How to read character: a new illustrated handbook of phrenology and physiognomy, for students and examiners; with a descriptive chart

Front matter

FOR

STUDENTS AND EXAMINERS;

WITH

Preface

^EIE first Phrenological Chart ever produced was printed on a single sheet, the size of our common note paper, and was sold for a cent. It simply gave the names of the organs then discovered by Dr. Gall. The next was larger, and gave both the names and definitions of the organs ; still later, the charts of Drs. Gall and Spukzheim embraced all the above, together with some account of the Temperaments. But as it was with the inventors of the steam-engine, the locomotive, and the steamboat, so it has been with phrenologists. Each succeeding author is supposed to have availed himself of all that has been proved to be true and useful, adding thereto his own observations and experiences. Thus the improved charts of to-day are as unlike those first printed as are the modern steamers, locomotives, and engines to those first invented.

During our thirty years' experience in the practical application of scientific rules to character reading, we have used many different charts, revising old ones year after year, and adding one improvement after another. The present work embodies our latest and best ideas on the subject, so far as they can be set forth in this condensed and popular form.

IV PREFACE.

It contains not only all of the Phbenology of previous charts or hand-books for self-instruction, but it embraces much more of Physiology and Physiognomy than any former book of the kind.

In this Illustrated Hand-book we have endeavored to incorporate just that kind of matter best suited to both the Examiner and the Examined, and to put it in the smallest possible compass compatible with completeness of statement and ample illustration. We have endeavored to be systematic in our arrangement, succinct and clear in our expositions, and popular rather than technical or professional in our style. We do not claim that this work is free from error. Our knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Astronomy, etc., will, we doubt not, increase with our years and with more careful study ; so we intend it shall be with our knowledge of Phrenology and Physiognomy. We hope to revise this and all our other works when time may permit. We ask examiners and readers to kindly point out errors and to suggest improvements, that we may correct the former and incorporate the latter in future editions.

That this little work may be the means of encouraging the reader to correct any errors of judgment or improper habits he may possess — to cultivate and develop all the higher qualities of mind and heart— and to make the most of his opportunities and of

himself, is the desire of

the author.

Ksrw Yobk, January, 1869.