OF THE . U N I VERS'tfY or iLLir^ois 133.nd are THE MOUNT OF THE MOON 93 bad — unnatural instincts in affairs of the heart, incon* stancy. 30. ‘^Mounts of Venus and Mars’^ — Sensuality^ jealousy, love of music and dancing still more pro- nounced; fondness for rapid conquests. (6) The Mount of the Moon. ‘‘Absent’’ — Lack of imagination, of intuition, of taste for intellectual studies or recreations, of inventive genius, “Normal”' — It ought in that case to be fuller near the wrist than at its upper part, near the mount of Mars; its characteristics are a healthy imagination, chastity, love of poetry, of mystery, of strange music, of travels. Its possessors have sometimes the gift of prophecy, but they are often troubled by dreams and apt to be hypochondriacal; they marry in an unusual way; they are somewhat lazy in mind, not in action. In a good hand these undesirable features are neutral- ized and rendered harmless. Thus, short, knotted fingers are counter agents, as is also a strong first pha- lanx of the thumb. “Normal with fullness in the exact center’’ — Inter- nal or intestinal troubles. 9 ^ THE MOUNTS OF MARS ‘‘Normal with fullness at the top” — Biliousness, gout, catarrh. “Exaggerate” — Diseased imagination ; capricious- ness; irritability; sadness; superstition; possible insan- ity. Frequent headaches are to be expected. “Not high but narrow and long,” running down the side of the hand — resignation, love of meditation, lack of force. In combination with each of the other mounts we find : “Mounts of the Moon and Mars” — A love for navi- gation, and if the hand is bad — folly forthcoming. (The other combinations are found in the sections devoted to the other mounts.) (7) The Mounts of Mars. As I stated before, this mount is practically “double,” i. e., the main proturberance known by that name has its location just between the mount of Mer- cury and the mount of the Moon, while another mount of Mars — an annex, so to speak — has its place at the foot of the mount of Jupiter. I refer now only to that mount of Mars above the Line of Head. (See Map of the Head). ‘‘Absent” — ^Sure sign of cowardfee. THE MOUNTS OF MARS 95 ‘‘Normal” — Courage, self-possession, generosity. With a short first phalanx of the thumb; rather bois- terous display of bravery, loud eloquence, a soldier's gallantry and good nature, a little rough and vulgar, but straight from the heart. Its possessors are great love-makers and are attracted by statuesque, dark- eyed and dark-haired women. Their hands are gen- erally hard, with broad fingers and a small second phalanx of the thumb. “Exaggerate" — Violence, insolence, bloodthirsti- ness, lasciviousness of the most brutal kind. For the combinations of the mount of Mars with each of the others, see under the separate headings. And now that I have cleared the ground of much that has seemed dull and minute in details, but which it was absolutely essential to lay down as the basis of my work, I shall begin to enter with you into the vast domain of Chiromancy. CHAPTER VIIL iHB CHIROMANCY OF THE HAND. THE PRINCIPAL LINES— THE SIGNS— THE MINOR LINES ON THE MOUNTS. In the general Map of the Hand, given in Chapter IL, I indicated plainly the location of the ‘'fourteen^' leading lines one is apt to meet with when examining a hand. I also gave their names and divided them into ^TrincipaF' and ‘^Secondary’' in accordance with their relative importance in the reading of hands. In this Chapter VIII. the Fig. 13 gives anew the fourteen lines and their names, but I crave permission to divide them in a somewhat diflerent wise, placing in the first category of seven those lines that but very seldom are found missing. Besides, I will add the other names under which they are often found designated in leading works on Chiromancy. The Lines Most Generally Found in the Hand. 1. The Line of Life, or ^'Vltal.’^ 2. The Line of Heart, or ‘^Mensal.’* (96) THE CHIROMANCY OF THE HAND FIQ. 13. THE FOURTEEN LINES OF THE HANO^ m THE PRINCIPAL LINES 3. The Line of Head, or ‘"Cerebral.” 4. The Line of Fate, or “Line of Luck,” or “Sat- urnian” or “Line of Saturn.” 5. The line of the Sun, or “Solar” or “Line of Apollo,” or “Line of Brilliancy.” 6. The First Bracelet of the Rascette. 7. The Second Bracelet of the Rascette. In the second category I include: 1. The Line of the Liver, or “Line of Health” or “Hepatica.” 2. The “Via Lasciva,” or “Milky Way,” or “Ceph^ alic Line.” 3. The Girdle of Venus, or “Ring of Saturn.” 4. The Line of Mars or “Sister of the Line of Life/' 5. The Line of Marriage, or “Line of Attachment.” 6. The Third Bracelet of the Rascette. 7. The Line of Intuition, or “Line of the Moon,” or “Line of Luna.” You’ll notice that I never designate a line by any other name than the first one in order. But there are other lines — so varied in their dimen- sions and locations and so exceptionally met with, that no special name has been found for them. I divide them, however, into two great categories: SIGNS IN THE HANDS 1 . ^^Lines marking the mounts/’ 2. ‘‘Lines of Influence,” starting from the mount d Venus or at least from the Line of Life. They have also been called (erroneously I think) “Worry Lines.” 3. “Lines of Emergency,” in some cases also called “Lines of Influence,” met with anywhere in the palm, but not touching the mount of Venus or the Line of Life. A fourth category, that will have a chapter of this work all to itself, includes “The Finger and Thumb Lines,” consisting of the lines traced on the three pha- langes of the Fingers and the two (outer) phalanges of the Thumb. Finally, besides lines, there are a number of Signs in the Hands, either touching the fourteen principal lines or marked, by themselves, in the palm and on the finger and thumb phalanges, and not connected with any lines. Of these signs, eight are recognized as being more frequently met with; they are: 1. The “Spots” or “Dots” (Fig. 14-11). 2. The “Islands” (Fig. 14-12) ; seldom to be looked for outside of the lines. 3. Tlie “Squares” (Fig. 14-18). 1 , 100 SIGNS IN THE HANDS 4. The '^Stars’’ (Fig. 14-14). 5. The ^^Crosses” (Fig. 14-15). 6. The ^‘Circles’^ (Fig. 14-16). 7. The ‘Triangles’’ (Fig- 14-17). 8. The “Grilles” or “Gridirons” (Fig. 14-18). To the list of these signs I might add many strange figures — for example, the Planetary signs, which I indicated on the Map of the Hand (Fig. 1), as desig- nating the mounts in ancient works on Chiromancy. Sometimes other mysterious figures are traced on the palm or fingers or thumbs. I’ll lay down, further, the rules that will allow you to reach, almost infallibly, the meaning of these, in appearance, unaccountable mark- ings. What I am desirous to examine now with you, as a kind of finer transition between the study of the mounts and tlie study of the Lines, is the effect pro- duced on each mount. 1, By the existence of minor, unclassified lines. 2. By their being marked with any of the eight signs enumerated above or with one of the Planetary signs. The primary principle, in the matter of the lines on the mounts, is that they have an effect similar to FIG. 14. THE SIGNS AND VARIOUS KINDS OF LINES- SIGNS IN THE HANDS 101 I i m ON THE MOUNT OF JUPITER an elevation of the mounts. In other wofi^is, one line on the place vHhere a mount ought to be visible, but fails to materialize, is to be considered ts its equivalent If the lines are three or more in number the effect would be the same as if the mount was exaggerate in its development. It is to be wished that the lines be marked ‘^length- wise” — i. e., in the direction of the fingers, not “cross- wise;” for in the lat«^r case they are apt to cut the reg- ular (main) lines that reach the mount, and this will be found to be. a very undesirable omen. Let us now take each mount by itself. Whenever I do not state otherwise the lines are perpendicular, oi marked lengthwise. The Mount of Jupiter. “A Single Line” — Success. “Many Confused Lines” — Persistent but unluckj efforts toward success. “Confused Lines crossing each other” — Loose morals. “Capillary (very fine) lines” — A wound on the head. “A spot” — A ruined position, loss oi fortune and reputation. “Cross” — ^A happy marriage. ON THE MOUNT OF JUPITER lOS Star’’ — ^Ambition and love fully satisfied. ‘^A Cross and Star together” — A brilliant marriage. "'A Square” — Sober sense guiding one’s ambition. ‘‘A Circle” — Success. ‘‘A Triangle” — Diplomatic cleverness; a subtle poli- tician. ‘^A Grille or Gridiron” — Domineering spirit, exag- gerate vanity, superstition. The Planetary signs on this mount are to be inter- preted as follows : ‘The Sign of Jupiter” — ^An intensity in the good qualities of the mount. ‘The Sign of Saturn” — Caution; love of occult sciences. “The Sign of the Sun” — Eloquence and love of the fine arts. “The Sign of Mercury” — Administrative ability. “The Sign of Venus” — Dignified, deep and constant love. “The Sign of the Moon” — ^Ambition led astray by imagination. “The Sign of Mars” — ^The military commander’s genius. ON THE MOUNT OF SATURN m The Mount of Saturn. “A single line” — Very great luck. “A number of lines” — ^The more numerous th« lines, the greater the ill-luck. “A number of small lines scaling the mount ladder- wise in the direction of Jupiter” — Gradual rise in life toward public honors. “Capillary cross lines ” — A wound on the breast. “A Spot” — Certain evil possibilities, the nature of which can be traced on the Line of Head or the Line of Fate. “A Cross” — ^Sterility; tendency to make evil use of occult sciences. “A Star” — A very ugly mark, threatening the sub- ject with the scaffold, after committing a murder. (Must be verified elsewhere.) “A Square” — ^Generally a protection against fatali- ties. “A Square with red dots at the corners” — Preserva- tion from fire. “A Circle” — A good sign, rarely met with. “A Triangle” — Special aptitude for the occult ON THE MOUNT OF SATURN 105 sciences, dangerously applied if, with this sign, is found “a star on the third phalanx of the middle finger.” “A Grille or Gridiron” — Lack of luck through life. “The Sign of Saturn” — Intense devotion to the study of all things mysterious — religion, philosophy, occult sciences, etc. “The Sign of Jupiter” — Desire to gain fame through discoveries in the realm of philosophy. “The Sign of the Sun” — A love for artistic beauty in nature and fine language in expressing one’s thoughts. “The Sign of Mercury’’— Aptitude for high mathe- matics and astronomy. A fine combination for a scientist’s hand. “The Sign of Venus” — ^A mixture of passion and despondency in the subject’s love of the opposite sex. “The Sign of Mars” — Combative spirit in the dis- cussion of religious or philosophical problems; found in the hand of the old-time inquisitor and persecutor. The Mount of the Sun. “A single deep line” — Wealth and fame. “Two lines” — Real talent but poor success. 106 ON THE MOUNT OF THE SUN “Many confused lines” — Artistic tendencies, unfor* tunately interfered with by scientific instincts; inspir- ation stopped midway to realization. “Capillary Cross lines” — A wound on either arm. “A Spot”^ — Danger of losing reputation and social standing. “A Cross, with a Line of the Sun” — Fortune in prospect. “A Cross without Line of the Sun” — Artistic blun- ders marring success. “A Star, with a Line of the Sun” — Great fame due to genius and hard work. “A Star, virith a Line of the Sun and several Lines on the mount” —Sure wealth. “A Star, without a Line of the Sun” — Fame after many risks incurred; wealth coming too late to secure happiness. “A Square” — Business ability protecting the artist from being exploited. “A Circle” — Much fame. “A Triangle” — Science assisting art to success. “A Grille or Gridiron” — An almost insane vanity, sometimes culminating in real lunacy; very little tal- ent magnified tenfold by one’s self. ON THE MOUNT OF THE SUN 101 ‘The Sign of the Sun’’ — 'Artistic genius intensified and bringing great wealth and glory to its possessor. ‘The Sign of Saturn” — A tendency to weirdness in the manifestation of artistic talent. “In a bad hand” — misuse of talent in the direction of occult sciences. “The Sign of Jupiter” — Eloquence in statesmanlike discourses. “The Sign of Mercury” — Celebrity due to elo- quence. “In a bad hand” — the clever counterfeiter’s characteristic. “The Sign of Venus” — Idealization in the love of poetry and art. “In a bad hand” — ^The seduction of talent used to reach evil ends. “The Sign of the Moon” — An increase, often an excess, of imagination In artistic or literary work; sometimes to the point of incoherence. “The Sign of Mars” — Found once in a while in the hand of a painter, or writer, of military subjects. The Mount of Mercury. “One single line” — Unexpected financial good for- tune. “One single cross line running up to the mount of the Sun” — Pseudo-occultism practiced for the sol^ purpose of making victims of credulous dupes. 