded as a pretty good character.

Very Dark Brown. Of a robust constitution, and of a grave disposition, but sometimes not very good-tempered and sensible, and kind to a good wife.

Red. Will be cunning, artful, and fond of female companions; and be generally of a lively temper, and sometimes careless of money.