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VeryFaithfullyyours, Cheiro

PALMISTRYFORALL

CONTAINING NEWINFORMATION

ONTHE STUDY OFTHEHANDNEVERBEFORE

PUBLISHED

BY

CHEIRO

WITHA PREFACE TO AMERICANREADERS

AND

WITHUPWARDS OFSIXTY ILLUSTRATIONS

G.P. PUTNAMS SONSNEWYORK LONDON

[Pg ii]

COPYRIGHT, 1916

BY

G.P. PUTNAMS SONS

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Published, May, 1916

Twenty-second Impression

Made in the United Statesof America

[Pg iii]

PREFACE

TO THE AMERICANEDITION

There is no country in the world where the "study of character" ismore indulged in than in the

United Statesof America. During mymanyvisits there I could not help remarking howeven the

"hardest headed"businessmen used any formof thisstudy that theycould get hold of to help

them in their business dealings with other men and also in endeavouring to ascertain thecharacterof theirclerksand employees.

In looking over the recordsof mycareer I find that in the course of myvisits to America I gave

private lessons to the headsof two hundred and seventybusinessestablishments in NewYork,

one hundred and thirty-five in Boston, and three hundred and forty-two in Chicago.

Allthese men were large employersof labourand what theyprincipallywanted was, to have some

help beyond that of theirown judgment in dealing with those with whom theycame in contact in

the regularcourse of theirbusinesscareers. In no othercountrydid I find the same interest taken

in the studyof characterfroma practicalstandpoint.

It is for this reason that I write a special Preface for this Edition, believing as I do that myAmerican[Pg iv] readerswillappreciate the added information I maybe able to give regarding the

obtaining bya mere glance at a hand a quickgrasp of the leading characteristicsof the persons

with whomtheyare thrown into contact, orforwhateverreason theychoose to make use of this

study.

Everyone knowsthat "the face can weara mask,"that a person maybe a good actorand put on a

certain expression that maydeceive even the best judgment.

But handscannot change asthe result of a mere effort to please; the charactertheyexpressisthe

real nature of the individualthe true character that has been formed by heredity or that has

grown up with the person bylong yearsof habit.

The characteristicsalluded to beloware those which maybe easilyobserved and which are aids

to a rapid judgment of characterand which I have neverbefore been able to give to the publicin

such a concise way.

The more elaborate detailsconcerning the ultimate successof the person one is talking to, their

more intimate character and their future development will be found in theirproper place, in the

subsequent chapters.

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RULES FORRAPIDOBSERVATION

The Fingers

Observe the fingers. If theylookshort and stumpyin proportion to the rest of the palmone may

be sure that the individual to whom they belong is of an animal nature, possessing coarse

instincts, devoid of realintellectuality, and belonging to the lowerorderof humanity.[Pg v]

If the fingersand the palmappearequalin length, the ownerbelongsto a more cultured race. He

hasinherited froma more intellectualline of ancestorsand forallworkrequiring intelligence and a

highermentalityhe orshe could be depended on, whereasthe first-mentioned type could notno

matterhowwellhe might talkoradvocate hisown superiority.

If the fingerslookunusuallylong and thin, and in thiswayout of proportion to the palm, the man or

woman willerron the side of too much idealityand refinement and isnot suited to businessor

workrequiring "levelheadedness"and practicality. It would be useless, forexample, to put such a

person in charge of work-people oroverwork-rooms. Hisidealityand refinement would be thrown

away in such positions, and even with the best will in the world he would be completely out ofharmonywith hissurroundings.

Such a man, however, could be depended upon in allpositions requiring personalmentalwork,

research, science, literature, philosophy, educational work or, in fact, anything relating to the

higherqualitiesof the mind.

If hisfingers, in addition to their length, were also knottyorjointed (jointsmuch pronounced), he

could be depended on to a stillgreaterextent forallwork requiring great thoughtfulness, detail,

and concentration of mind.

If, on the otherhand, these long fingerswere smooth jointed, he would, while having the same

desire foridealityand foreverything intellectual, be impulsive and inspirational, would lacka senseof detail and a love for detail in his own work, would be visionary, artistic, emotional. Such a

person would be suited[Pg vi] to artisticwork, such aspainting, making designs, models, etc., but

could not be trusted to performanything requiring detail, research orscience, and would be utterly

uselessin anyposition where discipline orcontrolof otherswere required.

THE FINGERS CONSIDEREDSEPARATELY

Let usnowobserve the fingersseparatelyfromthe rest of the hand.

The first finger isconsidered as the Dictator, the Lawgiver, the fingerof Ambition, the Indicator,

the Pointer, etc.

If this finger isunusually long and nearlyequals the second, all these tendenciesare extremely

pronounced.

Therefore, if youremployee hasthisfingerlong, you can safelyentrust himwith controlover, and

charge of others. You willbe amazed howwellhe orshe willmake rulesand regulationsand see

that theyare obeyed; but beware, Mr. Employer, lest yourfirst fingerisshort in proportion asthat

of youremployee islong, for, if such be the case, you too willhave "to toe the line"and you may

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find yourself in a verydisagreeable position.

But let me give you a furtherwarning: Should thisman orwoman have a first finger that is long

and crooked, you will assuredly find out to your cost that the personal ambitions of such an

individualare "crooked."Such an employee would be perfectlyunscrupulous in finding out your

secretsand getting you into hispower.

If the second finger isstraight and wellshaped, itsownerwillbe veryserious, a little inclined to

melancholy,[Pg vii] but will pay due regard to whatever responsibilitieswith which he may be

entrusted, but again beware if this finger iscrooked. In thiscase the ownerwould be, however,

more subject to what maybe called "a crooked fate"than wilfully"wrong."Such people are, asa

rule, the children of strange circumstancesoverwhich theyseem to have no control. They are

continuallygetting themselves into trouble and into false positions, but, I must admit, more bya

strange fatalityof things than by theirown wilfulactions. Nevertheless, such infelicitiesmight be

veryunpleasant fortheiremployer, especiallyif he hasmore heart than brains.

The third finger, if extremelylong and straight, indicatesan extraordinarydesire forglory, celebrity,

publicityand the like; and although thismight be an extremelygood qualityin the case of an actor,preacher, politician orpublicman, it maybe most undesirable if such a person is to occupy the

position of a private secretary, orthe confidentialclerkto some familylawyer.

If this finger is crooked as well as very long, all the above qualities will be intensified and

exaggerated. The love of spending moneyand fondness forshowwillalso be more marked, the

gambling tendenciesvery pronounced. No position involving the handling of money, should be

entrusted to the possessorof such a finger.

The fourth, orlittle finger, if long (passing the nailjoint of the third)isindicative of powerof speech

and subtlety in choice of languagethe saying "to twist a person round ones little finger"

originated fromthisverysign. Such people have a marvellousgift of speech, eloquence and flow

of language, valuable[Pg viii] gifts, of course, for orators and public persons, but not desirablequalitiesin a wife if a man isfond of sleep.

A short "little finger"denotesthe reverse of the above. Such personsfind the greatest difficultyin

expressing what theywant to say, but theycan write betterthan speakand should be encouraged

to do so.

These individualshave, however, not much poweroverothersand the shorterthe "little finger"is,

the more timid and sensitive theyare in the presence of strangers. If thisfinger iscrooked, then

these weaknesses are all the more emphasised, but if formed crooked and long the power of

eloquence is also crooked. Such people will tell any "fairy tale" to suit their purposethey are

naturalborn liarsand the position of President of the AnaniasClub istheirrightfulinheritance.

The first and third fingersabsolutelyof equal length isthe best sign of an equallybalanced mind,

but such a sign isratherrare to find.

When the fingersare verysupple in the jointsand turn backwardsoroutwardsfromthe palm, it is

an indication of a quickwit and cleverbrain; but such persons lackcontinuityof purpose. They

have no "hold,"asit were, on anyone thing.

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Fingers slightlycurved inwards towards the palm, denote persons slow to grasp an idea, or a

subject, but such people have retentive memoriesand "hold"orgrip, asit were, anyone thing they

maytake up.

CHARACT

ER

SH

OWN

B

YTH

ETHUMB

The thumb is in itself more expressive of character than any othermemberof the hand. It was

DArpentigny[Pg ix] who wrote "the thumb individualisesthe man."

Medicalscience hasproved that there issuch a thing asa "thumb centre" in the brain and any

pressure ordisease in that part of the brain showsitseffect in the thumb.

A large well-made thumb isthe outward and visible sign of a strong-willed, determined person, be

he man orwoman.

The longer the thumb, the more the power of will rules the actions; the shorter the thumb, the

more brute force and obstinacyswaysthe nature.

