Character qualities outlined & related

Front matter

I

I

Character Qualities Outlined and Related

Contents

I. — Health Conditions ..... 7

II. — Vitality ...... 19

III. — Reflective Ability .... 22

Introduction

This book is wholly for the student of character analysis. A thorough knowledge of structures and the vocabulary used in this subject are necessary before this book can render the full service that is hoped for it. Complete description of structures and vocabulary will be found in Character Reading Through Analysis of the Features, and Character Revelations of Mind and Body, by the author. It is not the intention that all the indications of every quality shall be learned from this book, but that the text shall be kept for ready reference after reasonable familiarity has been acquired.

The important thing in accurate work in character analysis is to be able to properly weigh the indications of character qualities. It is useless to render an opinion in regard to a quality based upon one indication, as there may be many others that contradict and are not in harmony.

It is therefore the purpose of this book to assist in doing away with mechanical work in character analysis, and develop a broader observation, so that all indications may be correlated one with another before the conclusion is stated.

A character analyst must of necessity fully understand the combination of elements contained in different character qualities, and it has been the intention herein to give a correct definition as applied to character analysis of the qualities listed and as far as possible cite the component parts of each characteristic, in addition to giving mention of all other qualities that enter into the make-up of the one in question.

All additional qualities mentioned under any heading which are italicized should be referred to and studied before arriving at a conclusion as to the presence or absence of the quality looked for. A list of all qualities is arranged alphabetically at the end of the book, for ready reference.

It is not intended or expected that all the structures and conditions mentioned under the separate headings shall be found present in all cases; but according to the value and amount of the evidence in each case, to that degree will the quality be found.

Qualities are subject to a number of divisions, which, when made, will materially assist the student to recognize them

Introduction 5

As health and vitality are such important elements in the development of character, the essentials of these qualities are discussed in Chapters I and II.

Qualities are then divided first into positive or success-making qualities, discussed in Chapters III, IV, V and VI, and then into negative or destructive character qualities, discussed in Chapters VII and VIII.

These two divisions are subject to further division. The positive qualities are divided into four groups, as follows: reflective qualities, perceptive qualities, mental action qualities, mental and bodily action qualities. Reflective qualities are nearly wholly dependent on reflective power but are to a minor degree dependent on perception, discussed in Chapter III; perceptive qualities, Chapter IV, are based on perception and require only a minor degree of reflective ability in their operation. These two groups do not partake of the element of action.

Then follow the qualities that find expression practically wholly through mental action, Chapter V, and another group that finds expression through mental and bodily action, Chapter VI.

The negative qualities are divided into two divisions, viz., the passive negatives, which do not include the element of action, in Chapter VII, and the active negatives, which come to life as a result of the element of action, in Chapter VIII.

There is still a last group, which consists of qualities which are the result of aptitudes, and these are made up of varying combinations of these other qualities already mentioned that give a particular trend to the abilities discussed in Chapter IX.

The illustrations of this book were selected and reproduced from the first book written upon the subject of physiognomy in the seventeenth century, by John Casper Lavater. He did not claim to be a scientist, but was an observer. These illustrations in the original quarto edition of Lavater's work are beautifully executed, and although it would appear that they are not always true to life they are excellent material for study to increase the necessary development of sense perception. Should the student of Character Analysis read the work on this subject of that period he will be greatly encouraged by the present certainty of knowledge as compared with the indefiniteness shown in Lavater's work. The comments in regard to the illustrations are made by the author of this book.

For the benefit of coming generations, that this knowledge and its application will make still greater strides in the years to come, is the hope of the

Author.

Chapter I

General Health is a quality that indicates that the mind, and the body in all its functions, are as nearly balanced in operation as is possible. Where general health is of the best the perceptive mind is in control of the reflective and imaginative mind, and each one of the bodily functions is so regulated in relation to all others that the result is perfect harmony in its operation.

Each person is an entity that is a combination of many elements, and in each person these elements are in varying degree. Each of the elements of which the body is composed must be in right proportion one to the other, to retain good health and for the vital organs each to correctly perform its individual office for the body. No destructive over-burden must fall upon any particular function. It is imperative that for good health each shall perform in full its particular duty, but shall not do more. That is to say, enough bile shall be secreted, but not too much, enough lymph, and not too much, etc.

Too much action or too little action of any of the vital organs caused by an over- or under-amount of those elements in the body that have the effect of stimulating or retarding action, will upset the balanced functioning. If great lack of balance is continued it will bring about either partial or complete breakdown.

It is therefore important in describing the facial and bodily indications of good general health that the particular organs or elements responsible for the indications and their action should be outlined.

