A few remaining physiological thoughts are interesting. As is well known, we are much better able to judge the size and distance of objects on the same level with us than we are when they are either above or below us. When we view objects from a height they appear much less than they would were we at the same distance from them on the same level. Shakespeare has beautifully shown this effect in King Lear.
How fearful And dizzy ’tis, to cast one’s eyes so low! The crows, and choughs, that wing the midway air, Show scarce so gross as beetles. Half way down Hangs one that gathers samphire; dreadful trade! Methinks, he seems no bigger than his head: The fishermen that walk upon the beach, Appear like mice. * * * * Act IV., Sc. VI.
The subject of pupillary reflexes has received mention by many of the older writers. It was a source of amusement to lovers in the old time to look into each others eyes in search of their own reflection.
Joy had the like conception in our eyes, And, at that instant, like a babe, sprung up. Timon of Athens, Act I., Sc. II.
Look in my eyes, my blushing fair, Thou’lt see thyself reflected there; As I gaze on thine, I see Two little miniatures of me. Thus in our looks some propagation lies, For we make babies in each other’s eyes. Tom Moore.
When a young lady wrings you by the hand, thus, Or with an amorous touch presses your foot; Looks babies in your eyes, plays with your locks.
Massinger—Renegado. Act II., Sc. IV.
It has been a view long held that the height of the forehead is an index of the intellectual character of the individual. Shakespeare has referred to this in several plays.
We shall lose our time, And all be turn’d to barnacles, or to apes, With foreheads villainous low. Tempest, Act IV., Sc. I.