The shorter and more thick-set the nail phalange is, giving the appearance of a club, the more

ungovernable is the person in hisorher temper. Such people have no controlover themselves

and under the least opposition will fly into a blind rage of fury. Thiscurious formation has been

called the "Murderers Thumb" because so manywho have committed murder in a mad fit of

passion have been found with thiscuriousformation.

An employee with thisclassof thumb should neverbe given anyposition of authorityoverothers,

forhe could not curb his ungovernable temper. He would also be absolutely unbalanced in his

jealousy, and no woman who has the ambition to live to the usual "threescore-years-and-ten"

should riskmarriage to a man with one of these thumbs. But as"love isblind"it isuseless, I know,

to give advice in such a case.

The first joint or nail phalange of the thumb, when long and thin, denotes the opposite of the

above characteristics. In such casesthe person hasthe most absolute controloverhistemper, his

willpower is[Pg x] also strong but quickand unobtrusive, and in a firm, determined waypeople

with such a thumb manage othersand bend those around themto theirpurpose.

The second joint, if delicately shaped, almost "waist like," indicates tact, diplomacy, and

gentleness, also subtletyin argument; but if thispart of the thumb be fulllooking orequalin size to

that of the nail phalange, it denotes the person who cares nothing for tact but who, on all

occasions, willspeakhismind plainly, and with brutalfrankness.

When the thumb looksasif it were "tied in"close to the hand, the person istimid, easilyfrightened

byboth people and circumstances, narrow-minded in hisviews, and miserly in hishabits. It isawell-established fact that the thumbsof allmisersare "tied in"and cramped-looking. It isperhaps

thisveryfearof thingsand people that in the end makesthemmiserswith theirgold.

One need neverwaste ones time asking a person with one of these cramped-looking thumbs to

do a favour, and mayGod help the businessman orwoman who evergets into such a persons

clutches!

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A thumb with the nailjoint supple (bending backwards or as it is also called "double jointed")

indicatesa characterthe exact opposite of that associated with the "tied in"thumb. Possessorsof

such a thumb are generous, adaptable to others, extravagant, and impetuousin theiractionsand

decisions. They promise thingsquicklyand are more often heard to say "Yes" than "No"; but if

theyhave time forreflection, theyveryoften go backon theirpromises.

Individuals having a "stiff-jointed" thumb, on the contrary, cannot easily adapt themselves to

others. Theyare distant and more reserved with[Pg xi] strangers. When asked to do a thing, they

generallyfirst say"No,"but on reflection orwhen reasoned with, theyoften give in to the otherand

generallyregret having done so. It isuselessto oppose such peopleif one cannot lead them, it

isno use attempting to force themagainst theirwill.

Thistype hasmore self-controlthan the type of people with the "supple jointed"formation, and is

not so generousorextravagant. Individualsof thisgroup, however, make more reliable friends, so

theirfriendship, though difficult to obtain, isgenerallyworth having.

A thumb standing veryfarout fromthe hand (almost at right anglesto the palm)isnot a good sign

forordinarysuccess. Such people go to extremesin everything theydo and are generallyfanaticsin religion, socialreform, orwhateverline of thought occupiestheirattention.

HANDS, HARDANDSOFT

Even in the simple act of shaking hands, one can formconclusionsabout character.

Beware of anyman orwoman whose hand seems to slip fromyourswhen you grasp theirs in

greeting. Such personsare deceptive and treacherous. Theymaysmile at you with theirlips, but

instinctivelytheyregard you astheirpreyand willonlyuse you fortheirown object.

A soft, fat hand isthe indication of an indolent and more orlesslazyperson.

A firmhand isthe sign of an energetic, reliable nature.

A very thin hand denotesa restlessenergeticdisposition,[Pg xii] but one that isgiven to worry,

and fretting and isgenerallydiscontented.

A thin hand that feels listless in onesgrasp denotesa weakconstitution that hasonlysufficient

energyto live.

A cold, clammy hand is also a sign of poor health, but generally that of a very sensitive and

nervousperson.

A person who keeps his hands closed while talking, is distrustful in his nature, has little

self-reliance and can seldombe relied on byothers.

A man or woman who gives a good firm grasp of the hand, is self-confident, energetic, and

generallyreliable.

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When all the fingers (especially if the fingers be long) are seen always clinging, sticking, as it

were, orfolding overone anotherit denotesverydoubtfulqualitiesin the nature of theirpossessor

and a decided tendencytowardsthieving and generallackof moralprincipal.

Rememberthat the handsare the immediate servantsorinstrumentsof the brain. There are more

motive and sensorynerves fromthe brain to the hand than to anyotherportion of the bodyand,

whethersleeping orwaking, theycontinuallyand unconsciouslyreflect the thought and character

of the mind orsoulof the individual.

It will, then, be seen fromthese observationsthat without looking at the linesof the hand, one may

be able to obtain certain detailsof character that are more trustworthy than those given by the

face, and that these rules, if followed, should be of the greatest assistance and value to people in

allwalksof life.

Many of these observations are further amplified[Pg xiii] in subsequent chapters of thiswork.

There isnot a single one of these rulesthat hasnot been proved byme in my long professional

career, and knowing that theywillbearthe strictest inquiryand observation, it givesme pleasure

nowto offerthemto the readersof the American Edition of PalmistryforAll.

Cheiro.

London.

[Pg xiv]

[Pg xv]

INTRODUCTION

It was on July 21, 1894, that I had the honour of meeting Lord Kitchener and getting the

autographed impression of hisright hand, which I nowpublish forthe first time asfrontispiece to

this volume. The day I had this interview, Lord Kitchener, or, as he was then, Major-General

Kitchener, wasat the WarOffice, and to take this impression had to use the paperon histable,

and, strangely enough, the imprint of the War Office may be seen at the top of the second

fingerin itself perhapsa premonition that he would one daybe the controlling force of that great

department.

Lord Kitchenerwasat that moment Sirdarof the Egyptian Army. He had returned to England to

tenderhisresignation on account of some hostile criticismabout "the Abbasaffair,"and so I took

the opportunityof hisbeing in England to askhim to allowme to add hishand to mycollection,

which even then included some of the most famousmen and women of the day.

AsMr. T.P. OConnor, in writing recentlyof Lord Kitchener, said: "One of hisgreatest qualities, at

once useful and charming, is his accessibility. Anybody who has anything to say to him can

approach him; anybodywho hasanything to teach himwill find a readyand grateful learner."[Pg

xvi]

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In conclusion, as I have nowcompletely retired fromallprofessionalwork, I maybe allowed to

point out that I amnot publishing thisbookwith the idea of seeking clients. I have no desire but to

see thisstrange studytaken up asa usefuland practicalmeansof obtaining an exact judgment of

the character, qualities, and hidden tendenciesthat might otherwise be ignored.

I thinkthat if allparentsknewat least something of Palmistry, the vast majorityof children would

be more usefullytrained and theirpropertendenciesdeveloped.

It is often too late when a child discoversand most probably by accidentsome tendency or

talent that had neverbeen suspected byitsparents.

It isno wonder that so fewpersons find their true vocations in the world, when it isremembered

the random, haphazard wayin which children are brought upeducated forthe most part in some

scholasticmillthat grindsdown allto the same dead levelof mediocrity, and then turnstheminto

the Army, the Church, orinto trade.

If, on the contrary, all these studies that teach the understanding of character were more

encouraged, parentswould have lessexcuse forthe supreme ignorance theynowshowasto thereal nature of those children who hold them responsible for their entry into the battlefield of

existence.

These same parentswould lift up theirvoices in righteous indignation if soldierswere sent into

battle untrained, without theirproperequipment, and yet these same parentshave never, in the

whole course of theirlives, made the simplest studyof anyone of those manysubjectsbywhich

they could in knowing[Pg xix] the nature of their child, have strengthened weak points in the

fortressof character, orbydeveloping some ta lent org ift, doublyarmed h imforhisentryinto the

battle of life.

It isfrom thisstandpoint that I earnestlyhope thisstudyof handsmaysome daybe taken up. It

was from this standpoint that I interested such men as Gladstone, Professor Max Muller, ofOxford, Lord Russell, when he was Lord Chief Justice, King Edward VII., and many others too

numerousto mention; and lastly, it isfromthe same standpoint that I have nowwritten thisbook,

which under the title of Palmistry forAll, will, I hope, appeal to allclasses, and cause such an

interest in the Studyof Character that, instead of such an art being left in the handsof a few, it

will, on the contrary, become universallyused forthe benefit of all.

