od by the dullest-headed person, but it is not every one who
can comprehend the more secret science that enables the initiated in
deep subjects to gain knowledge from such trifles as air-bubbles or
spiders' webs.

Everything connected with the human body is a medium through which
future events may be foretold. A pale complexion has its
signification, and so has a ruddy face. The hands and veins are
special objects of observation, and so are the nails of one's fingers.
From the colour, shape, and marks on nails, there are, or at least
were, people who could read a person's fortune from infancy to old
age.

Phrenology is a favourite science among ourselves; and so was it with
the ancients, who, however, understood the science in a somewhat
different light to what people of the present time do, and therefore
we shall give an outline of their observations and deductions. The
ancients supposed that a moderately large head denoted a
well-conditioned person, studious, and possessed of a good memory and
understanding. Those with large heads were supposed to be dull and
stupid, gluttonous, rough in their manners, frequently melancholy,
and predisposed to madness.

One with a head too large for the body, and having a thick neck and
extended veins, was generally strong and of a martial spirit. When the
head was long and of conical shape, the person was generally impudent
and rash; and, if sprightly in early life, was supposed to lose spirit
and vivacity before reaching the age of thirty years. A
well-proportioned head, but slightly compressed at the sides, denoted
a person of good apprehension, proceeding from the spirits domiciled
there. A spherical head denoted inconstancy, forgetfulness, and want
of discretion. A small head was looked on as an evil sign. The person
having such a head was supposed to be vicious and ill-conditioned in
many respects, in consequence of the spirits being confined in a
narrow compass, and unable to exercise their functions. A person with
a spherical head seldom lived beyond middle age. A long oblique head
denoted lust and intemperance, and a flat cranium caused one to have a
similar disposition.

A large head and broad brow indicated slowness, but laboriousness. A
little forehead denoted obstinacy, wickedness, and weakness of
intellect, yet conceited and given to mischief. According to
Aristotle, a square forehead denoted magnanimity and courage. A person
with a forehead without wrinkles showed