The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 375 pages of information about The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher.

The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 375 pages of information about The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher.

[Illustration]

In the judgment that is to be made from physiognomy, there is a great difference betwixt a man and a woman; the reason is, because in respect of the whole composition men more fully comprehend it than women do, as may evidently appear by the manner and method we shall give.  Wherefore the judgments which we shall pass in every chapter do properly concern a man, as comprehending the whole species, and but improperly the woman, as being but a part thereof, and derived from the man, and therefore, whoever is called to give judgment on such a face, ought to be wary about all the lines and marks that belong to it, respect being also had to the sex, for when we behold a man whose face is like unto a woman’s and we pass a judgment upon it, having diligently observed it, and not on the face only, but on other parts of the body, as hands, etc., in like manner we also behold the face of a woman, who in respect to her flesh and blood is like unto a man, and in the disposure also of the greatest part of the body.  But does physiognomy give the same judgment on her, as it does of a man that is like unto her?  By no means, but far otherwise, in regard that the conception of the woman is much different from that of a man, even in those respects which are said to be common.  Now in those common respects two parts are attributed to a man, and a third part to a woman.

Wherefore it being our intention to give you an exact account, according to the rule of physiognomy of all and every part of the members of the body, we will begin with the head, as it hath relation only to man and woman, and not to any other creature, that the work may be more obvious to every reader.

* * * * *

CHAPTER II

     Of the Judgment of Physiognomy.

Hair that hangs down without curling, if it be of a fair complexion, thin and soft withal, signifies a man to be naturally faint-hearted, and of a weak body, but of a quiet and harmless disposition.  Hair that is big, and thick and short withal, denotes a man to be of a strong constitution, secure, bold, deceitful and for the most part, unquiet and vain, lusting after beauty, and more foolish than wise, though fortune may favour him.  He whose hair is partly curled and partly hanging down, is commonly wise or a very great fool, or else as very a knave as he is a fool.  He whose hair grows thick on his temples and his brow, one may certainly at first sight conclude that such a man is by nature simple, vain, luxurious, lustful, credulous, clownish in his speech and conversation and dull in his apprehension.  He whose hair not only curls very much, but bushes out, and stands on end, if the hair be white or of a yellowish colour, he is by nature proud and bold, dull of apprehension, soon angry, and a lover of venery, and given to lying, malicious and ready to do any mischief.  He whose

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.