Cheiro

Note.Cheiro retired fromallprofessionalworksome time ago, and the publicistherefore warned

against personspretending that theyare the real"Cheiro,"and endeavouring to passthemselves

off asthe authorof hiswell-known works.[Pg xxi]

CONTENTS

PAGE

Preface iii

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Introduction xv

PARTI

PALMISTRY ORCHEIROMANCY

CHAPTER

I.A Brief Rsum of the Historyof the Studyof HandsThrough the CenturiesTo

The Present Day1

II. The Line of Head orthe Indicationsof Mentality 8

The Line of Head and itsVariations 10

The Line of Head joined to the Line of Life 16

The Line of Head separated fromthe Line of Life 19

The Line of Head and itsSecondarySigns 22

Changesin the Line of Head 26

Crossesand Squaresin connection with the Line of Head 30

Double Linesof Head 31

The Line of Head on the Seven Typesof Hands 33

III. The Line of Life and ItsVariations 36

IV. The Line of MarsOrInnerLife Line 44

V. The Line of DestinyOrFate 47

Fromthe Line of Life 50

Fromthe Wrist 50

Fromthe Mount of the Moon 51

[Pg xxii]

Fromthe Middle of the Palm 55

Influence Linesto the Line of Fate 57

Double Linesof Fate 57

VI. The Line of the Sun orSuccess 61Fromthe Line of Life 63

Fromthe Line of Fate 63

Fromthe Plain of Mars 63

Fromthe Mount of the Moon 63

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Fromthe Line of Head 63

Fromthe Line of Heart 63

VII. The Line of Heart asindicating the Affectionate and EmotionalNature 67

VIII. SignsRelating to Marriage 73

The Line of Marriage:

At the Base of the Fourth Finger 73

Influence Linesto the Fate Line 77

Influence Lineson Venus 79

IX. Linesdenoting Children, theirSex, and OtherMattersconcerning Them 81

X. The Line of Health orHepatica 83

XI. The Girdle of Venus 88

The Ring of Saturn 90

The Bracelets 91

XII. The Line of Intuition 92

The Via Lasciva 93

XIII. La CroixMystique 95

The Ring of Solomon 96

XIV. Travels, Voyagesand Accidents 97

XV. The Island, the Circle, the Spot and the Grille 101

[Pg xxiii]

XVI. The Star, the Cross, the Square 104

XVII. Different Classesof Linesand Right and Left Hands 107

XVIII. The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle 110

XIX. Howto tellTime and Datesof the PrincipalEventsin the Life 112

PARTII

CHEIROGNOMYORTHE SHAPES OFTHE HANDS ANDFINGERS

I. The Studyof the Shape of the Hands 117

The Seven Typesof Hands:

The Elementary 119

The Square 119

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The Spatulate 121

The Philosophic 122

The Conic 124

The Psychic 125

The Mixed 126

II. The Thumb 127

The Supple Jointed 128

The FirmJointed 128

The First, Second and Third Phalange 131

III. The Fingers 133

Length of Fingersto one another 133

Smooth Jointed 135

KnottyJointed 135

IV. The Nails 136

Long Nails 136

Short Nails 137

Flat Nails 138

TheirIndicationsof Disease 139

[Pg xxiv]

V. The Mountsof the Hand 140

VI. The Mount of Mars 144

VII. The Mount of Jupiter 150

VIII. The Mount of Saturn 154

IX. The Mount of the Sun 158

X. The Mount of Mercury 162

XI. The Mount of The Moon 168

XII. The Mount of Venus 173

XIII.Advice to The Student: the Best Meansto make Castsortake Impressionsof

the Hands178

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[Pg xxv]

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Cheiro Frontispiece

The Linesof the Hand 1

Lord KitchenersHand 2

PLATE

I. The Three PrincipalPositionsforthe Commencement of the Line of

Head11

II. The Line of Head joined to the Line of Life and itsTerminations 18III. The Line of Head separated fromthe Line of Life 20

IV. Islandson the Line of Head 24

V. More Variationsof the Line of Head 27

VI. The Line of Head and Line of Heart running together 29

VII. Double Linesof Head, also Crossesand Squares 32

VIII. The Line of Life and Sectionsof Influencesfromthe Mounts 37

IX. The Line of Life and itsVariations 40

X. The Line of Life and Line of Mars 45

XI. The Line of Destinyand itsModifications 51

XII. The Line of Destinyand itsVariations 53

XIII. The Line of Destinyand itsModifications 56

XIV. The Line of Destiny, Islands, and otherSigns 59

XV. The Line of Sun and itsModifications 62

[Pg xxvi]

XVI. The Line of Heart and itsVariations 68

XVII. The Line of Marriage 74

XVIII. Marriage Linesand Influence Lineswhich furtherhelp in denoting

Marriage78

XIX. The Line of Health 84

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XX. The Girdle of Venus. The Ring of Saturn. The Bracelets. The Line of

Intuition. The Via Lasciva89

XXI. Travels, Voyages, Accidents, and Descending Linesfromthe Mounts 99

XXII. The Island, the Circle, the Spot, the Grille, the Star, and the Square 102

XXIII. MinorMarksand Signs 105

XXIV. MinorMarksand Signs 108

XXV. The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle 111

XXVI. Timesand Datesof PrincipalEvents 113

CHEIROGNOMY

ILLUSTRATIONS

I. The ElementaryHand 120

The Square orUsefulHand 120

The Spatulate Hand 120

The PhilosophicHand 120

II. The ConicorArtisticHand 123

The PsychicHand 123

The Mixed Hand 123

[Pg

xxvii]III. Thumbs:

The Clubbed Thumb 129

The Supple Jointed Thumb 129

The FirmJointed Thumb 129

The Waist-Like Thumb 129

The Straight Thumb 129

The ElementaryThumb 129

IV. The Fingers:

The Smooth 134

The Square 134

The Knotty 134

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V. The Nails:

Delicacyof Throat 137

Chest and Bronchial 137

SpinalWeakness 137

WeakAction of the Heart 137

Paralysis 137

VI. The Mountsof the Hand:

The Mount of Venus 141

The Mount of Mars 141

The Mount of Jupiter 141

The Mount of Saturn 141

The Mount of the Sun 141

The Mount of Mercury 141

The Mount of the Moon 141

THE LINES OFTHE HAND.

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[Pg 1]

Palmistry fo r All

PARTIPALMISTRY ORCHEIROMANCY

CHAPTERI

ABRIEFRSUM OFTHE HISTORY OFTHE STUDY OFHANDSTHROUGHTHE CENTURIES TO THE PRESENTDAY

The success I had during the twenty-five years in which I wasconnected with thisstudywas, I

believe, chieflyowing to the fact that although myprincipalstudywas the linesand formation of

hands, yet I did not confine myself alone to that particular page in the book of Nature. I

endeavoured to studyeveryphase of thought that can throwlight on human life; consequentlytheveryridgesof the skin, the hairfound on the hands, allwere used asa detective would use a clue

to accumulate evidence. I found people were scepticalof such a studyonlybecause theyhad not

the subject presented to themin a logicalmanner.

There are hundredsof factsconnected with the hand that people have rarely, if ever, heard of,

and I[Pg 2] thinkit willnot be out of place if I touch on themhere. Forinstance, in regard to what

are known as the corpuscles, Meissner, in 1853, proved that these little molecular substances

were distributed in a peculiarmannerin the hand itself. He found that in the tipsof the fingersthey

were 108 to the square line, with 400 papill; that theygave forth certain d istinct crepitations, or

vibrations, and that in the red linesof the hand theywere most numerous and, strange to say,

were found in straight individualrowsin the linesof the palm. Experimentswere made asto these

vibrations, and it wasproved that, aftera little study, one could distinctlydetect and recognise thecrepitations in relation to each individual. They increased ordecreased in everyphase of health,

thought, orexcitement, and were extinct the moment death had mastered itsvictim. About twenty

years later, experimentswere made with a man in Paris, who had an abnormallyacute sense of

sound (Naturescompensation forwant of sight, ashe had been born blind). In a veryshort time

thisman could detect the slightest change or irregularity in these crepitations, and through the

changeswasable to tellwith wonderfulaccuracyabout howold a person was, and hownearthey

were to illness, and even death.

The studyof these corpuscleswasalso taken up bySirCharlesBell, who, in 1874, demonstrated

that each corpuscle contained the end of a nerve fibre, and wasin immediate connection with the

brain. Thisgreat specialist also demonstrated that everyportion of the brain wasin touch with the

nervesof the hand and more particularlywith the corpuscles found in the tipsof the fingersandthe linesof the hand.

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LORDKITCHENERS HAND.

The detection of criminals by taking impressions[Pg 3] of the tips of the fingers and by thumb

marksisnowused bythe police of almost everycountry, and thousandsof criminalshave been

tracked down and identified bythismeans.

To-day, at Scotland Yard, isto be seen almost an entire librarynowdevoted to bookson thisside

of the subject and to the collections that the police have made, and yet, in my short time, Iremember how the idea was scoffed at when Monsieur Bertillon and the French police first

commenced the detection of criminalsbythismethod. If the ignorant prejudice against a complete

studyof the hand were overcome, the police would be greatlyassisted bystudying the linesof the

palm, and acquiring a knowledge of what these linesmean, especiallyas regardsmentalityand

the inclination of the brain in one direction oranother.