This can only be done briefly in the limited space here available, and students of this subject should read carefully, with an inquiring mind, some authentic work on the subject of physiology.

In judging the strength or weakness of any of the bodily parts it must be remembered the thing sought for is balance of all the elements so that the functioning of each of the vital organs may be in absolute harmony with all others. The action of the mind affects the body, and vice versa.

The brain and nervous organism which are so closely related have been fully discussed in other works of the author, and particular reference is made to the chapters on "The Head," "The Forehead and Brows" and " Nerve Tension as Evidenced in the Face," in Character Revelations of Mind and Body. It is only necessary here to emphasize the fact that conscious thought and directed action are the province of the perceptive mind which must control the reflections and imaginings of the reflective mind, or the subject will be mentally unbalanced to the degree that control is lacking.

It must also be remembered that where the assimilative and secretory systems (including the lymphatic) are particularly active, and the head is full in the back, wide from ear to ear, with high reflective forehead, that the sensuous nature will result. "Sense" is used throughout this book as synonymous with sensuous as people generally appear to take a wrong meaning from the word "sensuous." The mere fact that the nature is sensuous will preclude the possibility of great mental alertness, as every sensation that is registered in the brain is retarded in its transmission from the point of contact to the brain centers, and therefore such a brain will be called upon to register, within a given time, many less sensations than the intense nature, with rapid registration of all sense perceptions.

It would also appear that over-development of the lymphatic secretory system and consequent increase of flesh, would result in undue pressure upon the nerves carrying the messages to the brain, and as a result would cause premature distribution of the nerve impulse, and therefore the sensuous feeling. The lessened definiteness of the "sense" perception transferred to the brain would result in a likewise shallower impression and slower reaction of the mind. The tapping of a telephone wire at many points causes indistinctness of the message at the final point. This is a good illustration of the result of the divided nerve impulse.

The broad head indicates large brain structure, usually of coarse quality, and therefore a less alert nervous system. It would appear that this brain would develop more slowly. It would take many more years to bring the cells of such a brain into a reasonably alert and receptive condition than it would those of the brain that is required to register all "sense" contacts with great rapidity.

As the development of the nervous system seems to be in direct relation to the development of the brain areas, the quick moving, unencumbered body and brain will build up at an early age a far greater degree of nerve force and energy than the one of coarse texture of body and brain, which last type will have all the structures and qualities of

Spaulding.

A fine constructive mind with clear penetrating eye. One that will speak with force and logic. The lower face is not as much inclined to the mental, but indicates vigorous physical forces.

emotional activity. See quality index at the end of this book for page in which emotional activity is discussed.

As a good degree of mental alertness and nerve force and activity are a part of good health, these conditions must be properly gauged in forming a conclusion in relation to the subject.

The evidence of a fine, alert, healthy brain and nervous system, well supported by proper bodily balance in addition to balanced head structure, will be found in a well muscled face, nicely developed brow that is built well forward beyond a good reflective forehead, the brow heavily compressed; the eye almond-shaped, deep-seated, with fine alertness and sustained concentration, deep transparency, clear and bright with good development of the structures surrounding the eye. The ear and nose cartilages will be well cut and solid in appearance, but fine in quality. As the degree of rapidity, lasting qualities and definiteness of the sense impressions are dependent upon the intensity of mental application of the subject, all indications of the intense nature should be considered in judging the development of the brain and nervous system. All the structures of good quality will be present to indicate a high degree of sensitiveness.

Balanced heart action, other conditions being right, will result in an even disposition without irritability or violent outbursts of temper, and with good control of all the emotions. There will be responsiveness, alertness, good courage and aggressiveness. This condition is evidenced by the skin, ears, nose and ball of chin and lips being of good, even, pink color, with the skin clear and bright when the subject is normal and not excited.

This condition must be present for good health, both in those of dark as well as light coloring, although it will be more easily judged in those of medium or light coloring.

Where the heart is sluggish in action as a result of depleted bodily conditions or because retarded by too much bile or poisons in the blood, the skin will either be pale and transparent or else sallow, blotched or very dark. The white of the eye will also in the latter case often take on a yellowish tinge.

Where the depleted bodily condition exists, the subject will be timid, secretive, over-sensitive, suspicious of others, and lack in responsiveness and energy.

Where too much bile is secreted and the eliminative functions are not sufficiently active, and poisons accumulate in the system from this cause or imperfect digestion, as is shown by the sallow, blotched or very dark condition of the skin, the subject will be pessimistic, moody, sullen, irritable, over-intense, too nervously alert, too direct in contact with others, and lack in tact and diplomacy. The mind will be sluggish in the morning when rising. Ill temper and resentments result. There is a tendency to take unwarranted prejudices against certain people.