108 ON THE MOUNT OF MERCURY ^‘One single cross line with an island in it cutting the line of the Sun’' — Ill-luck undeserved. ‘^Many mixed lines” — Shrewdness; scientific apti- tude. ^'Several mixed lines reaching as low as the Line of the Heart” — Generosity in the spending of money. '‘Several lines, and besides a prominent mount of the Moon” — An aptitude for medical studies; sometimes a belief that one is afflicted with all the diseases one studies; still it is found in most physicians’ hands. "Several lines and besides a prominent mount of the Moon in a woman’s hand” — Certainty that the subject will marry a doctor. "Many very short lines in a woman’s hand” — Chat- tering habits. "Capillary cross lines”— Wounds on the legs. Here is the proper place to mention the existence of lines on the Percussion, that is, upon that part of the outer side of the hand that extends along the mount of Mercury (see Map of the Hand). It is very important not to confound these lines on the Percus- sion with the lines on the neighboring mount. They will be found fully discussed in my chapter on the "Line of Marriage.” ON THE MOUNT OF MERCURY m Returning to the mount of Mercury, let me read you the meaning of the various signs marked on it. ‘'A Spot'’ — Failure in business. Cross” — Thieving disposition. ‘‘A Star” — Persistent dishonesty. ''A Square” — Preservation from heavy financial losses. “A Circle” — Terrible death by water. ‘‘A Triangle” — Shrewdness in politics. ‘‘A Grille or Gridiron” — Prognostic of violent death due to some thieving enterprise on the part of the subject. ''The Sign of Mercury” — Intensifies the good or bad features otherwise shown in the mount. "The Sign of Jupiter” — Fame and power reached by science or eloquence. "In a bad hand” — False pride leading to theft. "The Sign of Saturn” — Talent, tinged with sadness. "In a bad hand” — Occult sciences used to an evil end, especially to deceive. "The Sign of the Sun” — Talent for astronomy and natural philosophy; intense admiration of God’s crea- tion. "In a bad hand” — Talent in art and literature no ON THE MOUNT OF VENUS used for shameful purposes, and to rob people of their hard-earned money. ‘The Sign of Venus’" — Sensible love that thinks of the future of both parties. ‘Tn a bad hand” — Venal, despicable love. “The Sign of the Moon” — Wild, scheming disposi- tion that will deceive both the subject and his friends or associates. “The Sign of Mars” — Violence and theft combined; the highwayman’s characteristic, in a bad hand, of course. The Mount of Venus. “Two or three lines” — Ingratitude. “A quantity of lines, much crossed” — Passionate disposition. “These many lines on a flat, hard mount” — Sure characteristics of the worn out debauchee. Spot” — Some serious disease connected with a love affair. \/ P “A Cross” — A single and sadly terminating love. “A Cross in conjunction with one on the mount of Jupiter” — A happy love affair. “A Star at the base” — Misfortune, aue to love for a person of the opposite sex. ON THE MOUNT OF VENUS 111 Star very near the second phalanx of the thumb’' — A marriage, or ''liaison,” that will be the bane of the subject's whole life. "A square close to but not touching the Line of Life” — Prognostic of imprisonment. "A Circle” (very rare) — Chronic ill-health. "A Triangle” — Calculation (in a bad hand, venality) in love affairs; found in the hand of the "marriage de convenance.” "A Grille or Gridiron” — Lasciviousness and un- healthy curiosity. "The Sign of V enus” — Increased qualities or defects otherwise shown by the mount. "The Sign of Jupiter” — Love for people who flatter one's vanity. "The Sign of Mercury” — Morbid, jealous, unjust love. "The Sign of the Sun” — Idealistic, platonic love. "The Sign of Mercury” — Mercenary love. "The Sign of the Moon” — Erotic imagination. A thoroughly bad sign. "The Sign of Mars” — Brutal disposition in all love affairs; the animal instincts overpowering the human nature. 112 ON THE MOUNT OF THE MOON The Mount of the Moon. ‘‘One single line” — A strange presentiment of evil “One single line through the mount with a short one crossing it” — Tendency to chronic rheumatism or gout. “Many lines” — Visions, insomnia, nightmares, ten- dency to insanity, inconstancy in love affairs; the more numerous the lines the more numerous the worries. “Capillary lines” — Wounds on the body. “A Spot” — Some disease of the nervous system, from simple hysteria to folly. “A Cross” — Small, dreamy, superstitious disposi- tion ; large — a deceiving nature. “A Star” — Hypocrisy; danger of death by drown- ing. “A Star in a prominent mount, with the Line of Head corning down into the mount” — Suicide by drowning. “A Star connected by a small line with the Line of Life” — (In a bad hand) — hysteria of a dangerous char- acter. “A Square” — Imagination controlled by good judg- ment. “A Circle” — Danger of death by drowning. ON THE MOUNT OF MARS 113 “A Triangle” — Wisdom in the use of high imagin- ative faculties. “A Grille or Gridiron” — Chronic discontent; melan- cholia. “The Sign of the Moon” — Diseased imagination; nightmares; folly. “The Sign of Jupiter” — Dreams of extravagant power and position. “The Sign of Saturn” — Religious or superstitious semi-insanity. “The Sign of the Sun” — Extravagance in poetical and artistic manifestations. “The Sign of Mercury” — ^The taste for speculation pushed to extremes and to financial ruin. “The Sign of Venus” — A constant search after strange, new sensations. “The Sign of Mars” — Brain fever to be feared; vio- lent insanity. The Upper Mount of Mars. Here, again, as stated in Chapter VII., I shall only treat of that particular mount of Mars stretching between the mount of Mercury and the mount of the Moon. “One sbgle line” — Courage, “sang froid.” 114 ON THE MOUNT OF MARS “A number of lines” — Violent temper, lascivious- ness, brutality in love; always considered as a very bad omen for the general success of the subject. “Capillary Cross Lines” — Wounds through vital organs. “A Spot” — A wound in a fight. “A Cross” — Danger from a quarrelsome or stub- born disposition. “A Star” — Homicide, committed by the subject through a furious fit of anger or jealousy. “A Square” — A hot temper held within bounds by reason. “A Circle — Rare, very unfavorable sign. “A Triangle” — Excellence in military tactics. “A Grille or Gridiron” — Great danger of violent death. The Sign of Mars — Intensifies the merits and demerits of the mount. The Sign of Jupiter — The characteristic of the insatiable conquerors; met also in the hands of thte fashionable “lady-killers.” The Sign of Saturn — Disposition at once morbid and murderous; found in the poisoner’s hand, when ON THE MOUNT OF MARS 115 revenge, not desire for lucre, incites him, or her, to crime. The Sign of the Sun — Love of show, of vivid col- ors ; childish vanity, satisfied with a bright uniform or gown. The Sign of Mercury — Love of conquest and tri- umph in the field of business; found in the hands of the great plungers on the exchanges or the turf; of all born gamblers. The Sign of Venus — ^Violence in love matters. The Sign of the Moon — Violent insanity is threat- ened. CHAPTER IX. THE LINE OP LIFE. And now that we have reached the study of the lines, it is my privilege and pleasure to submit to you a classification of my own, which, I know, will help you considerably in the rather arduous task of remem- bering these hundreds of observations that constitute — if not by any means the whole of the science of chir- osophy — at least the fairly solid basis upon which to erect a durable edifice of more than elementary knowl- edge. In my years of constant study — not only of hands, but of all and every work, in Latin, French, Italian, German and English, devoted to Palmistry, from the XVth century down to the present day, I have endeavored to discover some logical method that could assist memory in the storing of such a vast amount of information. I believe that in the previous chapters I have proved myself practical and simple in my arrangement of details; and now, in the much more complicated domain we are entering together, here is THE LINE OF LIFE 11 ? the system I have evolved and which I submit to your kind and considerate attention. In the study of each of the principal Lines I shall consider ‘Tour’’ different categories of observations. Therein will be grouped respectively all reliable indi- cations concerning: 1. “The Line by itself;” including its color, breadth, length, character, starting and terminating points, direction and breaks. 2. “The Line in its connection with other main Lines.” 3. “The Forks and Tassels at its extremities.” 4. “Its Branches.” 5. “The Signs in, or on, it and its extremities. This close and comprehensive classification now ^aid down as my rule of action I proceed at once with The Line of Life. Being, without comparison, the most important of the Lines of the hand, this Line is found, very natur- ally, at the base of the largest mount — that of Venus — which it girdles; and this mount of Venus, being nothing else than the third phalanx, or ball, of the thumb, it so happens that the Regulator of Life is marked at the base of this marvelously useful and mys* 118 THE LINE OF LIFE terious little member, the two other phalanges of which represent respectively ‘Will Power^’ and “Brain Power or Reason.” Life — Will — Logic, do not these three words comprise a whole epitome of the human existence? And is this not an extraordinary coinci- dence worthy of the natural philosopher’s closest attention? But I will stop right here and now, before I have violated my pledge, scrupulously kept so far, not to indulge in any scientific theories — or vagaries, as unkind adversaries might call them — but to stick to my task, i. e., to place in your possession “facts,” mere “facts” and nothing else but “facts.” So I shall examine FIG. 15. ABOUT THE LINE OF LIFE- THE LINE OF LIFE 119 I. The Line of Life, by Itself. The shorter the line, the shorter the life. Although appearing to be short the life may be still sustained by a good line of Head and a strong first phalanx of the thumb; soon will appear in that case minute lines, or ''capillaries,’' at the termination. "Pale and broad” — 111 health, bad instincts, feeble and envious character. "Thick and red” — Violence and brutality of mind. "Of various thickness throughout its course” — Cap- ricious and fickle temper. "Thin and meager in the center” — 111 health during portion of life. "A spot terminating this thinness” — Sudden death. "Chained or linked” — Delicacy of constitution. "Chained under the mount of Jupiter” — Bad health in early life. "Coming out in a great circle into the palm of the hand, and reaching, or ending, close to the mount of the Moon” — Long life. "Commencing under the mount of Jupiter” — Great ambition, often great honors and success. (Very rare.) "Ceasing abruptly with a few little parallel lines” — sudden death. (Fig, 15-b.) THE LINE OF LIFE break in the line’’ — An illness. ^'Broken up and laddered” — Period of continued ill health. (Fig. 15-c.) ^^A break in both hards” — Great danger of death, ^^especially if the lower branch of the break turns inward toward the mount of Venus.” II. The Line of Life in Connection with the Other Principal Lines. ‘^Closely connected with the line of Head” — Life guided by reason and prudence, but extreme sensitive-^ ness about everything affecting self. ^'Lines of Life, Head and Heart all joined together at the commencement” — Terrible sign of misfortune and violent death. ^^Separated from, instead of joined to, the Line of Head, especially when the space between is filled with a mesh of little lines and the Lines of Life and Head are full and red” — Foolhardiness, amounting almost to folly. The same characteristics, ‘Vhen the Line of Life is deeply hollowed and reddish” — Brusqueness. ''A medium space