Delsarte System of Oratory

by Delaumosne

To close the hand and place the thumb outside upon the index finger, signifies conflict. This is the concentro-concentric hand.

To bend the first joint with the fingers somewhat apart, indicates the eccentro-concentric hand. This is the convulsive state.

Let us pass on to the eccentric genus.

The fingers somewhat spread, denote the normo-eccentric hand. This is exaltation.

To spread the fingers and fold them to the second joint, indicates the concentro-concentric hand. This is retraction.

To spread the fingers as much as possible, gives the eccentro-eccentric hand. This is exasperation.

In the subjoined charts we can see an illustration of the different attitudes of the hand.

[Criterion of the Hand.]

Recapitulation.

II	{	2	{	Concentro-concentric.	Conflict.
		3		Normo-concentric.	Tonic or power.
		1		Eccentro-concentric.	Convulsive.
III		2	{	Concentro-normal.	Prostration.
		3		Normo-normal.	Abandon.
		1		Eccentro-normal.	Expansion.
I		2	{	Concentro-eccentric	Retraction.
		3		Normo-eccentric.	Exaltation.
		1		Eccentro-ececntric.	Exasperation.

The nine primitive forms of the hand are, as is seen, undetermined.