Where the heart is too active it is usually either the result of disease or weakness induced by over-exertion, which may be caused by too full assimilation and too much activity of the secretory glands and a resulting surplus of flesh and consequent over-burden of the heart action in forcing the blood to the extremities.

The effect of bile salts in the blood is to retard heart activity and circulation. If the eliminative functions are too active they take from the system too much of this element. The result is overactivity of the heart.

Where this latter condition exists the face will either flush very readily, or, if the condition is permanent, the ears, nose, cheeks, lips and skin will be bright red. Often the cheeks, ears and nose will indicate by red threads that capillaries have been ruptured or that the circulation near the surface is poor; and often the back of the neck, the sides of the face, the cheeks, nose, lips and chin will all indicate an excess of flesh. (See indications of Emotional Activity.)

Where this condition is present, according to the completeness of the condition will the following qualities be found :

The subject will be emotional, with quick, violent temper which is soon over and the subject repentant. He will be over-generous and allow others to take undue advantage; have strong, not wellcontrolled sex impulses; will be emotionally irritable, and foolhardy in courage. When greatly excited, the heart action will become so rapid that it will result in a feeling of weakness and sinking, and all ability to support courage with action will be lost.

In growing children where the heart is too responsive they should be kept from over-strenuous exercise as the strain results in over-elation during the exercise but is followed by a corresponding dullness and depression when the child will lack energy to center the attention or concentrate the mind. This conduct constantly repeated will result in indefiniteness in all sense perceptions, poor memory, sullenness, irritability, ill-temper, with a tendency toward becoming surly and morose. The indefiniteness will cause an increased tendency to talk and act without consideration and a consequent increased likelihood of untruthfulness.

Vigorous lung action will give proper life and energy to the blood. In conjunction with proper digestion and assimilation of food it will give to the blood the material with which to build the energy of the nerves and muscles of the body.

Good breathing and assimilation will be shown in full but not fleshy cheeks; good vigorous ear and nose, medium to large, with well rounded nostrils; mouth with full, firm lips, well compressed; good, broad muscular chin and a reasonably high chest.

This condition will give the subject plenty of both mental and bodily energy, initiative, and resourcefulness, optimism, love of praise, good recuperative power, and the ability to make many friends.

If the lung capacity and assimilative functions are incomplete, as indicated by sunken or hollow cheeks, meager flesh structure of the face, thin ear and nose cartilages, nose contracted with nostrils drawn close to the septum, thin lips, a pale pink in color, and thin chin with little flesh formation, the skin pale or anemic, the subject will be lacking in self-confidence, will have but little energy and be purposeless, will be self -centered, tend to be selfish, and will lack in initiative and originality.

If the lung power is over-developed, it is likely to make one too forceful and lacking in tact, with too much energy not properly directed. This condition is indicated by an unusually tense face, indicating hard instead of elastic muscles, with nostrils widely spread and constantly distended, and with chest unusually high and broad.

Where the assimilation is too active and the secretory systems (including the lymphatic) are as a result also over-active as compared with the lung power and energy, the subject will be too fleshy and bloated in appearance, with all the evidence of over-emotional activity present. The flesh will be soft and flabby. The vital organs heavily encumbered with fat will all be overworked and weakened. The mind and body will be ponderous and clumsy in action, and the subject will lack energy and will love ease with a desire to avoid mental and bodily effort.

Where the secretory system is particularly active but the assimilative functions seem to have only average activity, the thyroid glands at the base of the front of the neck will show prominently and will be easily noticeable when the subject turns the head to either side or throws it backward. Where this is evident the body will be unencumbered with flesh, but the eye will, whether deep-seated or

The looseness of the structures of this face are the result of dissipation. The brow, the eye, the coarseness of the nose, mouth, and chin all indicate the relaxation of uncontrolled emotions.

prominent, be full, clear and bright. The muscles of the face and body will be sharply cut and alert in expression and movement, and of more than usual elasticity. This subject will have great responsiveness, fine recuperative powers, tenacity of purpose, and staying qualities.

Conditions evidenced by exophthalmic goiter, which is an affection of the thyroid gland, have been fully covered in the chapter on the "Eye, " in Character Revelations of Mind and Body, by the author.

Many of the glands and systems of the body are both secretory as well as excretory in their duties. When the excretory activities are not sufficiently vigorous to care for the natural waste of tissue or excessive waste caused by over-exertion or taking into the system poisons which in themselves create waste, the system becomes clogged and the renewing of the entire body seems to be to a great extent at a standstill. The kidneys, the bowels, and the pores of the skin — the outlets for dead matter — are curtailed in their excrements.