between it and the Line of Head” — Energy and go-ahead spirit; dot much prudence. (Fig, 17-c.) THE LINE OF LIFE 121 ^Xying close to the thumb, especially if the lines of liver and the Head are joined by a star” — Sterility. ‘Hf a broken end of the Line joins the Line of Fate” — Great danger to life which has been averted, or will be averted by good luck. III. Forks and Tassels at the Extremities of the Line of Life. ^'Very simple and clear fork at the commencement, in a good hand” — Justice of soul and fidelity. ‘'Forked at the commencement, in a poor hand” — Vanity, indecision, fantasy. “A fork at the commencement, starting from the side of the hand” — Inconstancy (Fig. 16 -£.) m THE LINE OF LIFE fork going to the Line of the Head”— Faithful- ness. fork in the very center of the line” — ^A warning ef diminishing forces. ‘‘Forking about the center, one branch toward the base of the mount of the Moon” — In a “firm hand,” restlessness, travel; in “a flabby hand, with sloping Line of Head,” restlessness satisfied in vice. “Forked at the end” — Overwork in old age result- ing in poverty. (Fig. 15-e.) “Forked at the end, the two forks widely separated” — The life will end in poverty far from the country of one's birth. (Fig. 15-e.) “Tasseled at its extremity” — Poverty and loss of money late in life, if not earlier. (Fig. 15-d.) “Tasseled at its extremity, a tassel going to the mount of the Moon”~Prospective insanity. (Fig. 15-c.) IV. Branches From the Line of Life. “Branches ascending from the Line” — Ambition and generally riches. (Fig. 17-c, c, c.) “Branches ascending through the other lines”—- Success brought about by the personal merit of the subject. THE LINE OF LIFE m ^^Branch arising from the starting point and reach- ing the mount of Jupiter” — Ambition, success, egot- ism. (Fig. 16-d.) ‘'Branch rising from a black spot on the Line”— Nervous complaint left by some disease. “Branches descending” — Loss of health and wealth. (Fig. 17d, d, d.) V. Signs on the Line of Life or at its Extremities. “A bar across the broken ends” — Preservation from illness. (Fig. 16-b.) “Continually crossed by little cutting bars”“Con- tinued but not severe illness. “Black spots” — Always indicate disease; “if very deep” — Murder (?), sudden -death ; Vwith a dry skin and a prominent or ragged mount o£ the Moon”-r- Nervous troubles. “Circles and spots on the Line” — Blindness, some- times murder (?). “A cross at the commencement of the line, espec- ially if a point be also found at the same place” — ^Acci- dent in early life. “A cross at the end of the line” — Unmerited reverses in old age; a man of ability and character threatened with ill health. 114 THE LINE OF EIFE. **A cross cut by the branches’* — Mental infirmity with grave fear of death. ‘•Broken inside a square” — Recovery from a serious illness. (Fig. 16 -a.) “An island at the very beginning of the Bine”— Some mystery of the birth, hereditary disease or other fatality. “An island on the line” — Illness through some excess shown elsewhere in the hand. “An island on the line with the Bine of the Bivei, wavy’ ’ — Biliousness and indigestion. Pie. 17. ABOUT THE LINE OF LIFE. CHAPTER X. LINES, OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE. These lines, often quite short, or indistinct, or both, must be minutely searched, and when found, exam- ined, with a mind wideawake and logical. For, in them lies much that is particularly difficult to fathom in the science of hand reading; and without a close acquaintance with these '‘Lines of Influence’’ the indi- cations gathered from the Chirognomy of the hand, from its mounts and the study of the fourteen main lines, may prove fatally incorrect. For, allow me to lay down the following rule that applies invariably to all examinations of hands when- ever pursued in accordance with the true principles of Chirosophy: "An erroneous reading is always due to incomplete study on the part of the examiner.” Either he, or she, has come too hastily to the conclu- sion communicated to the subject through basing the said conclusion upon isolated observations; or an act- ual mistake has been made, just as when we attempt to (i?5> 126 LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE translate a complicated text from a language we are not familiar with and fail to reach the correct meaning of a word or sentence. What do we do in such a case, but hunt up a dictionary, or may be a teacher, and consult either or both with dilligent attention, until we have managed to correct our own blunder, becom- ing thus all the more proficient to meet and triumph over ever-recurring difficulties. But there is some- thing more to say in the matter of these ‘‘Lines of Influence.” They are infinite in their number and shape, direc- tion and length. There is no use trying to give, in any work of this kind more than a partial list with descrip- tions and interpretations. Concerning these marks frequently met with, this Chapter contains all you need in that way. But for other such lines, you will have to depend upon the shrewdness of your judgment, that will tell you — when sufficiently trained in the science of palmistry — ^what such or such short line, from the mount of Venus or the Line of Life, to such or such a point on the palm may actually mean, as a modifier or sustainer of the other, more general, indications. The surroundings, the starting and terminating points are guide posts that cannot fail to show you the waj^, LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE 127 to the desired goal, if you only read them intelligently. Palmistry is not a mechanical trade that any book or teacher can inculcate, if the pupil’s brain be not con- stantly at work, meeting, and wrestling with, unfore- seen contingencies. To facilitate the assimilation of the knowledge here- in imparted concerning a number of ‘‘lines of Influ- ences” I divide them into: 1. Lines or Rays, starting “from the Mount of Venus or the Line of Life and connecting either with other mounts.” 2. Lines or Rays, “starting from the Line of Life and connecting it with one of the fourteen principal Lines.’’ 3. Lines or Rays, “starting with a sign” from either the Mount of Venus or the Line of Life. 4. Lines or Rays, starting from either the Mount of Venus or the Line of Life, and “terminating with a sign.” L From the I^ount of Venus or the Line of Life to Another Mount. “Rays across the hand from the mount of Venus”— Worries and troubles, generally caused by others. “Rays ascending to the mount of Jupiter”~Aiaabi- 128 LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE tion, egotism, success; a step higher in one’s position at the age indicated by the point at which it leaves the Line of Life. Strengthened if it ends with a cross on the mount of Jupiter. ‘‘Rays ascending to the mount of Saturn” — Acci- dent from a quadruped; if ‘'with branches/’ the acci- dent will prove fatal. “Ray rising to the mount of Saturn and accompany- ing the^ Line of Fate” — Increase of wealth due to the subject’s own determined efforts. “Clear, direct ray from the Line to the mount of the Sun” — Celebrity in accordance with the type of the hand. “Indistinct ray from the Line to the mount of the Sun” — Obstruction to the possible celebrity through some defect to be found in the hand. “Ray from the Line of Life to the mount of Mer- cury” — Great success in business or science, according to the style of the hand. “Ray of tassel at the extremity of the Line of Life going to the mount of the Moon” — Great danger of folly resulting from overwork and poverty. “Ray ascending to the lower mount of Mars (the LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE 129 one under the mount of Jupiter)’' — Danger brought about by passion. Ray ''from the Line of Life to the mount of Mars (under Jupiter)” — Unfavorable attachment in early life that is the cause of much trouble. Ray "from the Line of Life to the same mount of Mars, starting with several branches” — Similar case, causing repeated persecutions. It represents the pas- sionate, animal temperament of the person who caused the trouble. Ray "by the side of the Line of Life and rising then to the same mount of Mars” — The woman has the stronger nature in the attachment. Ray "farther inside of the Mount of Venus, rising to the same Mount of Mars” — The person with whom the woman is connected will drift away more and more. 2. From the Mount of Venus, or the Line of Life, to One of the Principal Lines. "Ray cutting Line of Life” — Interference of rela- tives in the home life. "Ray cutting Line of Life and reaching Line of Fate’^ — People will oppose the subject in business or 130 LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE worldly intercourse; the point of intersection will tell the tale. ''Ray just cutting Line of Life and terminating at the Line of Head’' — Head or brain trouble. "Ray cutting Line of Life and reaching Line of Head” — People will interfere with our thoughts. "Ray just cutting Line of Life and terminating at the Line of Heart” — Heart disease. "Ray cutting the Line of Life and the Line of Heart” — Interference in our closest affections; the date to be found at the point where the Line of Life is cut. "A fork at the point where a ray going straight to the Line of the Heart cuts the Line of Life” — Un- happy marriage, even divorce. "An island appearing on a ray going straight to the Line of Heart” — The consequences of an unhappy love affair have been or will be serious, even shameful. "Ray starting from the Line of Life and cutting the Line of the Sun” — Worry or loss of money in early life, by reason of ruin or misfortune caused by one’s parents. "Ray cutting the Line of Life and the Line cf LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE 131 Sun” — Interference of others spoiling our position in life; scandal or disgrace to take place at the date indi- cated on intersection of the Line of Life. ‘'Ray cutting the Line of Life and reaching the Line of Marriage” — Divorce to the person in whose hand it appears. “Same ray with an island on it, even faintly marked” — The person causing this trouble has had such sim- ilar trouble in the past. 3. Starting from a Sign on the Mount of Venus or the Line of Life. “Ray from a star on the mount of Venus” — Quar- rels with relatives. “Ray from a star on the mount of Venus up to the mount of the Sun” — Quarrel with relations ending in ruin. “Ray from a star on the mount of Venus joining the Line of the Sun” — Quarrel with relations ending in good fortune. “Ray from the mount of Venus just cutting the Line of Life” — Marriage at the age indicated by the place where the cutting takes place. (See methods of reck- oning ages in Chapter XI.) 132 LINES OR RAYS OF INFLUENCE 4. Starting from the Mount of Venus or the Line of Life and Terminating in a Sign. Ray ‘‘terminating at a point or star on the Lines of Head or Heart” — Worries causing illness, respectively brain trouble or heart disease. Ray “across the Line of Fate to a star in the tri- angle” — A loss of money. Ray “crossing the Line of the Sun and terminating in an island” — Disgrace and public scandal resulting from a guilty intrigue. 