If it be short or broken, and reach not beyond the concave of the hand, it shows diseases and shortness of life.
By how much more the same is produced, by so much longer the life may be warranted.
If cut at the end thereof by a small intervening line, it threatens poverty in old age.
If in the upper part it be distant from the vital by a great space, it shows distemperatures of the heart, as palpitations, syncope, &c.
This also shows prodigality, especially if the table be broad.
If tortuous (that is, if it wind and turn several ways), unequal, of a different color and dissected, it argues an evil constitution of the liver, and thence diseases, proceeding from the weakness thereof. Covetousness also, and a depravity both of nature and wit, especially if it be under the region of the middle finger, and near the cardiaca, thereby making a short or narrow triangle.
If decently drawn and well colored, it is a sign of a cheerful and ingenious disposition.
If it has a sister, it promises inheritances.
If continued with some little hard knots, it denotes manslaughters, either perpetrated, or to be committed, according to the number of these said knots.
If therein a cross be found under the region of the middle finger, it announces death to be at hand.