1. INDIVIDUALITY.
The function of this organ is to recognise existences, or the identity of substances without reference to their peculiarities; it has been termed the memory of things. Its recollective powers are limited to simple details, or facts having no reference to their form, colour, &c.
Predominant.—One in whom Individuality is predominant, will be distinguished for his powers of observation. No object will escape his scrutiny, and no opportunities will satiate his curiosity. If his reflective powers are weak, he will require a great mass of facts, but they will lie in his mind confused and unoccupied: he will be unable to employ them in illustration or argument. If in the habit of writing, his compositions will abound with personifications. If Causality is large, and Concentrativeness is small, his reflective powers will be weakened by the tendency imparted by individuality to dwell upon substances instead of causes.
Large.—With Individuality large, one is induced to observe and examine every object that comes under the limits of his vision. His scrutiny does not appear to include the peculiarities of substances, but rests satisfied with their mere corporeal existence. He is distinguished as a close observer of men and things. In description he is exceedingly minute; and with Concentrativeness large, prolix and tedious to the last degree. With Eventuality and Time large, he will not only notice quickly, but will remember with exactness; and with Language large, can describe accurately events, manners, customs, &c. With these organs large, he will have a great desire for reading, and for collecting facts. With the Reflective Powers and Language large, will be much given to reflection, and in expressing his thoughts will be clear and perspicuous.
Moderate.—With Individuality moderate, and the Reflective Powers and Concentrativeness large, will be subject to abstraction of mind, and will be much more given to reflection than to observation, still, when any thing peculiar is offered to his attention, he can readily examine its character. He will generally notice existences more in relation to their uses and adaptations, than as mere identities.
Small.—A person whose Individuality is small, is generally heedless and unobserving. With Locality moderate or small, he may travel extensively; and yet remain as ignorant as if he had staid at home. Nothing but the more obvious characteristics has power to excite his attention. If Constructiveness and Ideality are full, he will notice works of architecture, but his descriptions of such will lack unity in consequence of his incapacity to notice details. If Causality and Comparison are large, he will be addicted to reflection, but his expressions will be vague and apparently inconsistent, consequent on his inability to collect minute details.