'I 1 . CHAPTER XL HOW TO RECKON DATES. f yropose, before proceeding with the 6tudy of the line in order — ''the Line of the Heart'' — to devote quite a little space (and two large illustrations) to the two systenzs more generally practiced to ascertain in the hand, with a surprising degree of accuracy, the dates when the various leading events of one’s life, both past and future, have occurred or are to take place. There is no pretension on my part — nor on the part of any chirosophist acting in good faith — to fix a day or even a month when events will happen, althougli sudden calamities are often shown in the hand to be imminent. But within a year or eighteen months’ time palmistry can and has proved itself able to prognosticate happenings with a certitude which has often been appalling. The Charlatan in the Practice of Palmistry. Let me state first — what I shall never be tired of repeating — that if Palmistry is to be trusted at all it is 134 HOW TO RECKON DATES only because it is a science based upon the traditions of centuries, upon the researches, observations, dis- coveries of generation after generation, each of which has brought its stone to the present solid structure. The modern chirosophists have done little else but to co-ordinate those thousands of precise indications left by our forefathers; to free them from the verbiage of the ancient and middle ages; to classify them in such a way as to render them easy of access for the modern student; finally, to reject such observations as their personal studies did not allow them to consider cor- rect and reliable. Desbarrolles, Craig, Heron-Alien, and your humble servant himself have firmly declined to permit their imaginations to play havoc with the results of ages of close researches. But here and there, a professional fortune teller, too lazy or too dull of intellect to absorb the teachings of the masters, has attempted the bold task of creating his own system, a wretched pretense which is as far from legitimate palmistry as the back room clairvoyant who relieve^ poor servant girls of their hard-earned quarters is fai from a Blavatsky or a Besant. Remember, once for all, that Palmistry is not the system of one man, and that no one man’s existence is long enough to create HOW TO RECKON DATES 135 the hundredth part of a new system — if such an under- taking were possible or desirable. We are strong only because we are 'humble, faithful, ever-studying pupils of the masters that came and went before us. Their wisdom we enjoy, we teach, we believe in; and we repudiate indignantly all so-called ''inventions’’ in the realm of Palmistry as utterly worthless and deserv- ing the most severe treatment at the hands of level- headed people. Another point you must never lose sight of: The true, honest chirosophist will always be delighted to explain to you when and how his knowledge has been acquired. Pie talks "from the book,” so to speak, not from his imagination; and he can refer you to the masters’ teachings whenever a doubt arises in your mind. No shrouded mystery stretches between you and the truth ; everything is clear as day and as whole- some; worthy, indeed, of respect and confidence. Not so with the pseudo-chiromant. He will look wise and secretive. He will let you understand that he is endowed with semi-magical powers. He works on your credulity, not on your sound, common-sense. He takes great care never to tell you that Palmistry has been reduced to a science ^ precise and as public ^6 HOW TO RECKON DATES as geometry itself. It may be held by some to be wrong in its premises and conclusions, but ^^as a science” it shines in the glare of logic and reason, and on its merits ''as an exact science” it will stand or fall. All other pretenses — are pretenses ; and when it comes to collecting money with their help — false pretenses. Never, perhaps, is the fraudulent character of such practices made more manifest than in the settling of dates for past or future events. I am going to give you the two systems accepted for centuries by respect- ed and learned chirosophists. Neither of them pre- tends to fix a day, a week, a month, or even a year when such or such an occurrence has taken, or is to take, place. Within a period of, say, two years, these calculations have been found accurate and reliable. In many cases sudden events are pointed out as "imminent.” But more cannot, must not, be expected or announced. If you trust any one pretending to furnish you with closer dates, you may know from me, right here, that you consent to be the dupe of a char- latan. It is, indeed, a clever — the cleverest — dodge for bringing customers to a fortune-teller’s shop; but it remains a "dodge” and has never been accepted as part and parcel of legitimate palmistry. HOW TO RECKON DATES UT As will be seen in the two illustrations included in this lesson (Figs. 18 and 19), and as will be explained in a few paragraphs below, the years are marked both on the Line of Life and on the Line of Fate. These two lines intersect most of the lines in the hand or are connected with them and the mounts by minor Lines, such as I have examined in connection with the Line of Life and the mount of Venus. Practice will quickly teadh the student how to reckon on either or both of these Lines the events marked in other Lines. I shall take care to help them along in their first efforts as I proceed with the study of the lines. Let me remark here, however, that there will be found notable divergences in the various t)q)es of hands as to the measurements herein given. A hand with a long, slender palm will have the figures ®n the lines thrown much farther apart than will be the case in a short, broad palm. But experience will quickly allow the student to make proper allowances for these differences and give him the sure look that will divide the lines of Life and Fate into properly sized sections without any other compasses than the pair we all possess in oitr eyes. Of course, the dotted lines in the illustrations are simply indications to facilitate the 138 HOW TO RECKON DATES HOW TO CALCULATE DATES IN THE HAND. FIG. 18. THE NEW METHOD. HOW TO RECKON DATES 139 FIG. 19. THE METHOD OFTEN. 140 HOW TO RECKON DATES understanding of the text; they are not in any way lines of the hand.’’ I presented in an earlier edition of this book a method of reckoning dates, as old as Chironomy itself and re- cently used by a professional palmist of some reputa- tion. I did not recommend it in any way, and even the old Desbarrolles system which the reader will find side by side with my own method, I did not care to endorse fully. I have been asked so often, however, to furnish the public with a system I thoroughly believe in myself that I have decided to borrow the description and pic- ture from my greater work, ‘^The Practice of Palmistry for Professional Purposes” (2 vols., 1,252 illustrations). The New Method of the National School of Palmistry.” 1. On the liine of Life. You measure with a thread the Line of Life from its starting point to the first bracelet of the Rascette. If the Line of Life stops before that, you follow and measure the curve it would occupy if it did terminate at the first bracelet. This first measuring done, you cut the thread at the terminating point. You then double it and mark with ink its new terminating point. Each of the two halves of the thread you divide into five equal sections. The markings completed, you stretch the thread on the hand, following exactly the Line of Life,, and be- ginning at the beginning, you memorize the following HOW TO RECKON DATES 14i figures corresponding with each of the ink bars you have traced upon the thread. The ‘‘first mark’^ stands for the end of the “6th year.^^ The “second mark’^ stands for the end of the “12th year.” The “third mark” stands for the end of the “18th year.” The “fourth mark” stands for the end of the “24th year.” The “fifth mark” stands for the end of the “30th year.” (This is the middle of the thread. ) The “sixth mark” stands for the end of the “36th year.” The “seventh mark” stands for the end of the “43d year.” The “eighth mark” stands for the end of the “51st year.” The “ninth mark” stands for the end of the “60th year.” The “end” of the thread marks the “70th year.” 2. On the Line of Fate. Again, I measure with a thread a straight line from the first bracelet of the Rascette to the root of the second finger. The lower portion of the thread (below the Line of Head) I fold into three equal parts; then stretching it again along the space indicated above (the fact of the real Line of Fate being shorter does not in- terfere with the operation). At the upper “end of the first /"lowest) third” I mark the “fifth year.” At the “end of the second thirc!'” I mark the “29th year.” At the “end of the third third” (i. e., at the meeting 142 HOW TO RECKON DATES with the Line of Head, whether real or imaginary), I mark the ‘^35th year/’ Above the Line of Head I do not measure by the thread any longer, but At the ^‘meeting with the Line of Heart” I mark the ‘^50th year.” At the ‘‘root of the second finger” I mark the “70th year.” The Method of Ten. I take a pair of compasses of the ordinary kind and of a size suitable for the purpose. 1. I place one point just on the middle of the root of the first (or index) finger and the other point just between the second and third fingers. I then trace an arc of a circle, and where it cuts the Line of Life I mark “10.” Where it cuts the Line of Fate I mark “45.” 2. Leaving one point of the compass in its orig- inal position I place the other at the root of the third (or ring) finger, and draw an arc of a circle concentric with the first, and at its intersection with the Line of Life I mark “20;” where it cuts the Line of Fate I mark “35.” 3. One point still placed as before, I place the other HOW TO RECKON DATES 143 just between the third and fourth fingers, and draw another concentric arc of a circle; at its intersection with the Line of Life I write “30;” at its intersection with the Line of Fate I mark “25.” 4. With one point of the compasses still in its orig- inal position and the other point touching the middle of the root of the fourth (or little) finger a new arc is drawn. At its intersection with the Line of Life I write “40;” at its intersection with the Line of Fate, “ 20 .” 5. One point being still kept as before, and the other carried just to the edge of the Percussion, another arc is drawn, and at its intersection with the Line of Life I mark “50;” as it cuts the Line of Fate I mark “15.” 6. One point remaining as before, the other ad- vanced down the Percussion the same distance as on the previous marking, a fresh arc is drawn and at its intersection with the Line of Life I mark “60;” as it cuts t/he Line of Fate, I write “10.” 7. One point remaining as before, the other is advanced still further along the percussion, the same distance as on the preceding marking; still another 144 HOW TO RECKON DATES arc is traced and at the intersection with the Line of Life I mark '‘70;’’ as it cuts the Line of Fate I write "5.” 8. One point remaining as before, the other point is carried along the Percussion for a distance equal to two-thirds of the distance used in the preceding mark- ing, another arc is drawn, and at the point of inter- section with the Line of Life I mark "80.” 9. The first point of the compasses remaining at the place it has occupied all along, the other is carried along the Percussion a distance equal to two-thirds of the distance used in the preceding marking, another arc is drawn and at the intersection with the Line of Life I mark "90.” Here I will stop, having reached a number of years sufficiently respectable. To pass this age would be no blessing; how few men or women reach even the age of eighty without having become a burden both to themselves and to all around them? The mere fact that a Line of Life includes twelve or nine sections in the systems just described, does not, in itself alone, furnish positive proof that the persons under examination will reach the venerable age it would seem to indicate. Here again — and I cannot HOW TO RECKON DATES 14S repeat it too often — a single observation, if considered by itself alone, without reference to others, is but a delusion and a snare ; this is perhaps truer in this case than in any other. CHAPTER XIL THE LINE OF MARS-THE RASOETTE. THE LINE OF HEART. As the necessary adjuncts to the Line of Life, I have decided to insert herein the few observations that con- cern the “Line of Mars”— often called the sister to the Line of Life — the importance of which is really subor- dinate to this essential feature of every hand. The “Three Bracelets” constituting the “Rascette” are also — in their principal meaning — ^the corollaries of the Line of Life; their place must therefore be main- tained in the immediate vicinity of this Line. The Line of Mars or "Inner Line of Life.” “Running close and parallel to the Line of Life”— • It corrects many of the breaks and defects of that Line. It gives assurance, self-respect, and, “with a good mount of Jupiter,” a desirable amount of pride. Also a promise of success and fortune when confirmed elsewhera (146) THE LINE OF MARS 147 "Running only for a limited space as a companion to the Line of Life” — Its influence is limited to t^ie space of time indicated upon the portion of the Line ©f Life it duplicates. “Too deep or broad, with red coloring” — A sign of great heat and violence in sensual passions ; of an eas- ily aroused anger; of a masterful spirit (Fig. 20-a). “With a fork at the end