SHARP AND ANGULAR, OR EXCITABLE.
No. 6. Voltaire.
11.—COMBINATIONS OF TEMPERAMENT.
These shapes, or structures, called temperaments, however, never exist separately; yet since all may be strong, or all weak, or either predominant or deficient, of course their COMBINATIONS with each other and with the Phrenology exert potent influences over character, and put the observer in possession of both the outline and the inner temple of character.
Breadth of organization gives endurance, animal power, and animal feelings; and sharpness gives intensity of action, along with mind as mind and the two united, give both that rapidity and clearness of mind and that intense glow of feeling which make the orator. Accordingly, all truly eloquent men will be found to be broad built, round-shouldered, portly, and fleshy, and yet rather sharp-featured. Of these, Sidney Smith furnishes a sample.
His nose indicates the sharpness of the mental temperament, and his fullness of face the breadth of the animal—the blending of which gives that condensation of fervor and intellectuality which make him Sidney Smith. Intensity of feeling is the leading element of good speaking, for this excites feeling, and moves the masses. Wirt had this temperament. It predominates in Preston, and in every man noted for eloquence.
THE EXCITABLE, ORATORICAL, OR MENTAL VITAL.
No. 7. Sidney Smith.