The hand with its palm upward may be caressing, if there is an elevation of the eyebrow; repellent with the eyebrow concentric.
The waving hand may have much sense, according to the expression of the face.
The eye is the essential agent, the hand is only the reverberatory agent; hence it must show less energy than the eye.
Of the Fingers.
Each finger has its separate function, but it is exclusive of the great expressions which constitute the accords of nine. These are interesting facts, but they do not spring naturally from the fountain of gesture. They are more intellectual than moral.
In a synthetic action all the fingers converge. A very energetic will is expressed by the clenched fist.
In dealing with a fact in detail, as we say: "Remark this well," all the fingers open to bid us concern ourselves only with the part in dispute. This is analysis; it is not moral, it is intellectual.
If we speak of condensation we close the hand. If we have to do with a granulated object, we test it with the thumb and index finger.
If it is carneous, we touch it with the thumb and middle finger.
If the object is fluid, delicate, impressionable, we express it by the third finger.