starting toward the mount of the Moon” — Intemperance of every kind due to a superabundance of the animal nature amounting almost to brutal insanity (Fig. 20-bb). We find other indications relating to the duration of ttfe and to ks happiness or ill-luck in these three Unes 148 THE RASCETTE on the wrist, called the “Bracelets” or “Restreintes,” and the combination of which constitutes The Bascette. By some authors the line nearest to the palm is the only one called the “Rascette,” the appellation “Re- streintes” being reserved for the others; but I think it simpler and more practical to call the three “The Bracelets.” “One of these bracelets clearly marked and unbrok- en” — An omen of twenty-three (33) to twenty-eight (38) years of life. “Two such bracelets” announce a life of from forty- sfec (46) to fifty-six (56) years; and “Three such bracelets” give promise of a life of between sixty-nine (69) and eighty-four (84) years. “If very clear, well defined and colored” — Health, wealth, good luck, untroubled existence. “The first bracelet chained” — life of much hard work and care, but final success. (Fig. SO, i. i.) “The bracelets poorly formed” — A life of extrava- gance, and (with other confirmatory signs) of disripa- tion. “The fitst bracelet high up the wrist and strongly THE RASCETTE 149 convex in shape” — ^Trouble in the generative func- tions, especially in child-bearing, etc. “Lines from the Rascette to the mount of the Moon” — Travels or voyages; for every line a journey. (Fig. 20, c. c.) “Line from the Rascette to the mount of Jupiter” — A very long and successful journey. (Fig. 20, d. d.) “The longer these travel-lines,” the longer the jour- neys. “Travel-lines converging toward the mount of Sat- urn without joining there” — The subject will not return from one of these travels. “Travel-lines ending at the Line of Life” — Death ©n a journey. (Fig. 20, e. e.) “Line straight to the mount of Mercury” — Indica- tion of sudden wealth. (Fig. 20, f. f.) “Line straight to the mount of the Sun” — Reputa- tion acquired through associating with people in high position. “Poor line joining the Line of the Liver” — Poor luck all through life. “A cross at the center of the first bracelet” — A life full of difficulties ending peacefully. (Fig. 20, h. h.) “An angle at the center of the Rascette” — Money 160 THE LINE OF HEART by inheritance and position of honor coming to the subject in his or her old age. (Fig. 20, g. g.) The Line of Heart, which I reach now in regular order, is the first hori” zontal line across the palm of the hand; it runs at the base of the mounts. “Placed very high in the hand (near the roots of the fingers)” — Warm, passionate, jealous disposition. “Placed lower than its normal position (indicated clearly in Fig. 1 and Fig. 13.)” — Coldness, selfish- ness; in a good hand, indication of a steady flow of steady affection without physical attraction. Now I shall examine the “Line of the Heart” in its various aspects and connections, classifying my ob- servations in my own way. I may be allowed to state herein that this volume contains “more observations” concerning each mount or line than any other work on Palmistry published in any country and in any lan- guage, the great Desbarrolles not excepted. I. The Line of the Heart by Itself. “The longer it is and the farther it rises into the mount of Jupiter” the stronger and the more idealistic the love. “Long, clear and well traced” — Lasting affection. THE LINE OF HEART. 151 ^‘Stretching clear across the hand” — 'Blind devotion. “Double Line of Heart” — Capacity for deep affec- tion that will cause much sorrow to the subject. “Starting from the third phalanx of the first finger*' — Lack of success in all directions. “Starting between the mounts of Jupiter and Sat- urn*’ — Negative happiness. “Partially encircling the mount of Jupiter" — Jealousy, ^‘Completely encircling the mount of Jupiter’' — • Singular aptitude for occult sciences. (This sign is called “the Ring of Jupiter.’*) “Starting from under the mount of Saturn mstead .of under the mount of Jupiter” — Sensuality in affec- tion. 152 THE LINE OF HEART “Starting from under the mount of Saturn with a cross on the center of the Line of the Head” — Prema- ture death. (Fig. 21 a-a.) “Starting from under the mount of Saturn without forks” — Sudden death. “Very long, with a prominent and much-lined mount of the Moon and a clear girdle of Venus” — Jealousy. “Extending around the Percussion, with a long, clear line of Head and the mounts of Mars promin- ent” — Daring spirit. “Sinking toward the Line of the Head, thus narrow- ing the Quadrangle” — Mean character. Still more so, “with square-tipped and very smooth fingers.” “Sinking toward the Line of Head, forming a very narrow Quadrangle, and with a prominent mount of the Moon” — Duplicity. “Sinking toward the Line of Head, with an imper- fectly traced Line of Liver” — Asthma. “Sinking toward the Line of Head, the latter being connected with the Line of Life for more than the nor- mal distance” — Stiffness and formality in manner and disposition. “Very red” — ^Violence in affairs of the heart. THE LINE OF HEART m "Livid or yellow” — Liver troubles. "Very pale and wide” — Heart disease; poor circula- tion, dissipation having brought about a general weak- ening of the system. “Very thin and long” — Murderous instincts. “Weak and poor, and ending at the Percussion” — Childlessness. “Weak and poorly traced, with a chained Line of Head” — Faithlessness. “Chained” — Flirtatious disposition. “Chained and poorly traced, with a mount of Venus either exaggerate or covered with many cross lines” — Constant flirtations, or worse. “Chained and rising under the mount of Saturn” — Contempt for the opposite sex. “Much broken” — Inconstancy; or hatred of the opposite sex. “Broken under the mount of Saturn, with the two pieces overlaying each other” — Dangerous illness, arising from defective circulation of the blood. “Broken under the mount of Saturn” — Engagement broken, but not by the subject’s fault and desire. "Broken under the mount of the Sun” — Engage- ment broken through a caprice of the subject. m THE LINE OF HEART ^^Broken under the mount of Mercury” — Engage- ment broken on account of the avaricious disposition of the subject (Fig. 21-g). ^‘Absent’’ — Extreme coldness, physical and moral; selfishness; boundless avarice; with other signs, such as a prominent mount of Mars, cruelty. ‘‘A well developed Line, with somewhat exaggerate mounts of Venus and the Moon” — Romantic disposi- tion. ‘^A good Line, with a good Line of Head and a tri- angle at the end of the Line of Life” — Tact. ‘^A poor Line, with a poor line of Head and a cross at the end of the Line of Life” — Untruth. ^'A poor Line, with the Line of Head starting under the mount of Jupiter and ending at the mount of Mars” — Misfortune due to one’s folly. ‘^A poor Line, with a long Line of Head and a nar- row Quadrangle, and with spatulate fingers and a short phalanx of the thumb” — Vacillation. II. The Line of Heart Directly Connected with the Other Principal Lines. ‘‘Strongly marked and long united at the start with the lines of Life and Head, the latter terminating in a fork, one branch of which descends to the mount of THE LINE OF HEART 155 the Moon, while the other branch goes its natural course or joins the Line of Heart” — Blind and fatal passion. (Fig. S3, a. a.) ‘^Uniting with the Line of Life and the Line of Head under the mount of Jupiter, with a cross in the middle of the Line of Head” — Sudden death (if repeated in both hands). ''Joined to the Line of the Head under the mount of Saturn” — Fatal events. "Joined to the Line of Head under the mount of Mercury in a tortuous curve” — Premature death. "Starting from the mount of Jupiter and connecting with a straight, clear Line of Fate arising from the 156 THE LINE OF HEART mount of the Moon, which loses itself in the Line of Heart’’ — Unexpected happiness. III. The Line of Heart Connected with Minor Lines. quantity of little lines cutting across the Line of Heart diagonally” — Moral and physical misfortunes of the heart and liver. ‘‘Connecting lines between the Line and the Line of Life” — Illnesses caused either by sorrows due to dis- appointed love, or by troubles in the functions of the heart. “Joined to the line of Head by a line starting from it witho-^t cutting it” — Fatal infatuation. “Lines falling from the Line of Heart to the Line of Head without touching the latter” — Life greatly influenced by the opposite sex. (Fig. 21-c. c. c.) Line rising from the Line, reaching the mount of Saturn, and then turning back abruptly” — Misplaced affection. “Short lines ascending to the line from the Line of Fate” — Love not ending in marriage. “Pale and wide, with a line from the mount of Venus to the mount of Mars or the mount of Mercury — Material love ; sensuality. “Cut under the mount of Mercury by one of the THE LINE OF HEART 187 branches of a cross on that mount'’ — Business failure. (Fig. 21, d.) line from the Line of Heart rising deep into the fourth finger, the mount of Mercury being prominent” — Avarice. ‘Two perpendicular lines proceeding straight from the line to the mount of the Moon” — Death by apo- plexy. (Fig. 22, d. d. d. d.) “A curved line from the line (not cutting it, how- ever) to the mount of the Moon” — Murderous disposi- tion. “Lines from it to the Quadrangle” — ^Versatility, sel- dom of much real use to the subject. “A line from the Line of Heart to the Line of Fate, the latter being broken in its course” — Widowhood. (Fig. 23, d. d.) THE LINE OF HEART “The Line as well as the Lines of Life, of Head and of Marriage, cut by a line starting from the mount of Venus” — Troubles connected with one’s marriage. (Fig. 21, e. e.) IV. Forks and Branches. ‘Torked under the mount of Jupiter’’ — Good for- tune. ''li the forks are three” — Great good fortune. ''Evenly forked when starting under the mount of Jupiter, with a cross on the mount of Venus” — ^An only love. "Forked under the mount of Jupiter, one fork going up to the mount” — Happy in love. (Fig. 23, c. c.) "Forked at the start, one fork toward the mount of Jupiter, the other toward the Line of Head” — Self- deception. "The Line starting with a fork from the Line of the Head and reaching down to the mount of Venus” — Separation resulting in marriage. "Starting with a fork, one branch of which ascends between the first and second fingers, with a prominent, unlined mount of Jupiter and without marks or lines on an insignificant mount of the Moon” — Negative happiness. THE LINE OF HEART 15 ^ ‘‘Forked with one fork to the mount of Jupiter and the other to the mount of Saturn’’ — Fanaticism; bad errors in the pursuit of success. “Forked at the s Love of details. “Long and narrow, with moderate mount of Venus” —Constancy. “Long and narrow, with high mounts of Mars, Jup- iter and Mercury” — Energy. “Well developed Line with good mounts of Jupiter itQll THE LINE OF HEAD and Mercury” — Power of concentrating one’s mind. ‘'Long, clear and straight, with a long, conical first finger and good mounts of Saturn and the Sun”~ Love of reading. “A good, long line and a broad Quadrangle, with a long, conical first finger and the others square” — Thoughtfulness. “Long and straight, with a good Line of Heart, and a first finger longer than the normal size” — Love of economy, but not an avaricious disposition. “A good Line, with a good Line of Heart and a^tri- angle at the termination of the Line of Life” — Tact. “Forming a clear cross, in both hands, with the Line of Liver” — Aptitude for occult sciences. “Extending clear across the palm, with a Line of Liver narrow, distinct and straight” — Good memory. “Narrow and weak” — Frivolity. “Chained or linked” — Headaches. (Fig. 24 a.) “A poor Line, with abnormally small thumbs”— Idiocy. “Long but faint, with an exaggerate mount of Mer- cury” — Perfidy. “A short Line, with a low mount of Jupiter and THE LINE OF HEAD 163 exaggerate mounts of Venus and the Moon” — Lazi- ness. “Pale and broad, with hard hands and a low mount of the Sun” — Dull intellect. “A short, clear line, or a long, faintly traced line” — Flightiness, lack of concentration. “A straight Line, with very short fourth finger and developed knots” — Tactlessness. “Formed in little Islands, with fluted nails, curved at the top” — Consumption. (Fig. 24 a.) “Running only half way