It isa well-known fact that, even if the skin be burned off the handsorremoved byan acid, in a

short time the lineswillreappearexactlyastheywere before, and the same happensto the ridges

or"spirals"in the skin of the inside tipsof the fingersand thumb.

The scientificuse of such a studycould also be made invaluable in foreseeing tendenciestowards

insanity, etc.

SirThomasBrowne, in hisReligio Medici, afterreferring to Physiognomy, says:

"Nowthere are besidesthese charactersin ourfacescertain mysticalfiguresin ourhands, which I

dare not callmere dashes, strokes la voleorat random, because delineated bya pencilthat

neverworks in vain, and hereof I take more particularnotice because I carry that in mine own

hand which I could neverread nordiscoverin another."

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[Pg 4]

But prejudice isa hard thing to combat, and, in consequence, a studywhich could renderuntold

aid to humanity has been neglected in modern times. Yet it cannot be denied that thisstrange

study was practised and followed by some of the greatest teachers and students of other

civilisations.

Whetherorno these ancient philosopherswere more enlightened than we are has long been a

question of dispute, but the one point and the most important one which hasbeen admitted is, that

in those daysthe greatest studyof mankind wasman. It is, therefore, reasonable to suppose that

theirconclusionsare more likelyto be correct than those of an age like ourownfamouschiefly

foritsimplementsof destruction, itswarships, itsdynamite, and itscannon.

Thisstudyof handscan be traced backto the veryearliest, most enlightened formsof civilisation.

It has been practised by the greatest minds in all those civilisations, minds that have left their

mental philosophies and their monuments for us to marvel at. India, China, Persia, Egypt,

Romeallin theirstudyof mankind have placed the greatest store in theirstudyof the hand.

During mystay in India, I was permitted by some Brahmans (descendants of the JoshiCaste,

famousfromtime immemorial for theirknowledge in occult subjects)with whom it wasmygood

fortune to become intimately acquainted, to examine and make extracts from an extraordinary

bookon thissubject which theyregarded asalmost sacred, and which belonged to the great past

of the nowdespised Hindustan.

As the wisdom of the Hindusspread far and wide across the earth, so the theories and ideas

about this[Pg 5] studyspread and were practised in othercountries. Similar to the way in which

religion suitsitself to the conditionsof the countryin which it ispropagated, so hasit divided itself

into varioussystems. It is, however, to the daysof the Greekcivilisation that we owe the present

clearand lucid formof the study. The Greekcivilisation has, in manyways, been considered the

highest and most intellectual in the world, and here it isthat PalmistryorCheiromancy(fromtheGreek, the hand)grewand found favour in the eyesof those who have given us lawsand

philosophies that we employ to-dayand whose worksare taught in allour leading collegesand

schools.

It is a well-known and undisputed fact that the philosopher Anaxagoras not only taught but

practised thisstudy. We also find that Hispanus discovered on an altar dedicated to Hermesa

bookon Cheiromancy, written in gold letters, which he sent asa present to Alexanderthe Great,

as"a studyworthyof the attention of an elevated and enquiring mind."Instead of it being followed

bythe "weak-minded,"we find, on the contrary, that it numbered amongst itsdisciplessuch men

of learning as Aristotle, Pliny, Paracelsus, Cardamis, AlbertusMagnus, the Emperor Augustus,

and manyothersof note.

Thisbringsusdown to the period when the powerof the Church wasbeginning to be felt outside

the domain and jurisdiction of religion. It issaid that the earlyFatherswere jealousof the influence

of thisold-world science. Whether thisbe true ornot, we find that it wasbitterlydenounced and

persecuted bythe earlyChurch. It hasalwaysbeen, that the historyof anydominant creed orsect

isthe historyof opposition to knowledge, unlessthat knowledge[Pg 6] come through it. Thisstudy,

therefore, the offspring of "pagansand heathens,"wasnot even given a trial. It wasdenounced as

sorceryand witchcraft; the devilwasconjured up asthe fatherof allsuch students, and the result

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was that through this bitter persecution, the study was outlawed, and fell into the hands of

vagrants, tramps, and gipsies. In spite of thispersecution it isinteresting and significant to notice

that almost the first bookeverprinted wasa workon Palmistry, Die Kunst Ciromantia, printed in

Augsburg, in the year1475.

In examining thissubject it willbe found that in the studyof mankind it came to be recognised that,

asthere wasa naturalposition on the face forthe nose, eyes, lips, etc., so also on the hand was

there a naturalposition forwhat isknown as the Line of Head, Line of Life, and so on. If these

were found in some unnatural position they would equally be the indications of unnatural

tendencies. It doubtless took years of study to name these lines and marks, but it must be

remembered that thiscuriousstudyismore ancient than anyotherin the world.

In the originalHebrewof the Bookof Job (chap. xxxvii., ver. 7), we find these significant words:

"God caused signsorsealson the handsof a llthe sonsof men, that the sonsof men might know

theirworks."

Asthe student of anatomycan build up the entire systemfromthe examination of a single bone,

so maya person bya carefulstudyof an important memberof the bodysuch asthe hand, apartfromanything superstitiousoreven mystical, build up the entire action of the system and trace

everyeffect backto itscause.

To-daythe science of the present iscoming to the[Pg 7] rescue of the so-called superstition of the

past. Alloverthe world scientistsare little bylittle sweeping aside prejudice and beginning to study

occult questions. Perhapsthe "whysand wherefores"of such thingsmayone of these daysbe as

easily explained as are those wireless waves of electricity that carry messages from land to

land.[Pg 8]

CHAPTERII

THE LINE OFHEADORTHE INDICATIONS OFTHE MENTALITY

The object of the following chaptersisto give clearand unmistakable instruction on the linesand

markings of the hands, both from the studentsstandpoint and from that of the general reader.

Thisisnot usuallythe course adopted in booksprinted on thissubject which have to appealto a

generalpublic.

During mytwenty-five yearsprofessionalexperience in England, America, and othercountries, I

have carefullynoted down the questionsthat are not answered in bookspublished on thissubject.

I have also recorded what are the difficulties that arise in the mindsof those studentswho meet

this, that, orthe othermarkor line and search in vain forsome explanation asto itsmeanings. I

mayadd that there isnot a single point on which I give information that hasnot been proved by

me from probably thousands of cases that have come before me during my own professional

experience.

As regards illustrations, I have endeavoured to make these of the simplest and clearest kind

possible. I have everyconfidence that if theyare carefullystudied, no student can failto grasp this

subject in[Pg 9] a masterfulmanner, and that whoeveractsupon the advice I give in these pages,

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cannot failto become successfulasan interpreterof thisstudy.

In allmyworkI regard the Line of Head (page 11)orthe Line of Mentalityasthe most important

sign that can be found in the hand.

A Line of Head is like the needle in the compass, without a true knowledge of which it isimpossible to grasp the "direction of the subject."I have seen more mistakescaused bya lackof

grasp of thispoint than byanything else.

I have seen, for example, many studentsmake the mistake of paying great attention to what

looked like a good Line of Sun orSuccess, and, at the same time, not noticing a weak, badly

formed Line of Head, which contradicted the promise of successgiven bythe variouslines. If, on

the otherhand, the student had first noticed the Line of Head, he would have been able to tellthe

subject that the promise of successwasnot backed up bythe intelligence orthe mentality.

As regards the future being foreshadowed, it has been demonstrated that the brain is always

growing, changing, increasing, ordiminishing. These changescommence yearsbefore the effect

is shown by the thoughts or actions of the individual. A boy ten years old may at that pointcommence a development which willnot be felt untilhe isthirty, and then it maychange hiswhole

life and career. As thisdevelopment commencesat ten, even at that age it hasaffected certain

nerves, and theyin their turn have alreadyaffected the Line of Heada full twentyyearsbefore

the point of change oraction hasbeen reached. It therefore followsthat the future may[Pg 10] be

seen and told bya carefulexamination of the hand which, asAristotle hassaid, isthe "organ of all

organs, the active agent of the passive powersof the entire system."

THE LINE OFHEADANDITS VARIATIONS

The Line of Head (page 11), or indication of the Mentalityof the subject, must in allcases be

considered asthe most important line on the hand. The greatest attention should be paid to it, so

asto obtain a cleargrasp of the Mentalityunderconsideration.

The two handsmust be carefullycomparedthe left showing the inherited tendencies, the right

the developed orcultivated qualities. The slightest change ordeviation in the markings from the

left to the right should be carefullynoted down orremembered.

The direction or the termination orend of the line should, above all, be distinctly noted, for the

all-important reason that thisshowsthe direction that the Mentalityisinclined to develop towards.

