Fig. IV.
Resemblance between Man and the Monkey.
Aristotle disapproved of very small eyes. Galen says that very small eyes, such as monkeys have, are a sure mark of pusillanimity, which may be readily discovered in the manners of the possessor. Polemon and Adamantius represent the miser with such eyes. Turtles have small eyes, and are extremely sly and cunning.
He who has a flat nose, says Aristotle to Alexander, is impetuous; but the ancient translation from that author is incorrect: it should have been rendered lascivious: otherwise, he has contradicted himself; for in his treatise on Physiognomy he compares the man with a flat nose to the stag, which has one similar, and this animal is so lustful, that in the time of rutting he becomes crazy. A nose both short and flat, says Polemon, denotes a thievish disposition.
Small ears, according to Aristotle, are common to such men as are naturally dull, and addicted to thieving, as is the monkey. Polemon and Adamantius are of opinion, that they are peculiar to the cunning and malignant man; and according to Albert, they generally belong to the thief.
Adamantius asserts that a small face designates the sly and flattering man; to which Rhases and Conciliator add timorous and covetous.