across the hand, with badly developed mounts of Jupiter and of the Sun” — Lack of intelligence. “A tortuous Line with a narrow Quadrangle and a mount of Mercury exaggerate” — Dishonesty. m THE LINE OF HEAD ‘'Short, with a narrow Quadrangle and a high mount of Venus” — Narrow mindedness. "Stretching across the whole palm, with a badly formed Triangle” — Avarice. "Running quite close to the Line of Life for quite a space” — Brain fever. "A poor Line with the Line of Heart absent and the Line of Liver wavy” — Weak heart. "Very poor and narrow Line with an irregular Line of Liver” — Chronic indigestion. "Not joined with the Line of Life at the start and with a deeply lined, firm hand with spatulate fingers” — Energy. "Not joined with the Line of Life at the start” — In a good hand — Self-reliance, especially if "the Line is clear and long.” "Not joined with the Line of Life at its start and with a badly formed cross in the Quadrangle” — Exag* gerate enthusiasm. "Not joined to the Line of Life, with exaggerate mounts of Jupiter and Mars” — Abnormal self-confi- dence. "Far apart from the Line of Life at the start with a very flat mount of Mercury and exaggerate mounts THE LINE OF HEAD 165 oi Mars”— Recklessness; often lack of intelligence, especially ‘‘if the Line is short.” “Widely separated from the Line of Life with smooth fingers and spatulate tips” — Tactlessness. “Starting with a curve around the thumb and going clear across the palm” — Extravagant conceit. (Fig. 26, a). “Starting under the mount of Jupiter and sioping down the mount of the Moon, with the first phalanx of the thumb wide and short and a poor Line of Heart” — Obstinacy. “Rising toward the Line of Heart, with a Line of Liver starting from the Line of Life” (Fig. 26 b, lx dotted line) — ^Tendency to fainting fits. 166 THE LINE OF HEAD 'Wavy and rising in a curve toward the Lint 3 f Heart under the mount of the Sun or Mercury — Insanity (to be confirmed by the other hand and by other signs, especially the mount of the Moon). "Slanting downward very closely to the Line of Life’’ — Fatal love. "Sloping and ending in a fork on the mount of the Moon '' — Crafty disposition. "Sloping abruptly to the mount of the Moon with a star on the first finger” (Fig. 34, b, b,) — Insanity. "Descending low down on the mount of the Moon, with the middle phalanx of the first finger much lined’' —Aptitude for the occult sciences. "Long and sloping to the mount of the Moon with a high mount of Jupiter marked with a grille or grid- iron” — Eloquence. "Long and sloping, with a Line of the Sun in both hands, and the second and third fingers nearly the same length” — Love of gambling; disposition to take great risks in business. "Wavy, and inclining toward the Line of Liver, with a Line of Fate ending abruptly at the Line of Head” (Fig. 35 a. a.) — Brain disease. THE LINE OF HEAD 167 “Ending at the center of the Hand and with low mounts of Mars” — Want of spirit. “After partly crossing the hand, turning back and starting toward the mount of Venus”^ — Fatal love. “The Line ending just before it crosses the Line of Fate” — Short life. “Rising at its termination toward the mount of Mer- cury” — ^Tact and shrewdness in the management of affairs. “Ascending to the mount of Mercury at its termina- tion” — Gift of mimicry. “Long and clear, terminating on the lower mount of Mars” — Presence of mind. “Rising toward the Line of the Heart at its termin- ation” — Giddiness. “Running to the Percussion, with low mounts of Jupiter and Venus, the thumb inward bent and the fingers close together” — Egotism, almost, if not quite, to the point of offensive conceit. “Broken in small sections, having the appearance of H succession of small squares” — Loss of memory. “Broken under the mount of Saturn in both hands with the fragments overlaying each other” — ^Wounds. 163 THE LINE OF HEAD ‘‘Broken in small sections under the second finger, the broken fragments overlaying each other, true only if in both hands, with other confirmatory indications” — Death on the scaffold. (Unconfirmed tradition.) “Broken under the mount of Saturn with a cross inside the triangle and a Line of Life ending abruptly” — Capital punishment. “Broken under the mount of Saturn and sloping toward a very prominent mount of the Moon” — Dan- ger of insanity, “Broken under the mount of the Sun” — ^Accident through a quadruped. “Followed by a sister Line” — Wealth by inherit- ance. tl. The Line of Head Connected with the Principal Lines. “Joining in a very acute angle with the Line of Life” ^Prudence. “Closely connected for some distance with the Line of Life” — Hesitating ways, diffidence, “Joining with the Line of Life, mounting toward the Line of Heart under the mount of Saturn, then coming down and resuming its normal position” (Fig. 24, c. c.) — Blind or fatal passion. THE LINE OF HEAD 169 ^‘Joined at the start with the Line of Life and the Line of Heart” — Sudden death. ‘The Line and the Line of Life closely connected with the Line of the Sun in both hands, with large hands and the Supreme Angle well formed but nar- row” — Extreme sensitiveness. “Forming a cross with the Line of Liver on the mount of the Moon” — Diseased imagination. “Joined with the Line of Liver, the Line of Life being forked at the start” — Brain disease. “The Line joined to the Line of Liver, with a poor Line of Fate, and many lines crossing the Line of Life, and with an exaggerate mount of Jupiter”— Tendency to suicide. “Broken, but continuing at once” — Change for the better after momentary troubles. “Broken just before reaching the Line of Heart under the mount of Saturn” — Rupture with one loved through mere fatality. “Broken just before reaching the line of Heart, under the mount of the Sun” — Rupture with one due to pride or foolish whim. “Broken just before reaching the Line of Heart, no THE LINE OF HEAD under the mount of Mercury” — Rupture with one loved, due to mercenary considerations. “Broken and with a line from the Line of Heart to the Line of Fate” — Widowhood. “Long and wavy, with a Line of Liver also wavy, and the second phalanx of the fingers relatively longer than the others” — Bad teeth. “The Line of Head poorly formed, with a small triangle at the termination of the Line of Life, and a large mount of Mercury” — Loquacity. “Joined to the Line of Heart under the mount of Saturn” — Fatal events. “Rising straight from the mount of the Moon to the 'Une of Heart, losing itself in it, the Line of THE LINE OF HEAD m Heart having started from the mount of Jupiter”-^-# Unexpected happiness. ‘‘Losing itself in a Line of Heart, which has come straight from the mount of Jupiter” — Love for one only. III. The Line of Head Connected with Minor Lines. “Small lines cutting the Line or falling from it’'— Headaches. “Broken or curved lines on a sloping Line of Head” — Danger of insanity. “Lines starting from the base of the mount of Venus, and reaching the Line of Head” — Pecuniary troubles. “The Line and the Lines of Life, Heart and Mar- riage cut by a line from the mount of Venus” — Troubles connected with marriage. “Lines descending from the Line and cutting the Line of Life with a full mount of Mercury” — -Brain troubles. “A line from the Line to the mount of Jupiter end- ing in a star” (Fig. 24, d.) — Brilliant fortune. “A line starting from the Line and terminating with a cross on the mount of Jupiter” — In a poor hand; calamity coming. m THE LINE OF HEAD “A line from the Line to the mount of Jupiter with an angle or a cross on the upper bracelet” — Wealth. “One clear line from the Line of Head to up between the third and fourth finger” — Profitable suc- cess in artistic enterprises. “A straight, clear line from the Line to a well devel- oped mount of the Sun” — Fame acquired in art. “One clear line from the Line to the mount of Mer- cury” — Successful business ventures. “Joined to the Line of Heart by a line that loses itself in the Line of Heart” (Fig. 35, c. c.) — Fatal infat- uation. “Lines rising from the Line to the Line of Heart without actually cutting the latter” (Fig. 36, d. d.) — Life influenced by others. “A Line at the termination of the Line of Head ris- ing to and being absorbed by the Line of Heart”— Affection controlling reason. “A Line from the Rascette cutting the Line, and also the Line of Heart and ending on the mount of Jupiter” — Success as a lover. THE LINE OF HEAD 178 IV. Forks and Branches of the Line of Head. ^^Small branches from the to the mount of Venus” — Affection mastering reason. 'Three or more branches rising to the mount of J upiter” — Riches. "A branch from the Line ascending to the root of the first finger” — Ambition. "A branch from the Line rising high into the mount of Jupiter and then turning toward the mount of Sat- urn” — Religious fanaticism. "A branch from the Line rising as high as the root of the first finger, and then turning over toward the mount of Saturn” — Extravagant vanity. "A branch to the mount of the Sun with a good Line of Fate” — Riches. "Throwing branches toward a well-formed mount of the Moon” — Business prosperity. "Forked with the fourth linger conical and trav- ersed by many lines” — Perspicacity. "Forked, as well as the Line of Heart, under the mount of Saturn” (Fig. 26, c. c.) — Good fortune. "Sloping and forked at its termination, one branch to the mount of the Moon, the other to the mount of Mercury” — Hypocrisy. 174 THE LINE OF HEAD Fork at the termination with a small palm, a short thumb and fingers broad at the third phalanx’’ — Untrustworthiness. ''A long fine Fork at the end of the Line, one fork toward the mount of the Moon, but not descending too low” — The gift of clairvoyance. ''A Fork at the termination, both branches sloping low down on the mount of the Moon” (Fig. 25, b. b. b.) — Wicked imagination. V. Signs on the Line of Head. 'White spots on the Line” — Discoveries. "White spots on the Line under the mount of Sat- urn” — Success in money matters. "Lines crossing the Line of Heart, with white spots on the Line under the mount of the Sun” — Literary success. "White spots on the Line close to the mount of Mercury” — Success in scientific researches. "Dark spots on the Line with narrow and highly colored Lines of Life and of Liver” — ^Tendency to fever. "A black spot on the Line in both hands, with a Line from the lower part of the Line of Life rising to THE LINE OF HEAD 173 the mount of the Moon and terminating in a star” (Fig. 26, c. c. c.) — Delirium tremens. “Pale and wide with black spots and the Line of Life forked at the start” — Very serious brain disease. “A bluish spot on the Line where it forms a side of the Triangle, the mounts of Mars being prominent” — Tendency to murder. “Irregular, either wavy or discolored, with a bluish spot on it” — Liver troubles. “A red spot on the Line itself, broken under the mount of Saturn” — An accident to the head. “A cross on the Line, along the Triangle” (Fig. 25, d.) — Grave accident. “With the Line wavy and slop- ing” (Fig. 25, e.) — Fatal accident. “A cross terminating a branch of the Line, ascend- ing to the root of the first finger” — ^Thwarted ambi- tion. “Stopping abruptly at the Line of Saturn, the Line of Heart stopping there also, and with a cross on the Line of Head” — Premature death. “A Star on the Line” (Fig. 26, f.) — A wound on the head. “Short and with a fork at the start, going up to the 176 THE LINE OF HEAD mount of Jupiter, and ending there with a star^’— Fatal pride. ‘‘A star terminating a branch of the Line ascending to the root of the first finger” — Successful ambition. ‘‘Sloping almost, or quite, to the Rascette and ter- minating in a cross or star” — Violent death. “Sloping to the mount of the Moon and ending in a star” — Death by drowning. ^ “A circle on the Line and a cross high up on the Line of Liver” — Blindness. (By many the circle alone is considered sufficient indication). “A triangle on the Line close to the mount of Mer- cury” — Success in scientific researches. “An island on the Line” — Tendency to neuralgia. “An island on the Line with a Line of Liver turning red as it approaches the Line of Head”— Brain fever. CHAPTER XIV. THE LINE OF FATE— THE LINE OF LIVEB— THE VIA LASCIVA. I now turn my attention to a vertical line, one of the five lines the starting points of which are to be found in the lower part of the palm and the terminations more or less close to the roots of the fingers. This line, of capital importance in all proper and correct examinations of hands, is called The Line of Fate; also, often, the ‘'Line of Chance,'’ “Line of Saturn,” or “Saturnian,” from its usual termination beneath the finger of Saturn or second finger. It^ many varia- tions and their meanings are classified as follows : I. The Line of Fate by Itself. “The Line running direct to the mount of the Sun” — Celebrity in art. “Of a deep, red color, cutting through the finger of Saturn and rising to the third phalanx of the second finger” — Dishonorable death. (iTrt 178 THE LINE OF FATE ‘^Chained when it crosses the Line of Hearth- Troubles in love. “Poorly traced as it approaches the center of the hand'’ — Troubles in middle life. “A sister line following the Line for a short space” (Fig. 27, a.) — Life influenced by others. “Wavy and chained, or either, with a second line clinging to it (not a sister line, as such a line must not in any case touch the line it completes)” — Unhappi- ness. “Absent” — Insignificant, eventless life. “Starting in zigzag or with a series of crosses”—- Wretched childhood. “Rising straight from the Rascette and penetrating into the third phalanx of the second finger” — An extraordinary destiny. The other signs in the hand will tell whether for good or evil. The strongest evi- dence of “fatality” in one’s life, “Starting from below the Rascette” (Fig. 27, c.)