For example, if found with the end of the line sloping downwards in the left hand, and having

become straight or lying across the palm in the rightthe student issafe in concluding that the

subject hasnot been able to followhisnaturalbent, but by the force of circumstanceshasbeen

obliged to make himself more practical, to study businessmethods, and to have undertaken a

training towardspracticalityand level-headedness in orderto rise equalto the circumstancesthathe found himself forced to meet.

In thiswaythe student obtainsan insight into the earlierconditionsof the life underexamination

that is invaluable, especiallywhen there is, aswill be[Pg 11] found in many cases, no Line of

Destinyvisible in the earlyyears.

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Plate I. THE THREE PRINCIPAL POSITIONS

FORTHE COMMENCEMENTOFTHE LINE OFHEAD.

If, on the contrary, the Line of Head isfound exactlyin the same position on the right hand ason

the left, oreven verynearlyso, the student can be sure that there waslittle orno strain in the early

years, but that the subject had easyconditionswhich[Pg 12] were favourable, and which allowed

himto develop hisnaturalbent of Mentality.

If, however, it isfound that the left hand showsa forked ending to the Line of Head, namely, one

end sloping downwardsand the otherend straight, ornearlyso, and that the right hand showsonlythe straight line, then the student maydecide that the subject inherited fromthe parentstwo

natures, the imaginative and the practical, and that he chose to develop the latter, either in the

direction of businessorscience.

In such a case, the student may state with confidence that the parents of the subject were

decidedly opposite in theircharacteristics. If the line has become straight in the right hand the

subject takesmore afterthe side that waspractical.

In the case of boysormen it must be remembered that theywill take more after theirmothers

mental peculiarities, and in the case of girls orwomen that theymore generally take after the

mentalqualitiesof the father.

On a mans left hand that has the forked ending with the upper end straight, or nearly so, the

student can state that the motherwas the more practicalof the parents. If on the right hand the

same markhasbecome clearest the man developed, followed, orcultivated the mentalqualitiesof

the mothermore than those of the father. When reading a womanshand the reverse willapply.

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If, on the contrary, the lowerline wasthe more developed on the right hand, then the subject, if a

man, had developed the imaginative orartisticqualitiesof the mother, and vice versaif the subject

be a girlora woman.[Pg 13]

When the Line of Head lookslight orfaint on the left, and strong and clearon the right, the student

can safelystate that the subject did not inherit anystrong mentalbent fromeitherparent, but has

cultivated and developed hisown mentality.

In such a case the subject hasbeen a hard mentalstudent, and hasbecome mentallysuperiorto

hisorherparents. This isoften found in the case of "self-made"men orwomen, who have had

little orno education in theirearly life orin theirhome, but who froman innate love of education

developed themselvesmentally. Such a sign would speakvolumesforthe willpowerand ambition

of the subject underexamination.

If the Line of Head is lighterand pooreron the right hand than on the left, the student can state

that the subject hasnot made the most of his opportunitiesmentally, and that he hasnot, and

neverwill, equalthe brain powerand education of hisorherparents.

In such a case one mayalso be sure that the subject hasnot a verystrong willpowerat least

mentallyalthough he might be very obstinate by nature, which will be seen from the quality

exhibited bythe nailphalange of the thumb (page 129).

A poor or non-developed Line of Head in the right hand of any man or woman is also the

indication of a lack of purpose or ambitionthere being no ambition where a want of mental

desire and development isso distinctlyshown.

A clean cut deep Line of Head is a more powerfulsign of mentality than when the line isvery

broad, orlying, asit were, merelyon the surface of the palm.

A wide broad line showslessconcentration and a[Pg 14] more vacillating changeable nature. Thisrule applieswith equaltruth to allthe lineson the palm.

Broad, coarse-looking linesare more a constitutionalsign than a mentalindication. Theyare often

found in caseswhere the subject leadsa robust outdoor life, and those who have developed the

physicalside of theirnature more than the mental.

Great brain workersusuallyhave thin, fine, clean-looking lines, and especially that of the Line of

Head.

It will thusbe seen that byobservation the student willbe enabled to classthe sort of life led by

the person underexamination. No matterhowintellectuala man orwoman maylook, the lineson

the hand willindicate whetherornot theyhave developed theirintellectuality. In thiswayit willbe

seen that a studyof the hand becomesa farmore accurate guide than the studyof the face. Many

men and women mayhave handsome, intellectualfacesand yet prefersport oroutdoorlife to any

mentalpursuit orexercise.

Turning froman examination of the direction of ending of the Line of Head, the student must next

examine the indicationsof the beginningsof this important Line. Forexample, the Line of Head

maycommence in three distinct different ways.

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(1)Frominside the Line of Life (1-1, Plate I.).

(2)Joined to the Line of Life (2-2, Plate I.).

(3)And outside the Line of Life (3-3, Plate I.).

The first is the most uncertain of all. It denotesan over-sensitive, over-cautious, timid person. It

also indicatesa h ighlynervous, easilyexcited individual, one who haslittle controloverhimself or

histemper, who iseasilyput out overtrifles, and liable to[Pg 15] do the most erraticthings, orfly

off at a tangent when irritated. Such people are alwaysin trouble, generallyfighting orquarrelling

with those about themand over things that are of no consequence. Theyare likewise so easily

wounded in their feelings, that even a lookoran imagined slight willput themout of humouror

upset themfordays.

If thisLine of Head fartherout in the palmbecome straight, it denotesthat the subject will, later, by

the development of his intelligence largelyovercome this failing of over-sensitiveness. If the line

slope much orbend down towardsthe wrist oron to the Mount of Luna (the Mount of Imagination),

then the subject willbecome stillworse with hisadvancing years. If the Line of Head isalso poorly

marked, orwith "hairlines"fromit, it isoften the indication of some formof insanitywhich islikely

to cause the subject to be placed underrestraint in laterlife.

If, with this latter indication, the student also findsallthe upward main lines, such asthe Line of

Destiny, etc., fading out past the middle of the palm, the indication of insanity and restraint

becomesallthe more certain.

Thisclassof Head Line is largely found in caseswhere the subject isnaturally inclined towards

drinkand intemperance of everydescription.

Even in caseswhere there are good linesrunning up the palm, it willusuallybe found that the

subject givesway to occasional fitsof intemperance orthe desire fordrugs. The qualitiesof the

fieryMount of Mars, fromwhich such a Line of Head starts inside the Life Line, is largely the

cause of the peculiaritiesabove indicated. The opposite Mount of Mars(page 141)on the side ofthe hand, on the contrary, gives[Pg 16] mentalcontrol, so that even when the Line of Head runs

out straight on the palm it partakesof this"MentalMars"quality, and so denotes that lateron in

yearsthe subject with such a Line of Head willbe able to develop mentalcontrol. The sloping Line

of Head, however, would denote that the subject allows himself to turn, as it were, away from

mentalcontrol, and so letsthe earliertendenciesbecome hismaster.

Thispoint alone isworthyof the consideration of allparents, and if observed by themwould do

much to help such children to develop mentalcontroloverthemselves. The accompanying plates

showthisformation of the Line of Head in allitsvariations.

THE LINE OFHEADJOINEDTO THE LINE OFLIFE

The position of thisline indicatesin allcasesa highlysensitive disposition, which inclinestowards

the side of caution and also lacksself-confidence (2-2, Plate I.). Even the cleverest people with

this sign seem to rein themselves in too tightly, and are always inclined to undervalue their

capabilitiesand talents.

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When, with the same indication, the line isalso sloping slightlydownwards, the sensitiveness is

stillmore increased. This form is largely found on the handsof artists, painters, and those who

even in otherwalksof life have the sensitive artistic temperament, even though it maynot have

been developed to a largerextent. If, on the contrary, the Line of Head joined to the Line of Life

runsstraight out across the hand towards the mentalMount of Mars (2-2, Plate I.), the subject,

though stillextremelysensitive, hasgot greatercourage of hisopinions. Such people do not get

credit forbeing ashighlysensitive asdo[Pg 17] the otherpeople with the line sloping downwards

towardsthe Mount of Imagination. The straighterthe Head Line isfound, the subject can be more

relied on to carryout hisdetermination, and often these highlysensitive and even nervouspeople

are found doing very determined work in connection with some battle for principle or for right

which theybelieve it theirmoraldutyto carryout. If thisclassof Line of Head, however, go very

far across the hand and straight on to the Mental Mount of Mars, it indicates an extremely

strong-willed determined person who has the power to hide hissensitiveness and nervousness

and stake everything forwhat he believeshisdutyto carryout.

The difference in the observation of these two distinct classesof individuals, namely, those with

the Line of Head joined but sloping, and the Line of Head joined and straight acrossthe hand, has

caused many exponentsof thisstudy to make great mistakes in the judgment of theirsubject.

