 may contradict the Tongue; and the Muscles of the Face may counteract each other in their several Workings. And, thus, I have known an Expression of Resentment remain on the Brow, while the Face laboured to invest itself with a Smile of Complacence; and, I have known the Eye to burn with ill-governed Concupiscence, while Voice, Action, and Address, united in the Avowal of chaste and honourable Regards.
I perceive, Sir, said Mr.
Clement,
by your own Account, that he must be a very learned Proficient, in the Study of Physiognomy, who can decide, with any kind of Certainty, on an Art that requires such Attention and Penetration.
I beg leave to differ, answered Mr.
Fenton.
The Science is much more obvious than you may imagine; and I fancy there are very few Persons, who do not trust, without reflecting, to their own Skill in this Way; and who do not, inadvertently, form a Character to themselves of almost all the People with whom they are conversant.
I am persuaded that there is not a single Sentiment, whether tending to Good or Evil, in the human Soul, that has not its distinct and respective Interpreter in the Glance of the Eye, and in the Muscling of the Countenance. When Nature is permitted to express Herself with Freedom by this Language of the Face, she is understood by all People; and those who never were taught a Letter can instantly read her Signatures and Impressions; whether they be of Wrath, Hatred, Envy, Pride, Jealousy, Vexation, Contempt; Pain, Fear, Horror and Dismay; or of Attention, Respect, Wonder, Surprise, Pleasure, Transport, Complacence, Affection, Desire, Peace, Lowliness, and Love.
Now, all Persons are born with Propensities (whether they be mental or constitutional) to some Passions and Affections, rather than to Others. I will take two Instances; the one, of a Male Infant who is born with a Propensity to Pride and Arrogance: The other of a Female Infant, who is born with a Propensity to Bashfulness and Lowliness. In either Case, it is evident, that, from the first Occasion that may serve to excite these several Affections, in these several Infants, the Sentiments of their Souls will be suitably and intelligibly expressed in their Aspects; and every further Occasion of renewing the same Impressions will render them more obvious and legible to every Eye. Insomuch that, if no future Influence, arising from Accident or Education, shall check the Pride of the one or divert the Lowliness of the other