— ' Intense grief. “Rising from the Rascette and terminating at a short Line of Head (Fig. 27, d. d.) — Business failure. “Rising from the mount of the Moon, with the first THE LINE OF FATE m and third fingers long and conically tipped” — ^The gift of intuition. ''Rising from the Mount of the Moon, with many horizontal lines, crossing the Percussion of this mount” — Continual travels. "Rising from the inside of the Triangle” — Energy. "Rising from the inside of the Triangle in both hands” — Favorable opportunities obtained through hard labor and intelligent planning. "Rising from the Line of Head in both hands with no cross lines barring it” — Success late in life. "Rising from the Line of Head and circling toward the mount of Saturn” (Fig. 37, f. f.) — Laborious life. "Rising from the Line of the Head with low mounts of Jupiter, the Sun and Mercury” — Dull intellect IBO THE LINE OF FATE ^‘Rising from the Line of Life with the mounts of Jupiter and Venus developed” — Benevolence. ‘‘Rising from the mount of the Moon and proceed- ing clear and uninterrupted to the mount of Saturn, but not cutting the root of the finger” (Fig. 27, d.) — Happiness in love. “Poorly formed and terminating abruptly at the Line of Head in both hands” — Misfortunes through mistaken views. “Terminating at the Line of Heart with an exagger- ate mount of Saturn’’ — Despondency. “Dwindling to a mere thread as it nears the Line of Life with a very high mount of the Moon” — Exag- gerate sentimentality. “Terminating on the mount of Mercury in both hands” — Success in business. “Broken” (Fig. 27, c. c. c.) — For each break a cas- ualty or a change in one’s existence. II. The Line of Fate Connected with Other Lines. “Broken and cut by numerous small lines” — Con- tinued misfortune. “The Line and the Line of Life intersected by many lines cutting them horizontally” — Grief; as many lines of the kind, as many great sorrows. THE LINE OF FATE 181 “A deep line from the base of the mount of Venus to the Line of Fate” — Violent amorous passion. Should a second line act as a sister line to this one” — Ungoverned passion reaching happiness over great obstacles. III. Brandies, Forks and Signs on the Line of Fate. “Descending branches on either side of the Line” — Pecuniary troubles. “Branches rising to the mount of the Sun”— Wealth. “Broken and with a branch sloping toward the mount of the Moon” — Danger from death or unfaith- fulness. “Crosses or indentations at the commencement of the Line” — ^Unhappiness in childhood. “Crosses or chains on the Line, except at the con- nection with the Line of Heart” — Pecuniary troubles. “A cross at the termination of the Line, with a grill on the mount of Mercury” — Violent death. “A cross in the Quadrangle attached to the Line, with smooth fingers and long, well developed first phalanges” — Consolation derived from religious faith. “A cross on the Line” (Fig. 2?’, g.) — Change of life; 182 THE LINE OF LIVER ‘'if only near the Line’’ — ^The change will affect the life of a dear friend. “Star or stars on the Line” — Threatened, immineni dangers. “A star at the termination of the Line with anothei i star on the mount of the Moon” — Tendency to suicide (Fig. 27, h. h.) “A star at the termination of the Line with a stai also at the end of the Line of Life in both hands”— Death by paralysis. ' “An island on the Line ending in a fork between the mount of Venus and the Line of Heart ’^ — A divorce. ^ The Line of Liver. This is the sixth of the “seven great lines,” which % rank as follows, in their importance, if not in the order we have studied them together: 1. Line of Life, or “Vital.” 2. Line of Heart, or “Mensal.” 3. Line of Head, or “Cerebral.” 4. Line of Fate, or “Saturnian.” 5. Line of Mars, or “Sister Line of Life.” 6. Line of Liver, or “Line of Health,** or “Hepatica.” THE LINE OF LIVER 183 7. Line of the Sun, or 'Xine of Apollo,” or ^'Line ot Brilliancy.” Of this ‘'Line of I^iver” the farthest starting point (often jnodified) is close to the Rascette in the vicinity of the Line of Life, and its extreme termination is on the mount of Mercury. (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 13.) Its particularity resides in the fact that “Its absence is considered x great boon,” and a sure sign of steady health and pec^iniary success. Now for it in !e^.ail: 1. The Line of Liver hy Itself. “Not joined with the Line of Life and with a well formed Rascette” — Longevity. m THE LIFE OF LIVER 'Taking its course along the Percussion on the mount of the Moon’’ (Fig. 29, d. d.) — Many voyages, "Long, narrow, clear and straight, with a Line of Head extending clear across the hand” — Good mem- ory. "Very narrow and highly colored, with a similar Line of Life and dark spots on the Line of Head” — Feverish disposition. "Irregular or wavy, with a poor, narrow Line of Head” — Indigestion. "Undulating” — Billiousness; in its worst form, with a damp hand. "Long and wavy, with a similar Line of Fate, and the second phalanx of all fingers relatively longer than the others” — Bad teeth. "Undulating, with a poor Line of Head and a total absence of a Line of Heart” — Weak heart. "Imperfectly traced, with a narrow Quadrangle, caused by the Line of Heart sloping toward the Line of Head” — Asthma, hay fever. "Poor, with all the other lines in the hand also feebly marked” — Paralysis. "A poor Line, with a Line of Head also poor and a THE LINE OF LIVER 185 cross at the termination of the Line of Life” — Poor general health. “Red at the start” — Tendency to palpitation of the heart. “Thin and red about the middle” — Tendency to fever. “Of a red color near the Line of Head” — Constant headaches. “Of varying colors and red where it crosses the Line of Head” — Apoplexy. “Of a yellow color” — Internal complaints. “Mounting to the Mount of the Sun, with a com- plete Rascette well marked” — ^Wealth. 186 THE LINE OF LIVER ^‘Ascending to the Mount of Mercury, with the Third Angle of the Triangle broad and clear’^ — Long- evity. 'Turning a kind of semi-circle from the Mount of the Moon to the lower Mount of Mars” — Clairvoy- ance. (This is really the "Line of Intuition,” which see.) "Entirely absent” — Good health. "Absent, with hard hands and pointed-tipped fin- gers” — Activity. "Absent, and with a developed Mount of Mercury” — Vivacity. "Running close to the Percussion while crossing ths Mount of the Moon, with that Mount and that of Mercury much developed (Fig. 29 d,)” — Captiousness> II. The Line of Liver in Connection with Other Lines. "Rising from the Line of Life, with the Line of Head approaching the Line of Heart” — Tendency to faimting fits. "Closely connected with the Line of Life, but irreg- ular in its course, with red or bluish spots on the Line of Life (Fig. 30, a. a.)” — Heart disease. THE LINE OF LIVER 187 '‘Forming a clear cross in both hands with the Line of Head” — ^Talent for occult sciences. “Joined with the Line of Head, with a Line of Life cut by many fine lines” — Brain disease. “Forming a cross, with the Line of Head on the mount of the Moon” — Over-excited imagination. “Deep and not extending beyond the Quadrangle, while touching both the Lines of Head an3 Heart on either side (Fig. 31, f. f.) — Danger of brain fever. “Forming a small (minor) Triangle, with the Line of Head and the Line of Fate” — Aptitude for occult sciences, or a gift of intuition, “and if very straight and clear” — Clairvoyance. “Accompanied by the Via Lasciva as its sister line (Fig. 30, b. b.) — Great happiness. Ardor in Love. m. Branches and Signs on the Line of Liver. "Branches from the Line toward the Line of the Sun” (Fig. 29, e. e. e.)— Change in one’s business. “A cross high up on the Line with a circle on the Line of the Head” — Blindness. "Crosses near the Line, but not on it” — Casualties. "A star on the Line” — ^Absence of any family. 188 THE VIA LASCIVA “A star close to the Line in the Triangle” — Blind- ness. “An island on the Line, with the Line of Fate cut up by small lines and the Line of the Sun being either absent or poorly traced” (Fig. 29, a. a.) — Bankruptcy. “With many islands and narrow, fluted nails” (Fig. 31, e. e.) — Delicacy of the respiratory organs. ^ The Via Lasciva, or “Milky Way.” “Traced clearly in both hands” — Sensuality. “Acting as a sister Line to the Line of Liver” (Fig. 29, b. b.) — Great happiness, excellent health. “Starting from inside the mount of Venus, wavy and long” (Fig. 30, a.) — Lasciviousness. “Reaching to the mount of Mercury” (Fig. 30, d.) — Good luck, eloquence and talent as a statesman. “Jstiaed to the Line of the Sun by a line” (Fig. 30, c>-»Wealth. CHAPTER XV. THE LINE OF THE SUN—THE LINE OF MAREIAGE —THE LINE OF INTUITION— THE GIRDLE OF VENUS. The Line of the Sun. The seventh and last of the “great Lines” also starts low down the hand (more or less so), and its termin- ating point is upon the mount of the Sun. As stated twice before, its various names are “Line of the Sun/' “Line of Apollo” and “Line of Brilliancy.” It completes and modifies the prognostics found upon the mount of the Sun and refers more particu- larly to Success, or Failure, in art, literature, eloquence, in everything that contributes to render its happy possessor favorably conspicuous in the eyes of his, or her, fellow-creatures. Here are the principal observ- ations gathered concerning this line. (See Fig. 1 , and Fig. 13.) I. The Line of the Sun by Its^f. “Well formed in both hands” — Success. “Long and uncrossed” — Riches. (189) I THE LINE OF THE StJN ‘'With a hollow palm and twisted fingers’' — ^Talent used for an evil purpose. “Pale or simply poorly colored” — Artistic instincts but insufficient powers of execution; the “Art ama- teur’s Line.” “Deeply traced, with a mount of Jupiter high in both hands” — Friendship of people in high position. “Clearly marked in both hands, with one single star on the mount of the Sun (Fig. 28 a)” — Celebrity due to talent. “Narrow, deep and straight and ascending the mount of the Sun, uncrossed in both hands” — Wealth. “Terminating in a series of small lines when near THE LINE OF THE SUN 191 the mount of the Sun’' — Failure, the nature of which is determined by other indications. good Line with a good Line of Fate and a high mount of Jupiter” — Ambition. ‘Tound in both hands, with a long, narrow, sloping Line of Head and the second and third fingers nearly of the same length” — Gambling propensities. ‘'Broken repeatedly” — ^Versatility that brings neith- er money nor fame to the subject. “Absent or badly traced, with an island on the Line of Liver and a Line of Fate cut up by small lines (Fig. 89, a. a.)” — Bankruptcy. II. The Line of the Sun Connected with Other Lines. “Rising from the Line of Life in both hands” — Success in art. Brilliant fortune. “Cut by the Marriage Line (Fig. 28, d.)” — Loss of social position due to unsuitable marriage. “A branch from the Line of the Head to the Line” — Pecuniary success. “Confused and broken inside the Quadrangle” — Series of misfortunes in the struggle for artistic recog- nition, but final success. Generally connected with the Line of Life by a “worry line.” “Tv;c or three lines rising from the Line, but irreg- 192 THE LINE OF THE SUN ular or uneven or crossed by other lines (Fig. 38, b b b b)” — Failure in art by want of concentration. “Cut by a line from the mount of Saturn” — ^The lack of financial resources will prevent a successful artistic career. “A good line, but with two wavy, irregular lines on the mount of the Sun” (Fig. 28, c. c.) — Misdirected genius. “Two deep parallel lines, one at either side of the Line (also deep) on the mount of the Sun” — Glory, untold fortune. “Cut by a line from the mount of Mercury” — Suc- cess prevented by fickleness in the disposition of the subject. THE LINE OF THE SUN 193 ^‘Many small lines that touch the Line horizontally without cutting it’" — Artistic career hindered by envi- ous rivals; also loss of fortune of the parents’ subject during his or her youth. HI. Forks, Branches and Signs on the Line of the Sun. ‘‘Forked into a pointed trident, starting from the Line of Heart” — Fame, riches, all due to personal merit. “Forked into three curved branches at the termin- ation” — Unrealized yearnings toward vast wealth. “Terminating in three even branches of the same length, one toward the mount of Mercury, one toward the mount of Saturn” (Fig. 29, c. c.) — Great fame and honors. “A black spot on the connecting point between the Line and the Line of Heart” — Imminent danger of blindness. “A cross close to the Line, sometimes touching it” — Pious disposition. “A star at the termination of the Line” — Success due to the assistance and good will of others. “An island with indication of illness on the Line of Life” (Fig. 29, b. b.) — Heart disease. 