When, asisveryoften the case, the Line of Head is forked (3-3, Plate II.), also when joined and

when these forked linesare equalto one another, especially in caseswhere the Line of Head is

joined to the Line of Life showing the sensitive temperament, this forked mark often indicatesa

certain want of decision. The subject isinclined to balance too much between the two qualitiesof

brain, the practicaland the imaginative. Asto what theyshould do forthe best, in such casesit is

alwayswise to advise the subject to act according to first impulse eitherin dealing with practicalor

imaginative things. Byso doing theyemploy, as it were, the intuition of the brain, and byusing it

do not waverand vacillate by too much reasoning[Pg 18] over the question or endeavouring to

see both sides of it at once. When the sloping Line of Head has a gentle curve downwards

towards the Mount of the Moon (1-1, Plate II.), distinct controlover the imagination is indicated.

The student willthen knowthat the subject simplyusesh is imagination when he wishesto do soinstead of being controlled byit. But the contraryisthe case when the line bendstoo fardown this

Mount (4-4, Plate II.). In thiscase the[Pg 19] subject isthe slave of hisimagination and generally

doeserraticand peculiar thingsorcan onlywork in moodsof the moment. People of this latter

classseldom, if ever, produce the great results in the world of art orimagination asdo those who

have the line simplycurving downwardsinto thisMount.

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Plate II. THE LINE OFHEADJOINEDTO THE

LINE OFLIFE ANDITS TERMINATIONS.

When the Line of the Head bendscompletelydown and turnswith a curve, asit were, underthe

base of the Mount of Luna (5-5, Plate II.), the tendencyisto extreme morbid imaginingsand such

extreme sensitiveness, that people on whose hands it is found generally separate themselves

from the rest of their fellows, and eitherretire from the world altogetherand live a solitary life or

else make theirexit bythe gate of suicide. The latteris, in fact, generallythe ending of such lives.

Theirextreme sensitivenessevidentlyrenders life forthemalmost unbearable. But thisformation

must not be confounded with the Line of Head curving downwardsthrough the upperpart of theMount (4-4, Plate II.). In thislattercase, it can even descend asfardown asthe wrist itself, and,

unlessit hasan island orstarat the end of the line, there isnot the dangerof suicide. In allsuch

cases, however, there isextreme imagination, extreme sensibility, and a tendencyto melancholy

and morbidness, but there isno indication of the brain breaking down understrain asthere is in

the othercase of what isknown asthe distinct tendencyforself-murder.

THE LINE OFHEADSEPARATEDFROMTHE LINE OFLIFE

The Line of Head ismore frequentlyfound connected with than separated fromthe Line of Life.[Pg

20] When the space is not very wide (3-3, Plate I.), it is an excellent mark to have, giving

independence of thought, quicknessof judgment, and a certain mentaldaring that isinvaluable in

fighting the battle of life. When the Line of Head isat the same time lying fairlystraight acrossthepalm, such individualshave an immense poweroverothers, but theircapabilitiesare alwaysmore

distinctly shown if they should in any form go in for some kind of public life. People[Pg 21]

possessing thismarkare ratherless"hard students"than those with the Line of Head and Line of

Life joined together, but theyhave such brilliancyand quicknessof thought that theyseemto see

in a flash that which takes the otherclasshard work to attain. But these people with the "open

Line of Head"must, above all things, have purpose in their life. Without purpose theyare rather

like a ship drifting on an idle sea. Theymayspend their life in an aimlesswayunless "the call"

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comesto themorthe tide of ambition turnstheirwayand carriesthemonward.

Plate III. THE LINE OFHEADSEPARATED

FROMTHE LINE OFLIFE.

The same class of line but sloping is the more uncertain of the two characters, because the

person isstillmore inclined to workonlybymoods. If the mood orthe desire doesnot come, such

people, although alwaysbrilliant and clever, mayoften waste theirlivesdoing nothing.

Those people with the Line of Head "open"and ascending slightlyupwardstowardsoron to theMental Mount of Mars (3-3, Plate III.), are self-appointed leaders, organizers of any public

movement. Theywillsacrifice everything, home, affection, and alltiesforwhat theybelieve istheir

publicdutyin connection with the workthat theyhave undertaken.

The Line of Head veryopen and separate fromthe Line of Life denotesa characterwith too little

caution orsensitiveness(4-4, Plate III.). The subject willgo to the opposite extreme of himwith the

Line of Head and Line of Life joined. When the space is very wide it denotes excessive

impetuosity and lack of continuity of purpose, a person who pushes himself forward on all

occasions, a great desire fornotorietyand one continuallychanging h isplansasfarasthe world

isconcerned. When thisline isexcessively[Pg 22] open orseparate fromthe Line of Life, the brain

seemsto be an extremelyexcitable one. The subject suffersgreatlyfromexcessive blood to the

head, mental hysteria, sleeplessness, and all things that affect the brain. If the Line of Head isbadlyformed with islands, ora broad line with breaksand hair lines(1-1, Plate IV.), it isjust as

much a markof anotherformof insanityasthe Line of Head curving downwardsat the wrist, but

with the line mentioned the type isinclined to be morbid with a tendencyto suicide.

ThisotherLine of Head with islandsindicatesthe characterthat willbe more likelyto be excitable

and flyinto a temperand killotherpeople. A Line of Head not too widelyseparated and eitherone

end of it commencing on the Mount of Jupiter, orwith itsmain branch from the Mount of Jupiter

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(4-4, Plate III.), is one of the most brilliant marks of all. The student must, however, carefully

establish this difference of the Line of Head in his own mind, aswell as the termination or the

ending of this line. Once he has these two points firmly established, he has gained the great

keynote to thissubject. When once thispart ismastered, he hasa sure foundation to workon.

Mynext remarkswillrelate to the minormarksand theirmeaning, and to islandsorbreakson orin

the Line of Head.

THE LINE OFHEADANDITS SECONDARY SIGNS

What are known as "islands" in the Line of Head are very important, especially if they are

considered both in relation to the age at which theyoccur, and also in relation to the mentality

itself.[Pg 23]

In the first place the principal rule the student must bear in mind is, that islands must be

considered as showing a weakness in any line wherever they may be found, and are to be

considered unfortunate signs.

On the Line of Head when found in the formof a continuouschain (1-1, Plate IV.), allthrough the

line, they denote mentalweakness, but generallyproduced by ill-health which more immediately

affectsthe brain.

Such mentalweaknessor"brain illness,"if found with nailsshowing verysmall"moons"ornone at

all, denotesan anmiccondition of the blood that affectsthe brain, a lowcondition of vitalityand

bad circulation, which seemsto starve the brain of blood and preventssuch people frommaking

anycontinuouseffort in regard to studyorwillpower, and causesthemto act in an erraticfashion.

If at the same time the Line of Head isseen placed veryhigh on the hand, thissign isworse stillin

itsmeaning, and such subjectsare inclined to be "half mad"in periods.

When the Line of Head iswidely separated from the Line of Life, then this chain formation of

islandsisstillmore accentuated and more difficult to cure. Such subjectshave periodsof mental

excitabilitywhich it seems impossible for themto control, and in such momentstheyare liable to

flyoff at a tangent and commit mad orrash acts, but actsgenerallydangerousto otherpeople.

When, however, the Line of Head isverysloping (2-2, Plate IV.), with thisformation of islandsthe

subject is inclined to have fitsof depression and melancholy, during which he is likely to shrink

away from people or make an attempt against his own life.[Pg 24] "Suicide while temporarily

insane"isthe verdict of the juryin such cases.

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Plate IV. ISLANDS ONTHE LINE OFHEAD.

Another important point of consideration in relation to the islands in the Line of Head, is to note

their position on the line itself, or underwhat finger theymake their appearance. When these

islandsare found at the commencement of the line under the first fingerorMount of Jupiter(3,

Plate IV.), it willbe found that the subject in earlylife wasdelicate mentally,[Pg 25] and displayed

no energyof will; no desire to study, waslistlessand without ambition.

Under the second finger on the Mount of Saturn (4, Plate IV.), the subject, on the contrary, is

inclined to suffer from severe headaches, morbidness, melancholy, and a tendency for

inflammation, especiallyat the base of the head.

If the line looksweakorfraysinto little hairlinesfromthispoint out, it showsthat the subject will

neverrecoverthoroughlyfromthismalady.

Underthe third finger, the Mount of Sun (5, Plate IV.), an island showsa verycuriousfact, namely

that the person is inclined to suffer fromweaknessof the eyesand short-sight. If manyof these

islandsare marked it generallyforeshadowsa stillgreatertendencyto blindnessand weaknessof

the sight.

