Print
Word
PDFTable of the Normal Character of These Nine Attitudes.
/ 2. Concentric . . Conflict. | 2. Concentro.< 3. Normal . . . . Power. | \ 1. Eccentric . . Convulsion.
/ 2. Concentric . . Prostration. | 3. Normo. < 3. Normal . . . . Abandon. | \ 1. Eccentric . . Expansion.
/ 2. Concentric . . Execration. | 1. Eccentro. < 3. Normal . . . . Exaltation. | \ 1. Eccentric . . Exasperation.
These nine physiognomies of the hand modify those of the face, often supply their place and sometimes even contradict them. When they are appropriate to the hand and face alike, there is homogeneity. The expression of the hands results from the cooeperation of three orders of phenomena. The first order comprises the intrinsic physiognomies assumed by the hand under the influence of the passions. The second order comprises the attitudes assumed by the hand toward the object of the passion. The third order comprises the evolutions impressed upon the hand by the body, fore-arm and shoulder. These evolutions are so many inflections.
We know the nine attitudes appropriate to the hand, and the nine attitudes designated by the nine modes of presentation of the hand in regard to the cubic surfaces. We must examine the nine inflections which arise in the first instance from the three directions, antero-posterior, vertical and transverse.
These inflections again include three movements of three kinds: Direct movements, circular movements and oblique movements. These movements are produced by three sorts of action: Sectional action, rotary action and translative action.
To recapitulate: These physiognomies, attitudes and inflections form by their combination the multifarious expressions of which the hand is capable, as are all parts of the body.
Having spoken of the affirmations of the hand, we must speak of its degree of certainty of which the arm is the thermometer. This affirmation varies with the angle formed by the fore-arm with the arm. All these modes of affirmation may be applied to negation.