This condition is easily recognized by the color of the skin, which becomes yellow, with a dry, hard appearance as though it were about to form in flakes; the eye, which would otherwise be bright, is dull, and the white of the eye becomes of a yellowish tinge, while the surface beneath the eye will become dark in color and baggy. The whole face takes on a strained appearance, and the muscles will indicate hardness of texture. There will be no indications of fat or lymphatic activity. The indications of irritability in the face will rapidly increase. This condition is more likely to arise in those of dark coloring than light, as the darkness in itself shows tendency toward biliousness.

When this condition exists the subject will be moody, pessimistic, irritable, melancholy, ill-tempered, jealous, resentful, tactless, unreasonable, and hard to please.

Where good general health conditions are present and the assimilative side is really active, recuperation of the forces can best be attained by the taking of food. A good meal in this case will absolutely renew one of this type. Where vitality is present but active assimilation is not present, recuperation can best be attained by sleep, as in this case a hearty meal cannot be digested and the food will simply clog the system, resulting in sluggishness and irritability.

Chapter II Vitality

Vitality is a quality that gives one the power to withstand disease and physical stress in sustained effort. It may or may not be accompanied by actual physical strength resulting from balanced bodily conditions.

Vitality is always found in those of heavy body hair growth, medium eyebrows, medium to large bone structure, elastic to hard muscle structures, and usually medium to dark coloring. The eye will be deep-seated, the brow compressed, and the features may be either expanded or contracted. The intense type is the vital type, and the structures for intensity should be considered. Where the eyebrows are thread-like in form, the eyelashes long and fine in quality, and the bone structures are light throughout, constitutional strength will not be found.

Those who have vitality will, to the degree to which they have this quality, be intense, virile, magnetic, alert, irritable, ill-tempered, resentful, jealous, obstinate, arbitrary, dependable, studious, systematic, logical, orderly, tenacious, persevering, persistent, tactless, over-positive and opinionated.

It is not contended that all the interrelations of the elements of the body are given here, but simply enough to suggest the great field for research which lies open to the character analyst or the medical man who wishes to enter the field of what might be called anticipatory health advice.

Time has been spent in the development of animal and vegetable life to a higher plane by experiment in interbreeding and grafting. The combination of elements in both animals and vegetables, in fact the whole nature of the originals, has been changed.

Equally important in developing these changes is the manner in which both animals and vegetables are nourished. The diet of the animal has been studied so that by considering its natural trend and the desired result its growth is to a great extent guided by the experimenter.

By studying and regulating the character of the soil and climatic conditions, flowers and vegetables have been brought to perfection. The useful has been made more so, and the flower lacking in scent and beauty has been given both.

Vitality 21

These results have been accomplished during the growing period. It was possible by experiment to introduce elements that would cause stimulation of the desired functions in the plant or animal, bringing about a redistribution of elements that make for greater perfection.

If such things can be accomplished with animal and vegetable life, it would appear worthy of suggestion that there is a big field for research and experimentation in relation to the human race that a more uniformly successful people may develop.

Chapter III

Reflective ability as it is used here means the power of directed thought which provides the equipment for concrete and abstract reasoning, foresight, imagination, psychic knowledge of human nature, intuition, memory, mind for sequence, creation, high ideals, sensitiveness, planning ability, memory for events and locations, originality, enthusiasm, humor, sympathy, emotional activity, adaptability, resourcefulness, inspirational ability, responsiveness and subtlety of mind. In all but the following six cases, viz., concrete and abstract reasoning, foresight, memory, mind for sequence, and subtlety of mind, the reflective faculties are used with but little direction of the perceptive or conscious thinking mind; but in these last mentioned qualities perceptive ability plays an important part. The highest type of reflective ability will be found with fine balanced quality as indicated by keen nervous organism,

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A well balanced face. All the features indicate 6ne quality and keen sensibilities in combination with a fantastic imagination.

good structures throughout the face, muscle structures elastic and not hard or flabby, cartilages of the ear and nose not transparent but solid in appearance and well formed, nape line of the neck well marked, head well proportioned in accordance with all the rules of balanced head structure, high, full, well-rounded forehead, not smooth but having many uneven surfaces indicating that the muscles of the upper forehead have been used. This forehead should be wide in the upper third from side to side, but rounded and not square.