Islandsunderthe fourth finger, the Mount of Mercury(6, Plate IV.), and the extremityof the Head

Line denote weaknessof the brain in old age, and a highlynervousworrying disposition. If verybadlymarked they denote that in the latterpart of life the subject may be disposed to insanity

proceeding froma worrying disposition, and often fromthe overstraining of the mentalfaculties. It

willthusbe seen that everyportion of thisremarkable line maybe divided into sectionsto obtain

marvellousdetailin making predictionsforthe future.

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Thisline can furtherbe divided, showing with considerable clearnessthe agesat which troublesor

changesin the mentalitymaybe expected.

Under the first finger the period of the life indicated is the first 21 years, the second period

containsanothersection of the three 7s, and lastsuntil42 yearsof age; the third period of 7s

which willbe found under[Pg 26] the third fingerindicatesthe section from49 to 63, and the fourth

section which takes in the remainderof the hand, under the fourth finger, stands for the period

from70 up to the end.

CHANGES INTHE LINE OFHEAD

Another extremely interesting point in studying the Line of Head is to take notice of certain

changes in itsposition, or lineseitherdropping or rising from it, which willalso be found to give

veryremarkable information. Forexample: if a sloping Line of Head at anypoint in itstrackseems

to curve orslightlybend upwards(1-1, Plate V.), it indicatesthat about that period of the persons

life some unusual strain will be forced upon him. If this curved line is clearlymarked and not

interfered with bythingsthat looklike blotchesin it, the person, although of a completelyopposite

turn of mind to the practical, will yet rise superior to the occasion, and for the time being will

develop a practicalorbusiness-like wayof looking at thingswhich mayeven be the veryreverse

of the nature.

If, however, instead of the curve orbend a fine line isseen leaving the Head Line in an upward

direction (2-2, Plate V.), that period willleave a definite markon the subjectsent ire characterfor

the remainderof hislife. In some casesthese fine lineswill, aftera fewyears, appearto develop

more strongly, and may even become a kind of second Head Line. Thiswould denote that the

person continues to cultivate the practicalside of his nature that was at that period called into

existence.

If one were examining a straight Line of Head and[Pg 27] noticed a curve downward ora fine line

growing downwardsfromit (3-3, Plate V.), the naturalinterpretation of such a markwould be that

at that date in the personscareerhe had become lesspractical, orforthe time being developed

the more imaginative qualities of the mentality. In this latter case, curiously enough, it often

denotesthat the person had at that period of hislife become more wealthyorprosperous,[Pg 28]

and so he wasable to develop the artisticside of hisnature. It islogicalto assume that he could

onlyhave done thisif the strain in the practicalbattle had been lessened about that time, but this

must only be presumed if, at about the same date, the Sun Line (Plate XV.)were seen clearly

marked orsuddenlyappearing on the hand, then the student can be positive in assuming that at

that date greaterease and comfort came into the subjectslife and he consequentlyturned to the

more imaginative side of existence.

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Plate V. MORE VARIATIONS OFTHE LINE

OFHEAD.

If the Line of Head itself should curve upward, especiallyat the end towards the fourth fingeror

Mount of Mercury(4-4, Plate V.), it denotesalmost without exception that the longer the person

livesthe more hisdesire formoneyand hisdetermination to possessit willbecome strongerevery

year.

If the Line of Head apparentlypartlyleavesitsnaturalplace, which willbe seen byan examination

of the left hand, and completelyrisesasit were to the Line of Heart (5-5, Plate V.), the person will

develop an enormous fixityof purpose forsome one desire. He willapparentlyand deliberately

controlthe affectionate side of hisnature byhiswillpower, and willstickat nothing to obtain the

realisation of whatever his desire may be. If thismark is found on a square thick-set material

looking hand, it is a foregone conclusion that the subject has set his determination on some

materialobject, such aswealth, and he willstop at nothing, even crime, in carrying out hisaim. If

thismark is found on a long hand the object of the ambition is certain to be connected with

intellectualpoweroverpeople and absolute determination to accomplish whateverthe purpose of

the careermaybe.

Thismarkmust not be confounded with one clear[Pg 29] line running acrossthe hand fromside to

side (Plate VI.), because in thiscase the Line of Head hasnot risen out of itsposition, but simply

denotes tremendous intensityof character, forgood orevilas the case may be; such a person

would exhibit great powerof concentration, and if he concentrated hismentalityon anypurpose

he would unite with it his heart[Pg 30] nature. But if he had set his heart or affections on any

person, he would unite with that desire the whole force of hismentalnature. In thiscase it isasif

these two sides of the mentality, the sentimental and the mental, were linked or in some way

united together. Such personsI have alwaysfound possessgreaterintensityof purpose than any

other, but I have neverfound it a veryhappymarkto possess.

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Plate VI. THE LINE OFHEADANDTHE

LINE OFHEARTRUNNING TOGETHER.

In the first place, thispeculiartype of person appearsto be so rare in life that he seemsto have no

companionsand forthat reason hasalwaysthe feeling of being intenselylonelyand isolated from

others. He isusuallyalso in everywaysuper-sensitive and easilywounded in hisfeelings. I have

seldom found these people successful, unless when acting alone, but if linked with others by

partnership in business, etc., theyseemto feeltheirpersonalitycramped, and the partnership asa

rule seldom resultshappily. In considering this, the student must carefullyobserve whether thisone line across the hand lies across the centre where the Head Line would naturally be, or

whetherit lieshigherup towardsthe base of the fingerswhere the Heart Line isgenerallyfound. If

the formercase, one maybe sure that it isa question of head and mentalityand verylittle heart;

but if the latter, it isa question of more intensityof feeling emotion and affection than of mental

intensity.

CROSSES ANDSQUARES INCONNECTIONWITHTHE LINE OFHEAD

Small, sharply-defined crossesin anyposition just overortouching the Line of Head are generally

signsof accidentsto the Head itself.[Pg 31]

UnderJupiter (1, Plate VII.), they usually are brought about by blowscaused generally by thesubjectsdesire to rule and to be too dogmaticortyrannical.

UnderSaturn(2, Plate VII.), crossesindicate injuriesto the head fromaccidentsbyanimals, blows

bytreachery, mine explosions, etc., and generallyrelate to accidentsof a treacherousnature.

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Underthe Mount of the Sun(3, Plate VII.), these crosseshave been found to relate to accidentsto

the head from sudden falls, such as the subject striking his head by falling, concussion of the

brain, etc.

Underthe Mount of Mercury(4, Plate VII.), these sharplydefined crossesrelate to injuriesto the

head due to accidentsgenerallyproduced byscientificexperimentsorsome hazardousbusiness

venture.

Small defined squares touching the Line of Head (5, Plate VII.), are in all cases signs of

preservation, and theyrelate to the particularqua litiesof the Mount of the hand underwhich they

are found. (Seechapteron Mounts, page 140.)

DOUBLE LINES OFHEAD

Double Linesof Head (6-6, Plate VII.), are as rarely found asare cases of the single line right

acrossthe hand. In allcaseswhere the Double Line of Head standsout distinct and clearastwo

separate lines, the object will be found to have a dualmentality. He is usually capable of an

enormousamount of mentalworkand isof that classof people who carryout two separate mentalliveswith success. It isoften found with one line joined to the Line of Life and the otherrising from

the Mount of Jupiter; if such is the case, the interpretation would be that one[Pg 32] side of the

nature isextremelysensitive and cautious, while the other isself-confident with a great desire to

rule orenforce itsmentalideason the world.

Plate VII. DOUBLE LINES OFHEAD, ALSO

CROSSES ANDSQUARES.

Although such a sign as the Double Line of Head givesa remarkable degree of mentality, yet I

have always found it a more successfulsign to find one clearLine of Head wellmarked on the

hand than the two Linesof Head in anyof theirpositions.

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Another form of the Double Line of Head (7-7,[Pg 33] Plate VII.), is one where the main line

seemsto separate about the middle of the hand, and where one branch goesacrossthe hand and

the other descends towards the Mount of the Moon. In such a case we get the double mental

personality, but one which ismore under the controlof the willof the subject, whereas the two

double distinct linesdenote that the two mentalpersonalitiesseemto act independentlyone from

the other.

It hasbeen considered bymanyancient authoritiesthat the Double Line of Head, when found with

two distinct lines, is a sign of the inheritance of great riches or power. I have generally found,

however, that what it means is, that although the financialresultsof such a persons life maybe

eithergreat wealth orpower, yet he mayinherit it fromhismentalright and not fromhisbirth right.

THE LINE OFHEADONTHE SEVENTYPES OFHANDS

There are seven distinct typesof hands, bearing in theirown waymore orlessrelationship to the

Seven Racesof Humanity(page 118).

These seven typesof handsare asfollows:

I.The ElementaryorLowest type.