Where concrete and abstract reasoning, foresight, memory, mind for sequence and subtlety of mind are mentioned, as they require the use of the perceptive ability in conjunction with reflective ability, one must take into consideration the structures mentioned under perceptive ability. Where the qualities that do not require much direction by perceptive ability are in question, the perceptive region or the lower third of the forehead will not be strongly developed; the brow will not be much compressed; the eye will be medium to prominent in its position; the structures around the eye will not be greatly developed; the nose section will be the short third of the face and it will tend to be sunken at the root or else very light in structure; the mouth will not be strongly compressed, and the cheeks will tend to be rounded, with the lips full and soft and moist in texture; the jaw line will not be definitely marked, and it will be evident that the assimilative and secretory systems are more than ordinarily active. The quality of the subject with the highest type of reflective ability will tend to be fine.

REFLECTIVE QUALITIES

Concrete Reasoning.

Concrete reasoning requires good reflective ability, but close direction of the reflective faculties by the perceptive qualities located in the center of the brow, which are the most closely related to vision, as the reflection is strictly based upon things immediately before the eye and has the advantage of something concrete to hold the mind to its reasoning processes.

Concrete reasoning brings the perceptives to bear first, which may be termed a prerequisite to the activity of the reflective faculties, but is wholly dependent upon the reflective ability to work out the conclusion.

For the particular indications of concrete reasoning, aside from the greater or lesser number of the indications under reflective and perceptive ability, we shall find that the brow tends to be medium broad rather than broad; that the outer corners of the brows will often recede from a horizontal line from the center of the brow; the brows will tend to be contracted in the center, drawing down more strongly immediately at the inner corners than at any other part of the brows, and the outer corners of the brow will often be thrown slightly backward, although not always, although the line from the outer corners of the brow to the inner corners will always point downward toward the center. The muscle structures will tend to be hard rather than elastic, and the quality will tend to be from medium to coarse.

Abstract Reasoning.

Abstract reasoning is an uncommon quality in that it originates in the perceptive mind, but the process is nearly wholly a reflective one and requires an unusual degree of concentration of mind to hold the reasoning in channels that will lead to a conclusion. It is the broadest type of reasoning and is developed from concrete reasoning, and those who reason best in the abstract must have the power to visualize vividly the thing reasoned about. The mind must be logical, have the power of sequence, fine judgment of values and strong development of orderliness and justice of thought.

The structures of the qualities italicized should be studied, but the particular indications of this quality are as follows: a fine development of the outer corners of the upper forehead. In other words, the forehead in the upper third should be particularly well formed, making it relatively broad in its structure, but the head should be of medium width and height, rather than extreme, the upper outer corners coming well to the front, but without angles. Where abstract thought is strongly present there will be a development of two raised surfaces just inside the outer limits of the upper forehead, one on each side. There will also be an unusual compression in the outer corners of the brow, which brow will be full and prominent on the outer corners as well as upon the inner corners. There will be particular brightness of eye and skin, and good elastic muscle structures, indicating vitality, as abstract reasoning requires a more than ordinary degree of mental alertness, the conscious thinking powers must be in fine working harmony with the reflective side. This power particularly requires a balanced degree of quality.

Foresight.

Foresight is the ability to foresee conditions and happenings, and is based upon knowledge ac-

Henry II of France.

This brow, combined with the eye and mouth of temper, will indicate the mind of erratic judgment. A fine imaginative and creative mind.

quired through similar conditions and happenings that have already gone before. Foresight must include a mind for sequence, good logical mind, memory for events, judgment of values, self-confidence to give reliance upon the judgments, and imagination. Foresight is the quality of a well trained mind, and requires a nice development of the perceptive and reflective minds.

Imagination.

Imagination in itself is the ability to get many different ideas in relation to everything, the inspiration coming either from within or from without. It is the ability to build mental pictures, either possible or impossible of realization. So long as it is in the imagination it is a vision, not an actuality.

The structures indicating imagination will include those under the head of emotional activity. Where one is nearly wholly imaginative the upper third of the forehead will overhang considerably the lower third of the forehead. The brows will be thrown back; there will be practically no perceptive development; the eye will be particularly prominent, and the nostril will be dilated. The imagination must be accompanied by good inherent quality, or the reflective powers will lack vitality and the structures will indicate emotionalism, as a result of over-active body, instead of imagination, and then there will be a tendency toward dull mentality instead of a vivid imagination

Psychic Knowledge of Human Nature.

This quality is in truth an intuitive thing, and arises greatly from strong bodily reactions. It is usually found with strong emotional activity, in combination with good sensitiveness, and is not found where the conscious thinking powers are too definitely in control. For this quality to be a usable thing there must be enough of perceptive development to enable one to at least recognize the character of the impressions received in contact with the person judged. There are no particular structures indicating this quality as aside from those of emotional activity and sensitiveness.