II.The Square, also called the UsefulorPractical.

III.The Spatulate orActive.

IV.The Philosophic.

V.The ConicorArtistic.

VI.The PsychicorIdealistic.

VII.The Mixed Hand.

[Pg 34]

Asa rule the Line of Head isgenerally found in accordance with the type of hand on which it isseen, namely, lying straight orwhat iscalled "level-headed" on the Square-looking orPractical

hand; orsloping, and thus indicating the more imaginative qualitieson the Philosophic, Conic, or

Psychictypes.

Consequently, if it be found on a hand in what maybe called opposition to itsclass, such a Line of

Head immediatelypossessesa greatersignificance.

Forexample, if a sloping Line of Mentalitywere seen on the Square orPracticalhand, it would

indicate that though the basesof that man orwomans thoughtsand planswere of the practical

kind, yet theypossessed a fargreaterpower of imagination than anycasual observerwould at

first sight give themcredit for.

On the contrary, if the Line of Head were found straight or level on the Spatulate, Philosophic,

Conic, orPsychictypes, it would denote that the person in question wasusuallylevel-headed and

practical, even in theirhighest dreamsof philosophyoridealisticcreations.

On the Elementary hand the Line of Head is usually found short, straight, and coarse-looking,

often nothing more than a short deep-set furrow. Consequently, if found long and clear, it would

indicate a superiormentaldevelopment in a coarse brutaloranimalnature.

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If in a Square-looking hand the Line of Head were found sloping instead of long and straight, it

would denote an unusualdevelopment of the artisticand imaginative qualities, but alwayswith the

practicaland logicalbasisforitssupport.

On the Spatulate hand the naturalindication of the[Pg 35] Line of Head islong, clearand sloping,

but if found straight orlevelit would indicate a practicaldevelopment of the brain endeavouring to

set off the active energyand originalityindicated bythe Spatulate formation.

On the Philosophictype, the hand of the thinkerand philosopher, the usualposition of the Line of

Mentalityislong and sloping, but if found straight orlevelit indicatesa mentaldevelopment of the

logicaland practicalqualitieswhich might not be expected in such a classortype.

The same ruleshold good with the Conicand Psychic, but with what iscalled the Mixed type, the

best Line of Head to find would be one, long straight and level-looking, because thisclass, being a

mixture asit were of allthe others, would require a practicalor level-headed mentalityto hold its

own amid the mixture of tendencieswhich the last type personifies.[Pg 36]

CHAPTERIII

THE LINE OFLIFE ANDITS VARIATIONS

The Line of Life isthat line which runsround the base of the thumb and liesdirectlyovera large

blood-vessel called the great Palmer Arch (1-1, Plate VIII.). This blood-vessel ismore directly

connected with the heart, stomach, and vitalorganswhich mayhave given use to its term "The

Vital,"asused bythe ancients.

It isreasonable to assume that it isthisintimate connection with the vitalorgansof the bodywhich

enablesit to foretellthe length of life fromnaturalcauses.

If the student will bear this in mind it will make clear and plain to him many difficulties in

connection with predictionsasto health and disease, and he willfollowmore easilythe following

explanations.

The first rulesto masterare, that to be normalthe Line of Life should be long, clearlymarked, and

without any irregularities or breaks of anykind. Such a formation would indicate length of life,

vitality, freedomfromillness, and strength of constitution (1-1, Plate VIII.).

Bearing the first observation in mind it will be noticed that as the Line of Life represents the

stomach and the vital organs, when well marked the[Pg 37] stomach and digestion must

necessarilybe in a good condition.

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Plate VIII. THE LINE OFLIFE ANDSECTIONS

OFINFLUENCES FROMTHE MOUNTS.

When made up of little pieces or linked like a chain, it is a certain sign of poor health, weak

stomach and lackof vitality.

At thispoint I must askthe most carefulattention to the following ruleswhich no otherbookon

the subject contains, and which I have not published in anyof myotherwritings, viz.: asthe Line

of Life[Pg 38] seemsin everysense to be the representative on the hand of the bodyortrunkof

the manso the position of these breaks, marks, links, orislandsdenotesthe portion of the body

most affected.

Before we go furtherI must also impresson the student to grasp the fact that everyline orsign on

the hand plays a dual rle. Byone of their rles these lines indicate the disease the person is

most liable to for the entire run of the life, and in anotherrle these lines indicate the date when

the illnesswillreach itsgreatest gravity.

To explain carefullythisstrange phenomenon of nature, I have divided thisline into sections(see

Plate VIII.), and although I am not writing on astrology in these pages, yet all believers in that

science may be interested to find how wonderfully these twin sciences agree when the

comparison ispointed out byan impartialobserversuch asI claimto be.

In Plate VIII. are shown the Sectionsof the Line of Life with theirvarioustendenciesdivided bythemounts at the base of the fingers. Thiswill materially assist the student to comprehend their

significance and, togetherwith the influence of the month of birth asset out in the chapterson the

Mountsof the Hand (page 140), willenable him to obtain an accuracyon allmatters relating to

health, diseases, and dangersto the life that up tillnowhasneverbeen attained.

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We willnowproceed to considerthe detailsasregardsthe Line of Life itself.

THE LINE OFLIFE

It is very important at the outset to consider the qualities of this very important line. In some

hands[Pg 39] it isbroad and shallowon the surface of the hand, in othersit isdeep and fine; the

appearance of thisline isveryoften deceptive, and leadsstudentsastraywhen theyhave not had

theirattention called to itsappearance.

The broad, shallowLine of Life often leadspeople to suppose that it isa sign of a veryhealthy,

robust constitution; but, on the contrary, such an indication isnot nearlyasgood a sign asa clear,

thin, deep line. The broad Life Line seems to belong to people who have more robust animal

strength, whereas the finer line relates to people who have more nerve orwill-force. Underany

strain of ill-health, it isthe finer line that willho ld out, whereasthe broad-looking line hasnot the

same resisting force.

Very broad lines on the hand denote more muscular strength than will power, and I cannot

impress this difference too strongly on the minds of my readers. If the line is made of chainformation (1-1, Plate IX.), it isa sure sign of a tendency to bad health, and especiallyso if the

hand be soft. The same markson a hard, firmhand would not indicate asmuch delicacy, because

hard, firmhandsdenote in themselvesa robust constitution.

Anotherimportant point to consideris, whetherthe Line of Life goesstraight up to the side of the

Mount of Venusand narrowsthat Mount (2-2, Plate IX.), orwhether it formsa well-defined curve

orsemicircle out into the palm(3-3, Plate IX.). In the first case it indicatesa naturallymore delicate

constitution, and less force of animalmagnetism. Thisexplanation willbe readily understood by

readerswhen I again call theirattention to the fact that one of the most important blood-vessels

going from the body to the[Pg 40] hand iscalled the Great PalmerArch, which carries the blood

up to the hand towardsthe root of the thumb, and carriesthe circulation backon the otherside of

the Arch almost underneath the Line of Life. It will, therefore, be seen that people who have a

weakerconstitution are more likelyto have thisGreat PalmerArch narrower in construction than

those who have a robust constitution and strong circulation of the blood. This isthe reason why,

when the Mount[Pg 41] of Venus is large and wide on the hand, it gives rise to the idea that it

indicatesa more passionate animalnature than when thismount isthin and narrow.

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Plate IX. THE LINE OFLIFE ANDITS

VARIATIONS.

While speaking on thisparticularpoint, I must a lso callattention to the fact that when the Line of

Head iscurved downwards instead of running straight acrossthe palm, that it seemsto be more

attracted to the qualities indicated by the Mount of Venus and givesmore to the imaginative,

romanticnature, showing a greatertendencyto fallin love, than with people who possessthe Line

of Head running straight across the hand, as if it were not attracted to the qualities indicated by

the Mount of Venus. It willthusbe seen that everypoint of thisstudybearing on charactercan be

reasoned out froma logicalstandpoint. Thisplacesthe studyupon a higherfoundation than whenit isconsidered purelyfromthe superstitiousstandpoint with which it hasso long been associated.

If the Line of Life isseen to rise high on the hand towardsthe Mount of Jupiter(4-4, Plate IX.), the

subject hasmore controloverhimself, and his life ismore governed bythe ambitiousside of his

nature. When, however, the Line of Life rises lowerdown on the palm, more from the Mount of

Mars(5-5, Plate IX.), it giveslesscontroloverthe temper. When thissign isnoticed, especiallyin

the case of young persons, it willbe found that theyare more quarrelsome, more disobedient, and

have lessambition in connection with theirstudies.

ASCENDING LINES

When the Line of Life isfound with a numberof ascending lines, even if theyare small, it denotesa[Pg 42] life of greaterenergy; and the datesat which these linesascend from the Line of Life

may always be considered points at which the subject has made a parti

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