194 THE LINES OF MARRIAGE The Lines of Marriage. Being about to read those ''Lines of Marriage (or Attachment)/’ that are so curiously interrogated, almost among the first, or at least immediately after the duration of life has been ascertained, it is my duty to state here, in unmistakable terms, that by marriages are understood, in Chirosophy, all such alliances between sexes as are physiologically equivalent to bonds consecrated by Law or Church. It does not refer to short affairs of the heart, but to all such inter- courses the duration and the completeness of which are apt to leave absolute and durable marks, at the tiil.e, upon the nervous system of the subject. I wish to add here that there are in the hands a number of other signs that refer to marital relaticms, their incipiency, their regular or irregular course, and their termination. It will be found of the highest importance to have these other signs looked for before accepting as final the indications of the Line or Lines of Marriage proper. I propose grouping all these together in my final chapter, entitled "Love and For- tune.^’ I mentioned some of them already, in Chapter X., under the heading of "Lines or Rays of Influ- ence.’’ Now I shall study with you those lines foimd THE LINES OF MARRIAGE 195 on the Percussion within the boundaries of the mount of Mercury (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 13), and known as Lines of Marriage. ‘'Sloping down toward the Line of Heart’’ (Fig. 31, 3.) — W idowhood. “Broken” — Separation or divorce. “The Line as well as the Lines of Life, Head and tleart, cut by a line starting from the mount of Venus” ^Fig. 31, c. c.) — Troubles connected with marriage. “Well traced but with capillaries dropping in the direction of the Line of Heart” — Troubles caused by die 511ness of the person to whom the subject is mar- '"’Cut iyy a long line from the root of the fourth Anger” — Opposition to the marriage. i96 '--THE LINE OF INTUITION '‘The Line terminating in a fork and drooping to- ward the Line of Heart” (Fig. 28 , e.) — Divorce. “The Line forked on the mount of Mercury; if in the inside of the hand” — Engagement broken off by the subject in whose hand the fork is found. “If forked at the other end,” the opposite reading holds good. “A branch downward, touching the Line of the Sun”— A mesalliance. “A branch upward to the mount of the Sun” — ^The subject will marry a person in high position. “A black spot on the Line”— Widowhood. “Drooping, with a cross where the drooping begins” — ^The person to whom the subject is married will die suddenly. “An island on the Line”~Marital troubles to last as long as the island does. “Full of little islands or downward branches” — ^The subject ought not to marry. The sixth line in the second septet of principal Lines is The Line of Intuition, Also called “Line of the Moon,” or “of Luna,” as it is entirely included within the boundaries^of the THE GIRDLE OF VENUS 197 mount of the Moon. In fact it is considered by many authors as a peculiar formation of the ‘‘Line of Liver’^ or of the “Via Lasciva,” as it is very seldom met in a hand that contains either of these Lines. However, I give it a separate place m my lessons, as, even should it be considered as a variation of the above Lines, it would preserve, just the same, the significance it pos- sesses in the observations noted below. Its regular place is marked on Fig. 1 and Fig. 13. “Clear and straight with a cross in the Quadrangle beneath the mount of Saturn’’ — Aptitude for the occult sciences. “Short, tortuous and branched, with the mount of Mars exaggerated” — Captiousness. “Forming a triangle with the Line of Fate and Line of Head” — Aptitude for the occult sciences. “Found in both hands and crossed by many small lines inclining toward the Line of Fate or the Line of Life” — Voyages. “Starting in an island” (Fig. 32, a. a.) — Somnam< bulism, clairvoyance. The Girdle of Venus. The Seventh of the Second Septet of principal Lines, the “Girdle of Venus,” also called “Ring of Saturn/' 191 THE GIRDLE OF VENUS or ‘^Ring of Uranus’’ (the latter appellation very ancient and unusual), has been considered all along as one of the worst signs to be met with in any hand, especially if broken or cut by stray bars or lines. It is certain that, in connection with a high, much grilled mount of Venus, an exaggerate mount of the Moon and a soft, flabby hand, the ‘‘Girdle of Venus’^ is posi- tive, indisputable evidence of extreme vicious disposi- tion, ready to almost any excess, even without the pale of the law. It is also a proof of stubborn, incurable laziness. But as the Girdle is also met often in hands other- wise excellent, with the hard palm of the active, prac- tical man or woman, and moderate (if not absent) mounts of the Moon and Venus, I felt, for years past, that more thorough investigations must be made to complete and correct the meaning commonly ascribed to this Line, found so very frequently in the hands of some of my most respected American friends. The conclusion I arrived at in this respect having been found to agree in the main with the opinions of accomplished British Palmists, such as Mr. Heron- Alien, Miss Oxenford, Mr. J. J Spark, Mr. Henry Frith^ Mr. Paul Bello, “An Adept./' Mrs. Katherin THE GIRDLE OF VENUS 199 St. Hill, etc., I bethought myself of what my beloved master, Adrien Desbarrolles, said once to^ me, a quar- ter of a century ago, when the subject of the Girdle of Venus was being broached in one of our exhaustive conversations. ‘The disastrous effect upon the subject’s whole dis^ position of the existence of “rAnneau de Venus” (this is the French name for the Girdle of Venus) may be very radically modified by the presence of a long Thumb and a fine Line of Head. These terrible instincts toward the extremes of profligacy can even be turned into account by a well-trained will power; musicians and poets especially may derive from it additional inspiration, provided they keep its strange influence within the strictest bounds. Passion being caused in most cases by a superabundance of animal, or rather vital, spirits, may be made use of to increase the magnetic fluid emanating from these elect crea- tures whom we feel instinctively to be endowed with genius; it becomes then like a devastating torrent which, between stone-hewn dams, ever kept in the strongest repairs, loses its power for evil and drives instead the wheels of work — and wealth — dispensing factories/’ 200 THE GIRDLE OF VENUS And I must add to these wise remarks of the immortal Desbarrolles that the very fact of the Girdle of Venus being met with in so many American hands, otherwise endowed with the best of signs, triumph- antly confirms the Master’s dictum; for nowhere else in the world has energy wrought greater miracles and transformed so rapidly into a land of progress and plenty such an immensity of prairies and forests left to waste away since the days of creation. Here, indeed, the ''Girdle of V enus” and its mysterious, con- quering force have done their marvelous task to the everlasting enrichment of human civilization. With the reserves made in the above paragraph, I beg leave to present to the reader a few indications relating to the Girdle of Venus. "Clear, well formed” — ^Wit, love and talent for art and literature. "Well formed but cut by a deep bar beneath the mount of the Sun (Fig. 31, d. d.)” — Reverses due to women. "In a very bad hand” — Loss of fortune due to debauchery. "Going off at its termination into the mount of Mer- cury” (Fig. 31, c. c.) — Energy and ardor in every undertaking. THE GIRDLE OF VENUS 201 “Cut near the mount of the Sun by a line starting from the Percussion” (Fig. 32, b. b.) — Life spoiled by one affection. “Cut by many small lines, with the Mount of Venus and the Moon exaggerated” — Hysteria. “Broken” — Sensuality at its worst. “Cutting the lines of Liver, of Fate and the Sun, and seemingly shattering them at the intersecting points” — Obstacles to success due to a wild pursuit of pleasure. CHAPTER XVI. THE QUADRANGLE— THE TRIANGLE. There are two figures in the hands traced by the combination of the principal Lines which I had often occasion to mention but not to define or expatiate upon all through these pages. The upper one is '%e Quadrangle/' the lower one 'The Triangle/’ There are a good many highly important details and obser» vations connected with these two figures, and I find that the moment has come to give them to you in their proper sequence. The Quadrangle, also called "The Table of the Hand,” is the horizontal elongated square stretching itself clear across the hand between the Lines of Heart and Head. Toward the Percussion it includes the upper Mount of Mars — i. e. if the Quadrangle is not twisted out of its normal shape by some malformation. I object to many Chirosophists’ ruling, restricting the Quadrangle to the square between the Lines of (aoa) THE QUADRANGLE 203 Heart and Head, limiting it at one end by a perpendic- ular line starting from between the first and second fingers, and at the farther extremity by another per- pendicular line starting down from between the third and fourth fingers. No, the '^Quadrangle’’ stretches clear across, and its readings are as follows: "Well formed and larger toward the Percussion”— Straightforwardness. "Wide, with a good Line of Head and a well formed second phalanx of the thumb” — Broadmindedness. "Narrow through the lowering of the Line Heart”— Meanness. "Narrow on account of the Line of Head rising toward the Line of Heart” — Timidity. "Narrow in its center, with the third phalanx of the fourth finger relatively long” — Deceit. "Narrow, with an excessive mount of Jupiter”™Ex- treme religious ideas; asceticism. "Narrow, and formed by red lines, with a short Line of Heart and the mounts of Mars exaggerate” — > Cruelty. "Very narrow in both hands, with a high mount of Mercury” — Lying. 204 THE TRIANGLE ‘‘Narrow, with exaggerate mounts of Mars and Mercury” — Unfairness. “Narrow, with an imperfectly traced Line of Liver” — ^Asthma, hay fever. “Narrow, with fingers curling inside the palm” — Stiffness in all intercourse with one’s fellow-creatures. “Furrowed by many lines with a large hand with long palm and short fingers” — ^Weak understanding. “A cross in the Quadrangle beneath the mount of Saturn, with a clear, straight Line of Intuition” — Apt- itude for occult sciences. “A cross in the Quadrangle near the upper mount of Mars” — Lucky voyage. “A star in the Quadrangle” (Fig. 33, e.) — Great honors. “A well formed star in the Quadrangle” — ^A man good and true, at the mercy of ^the woman he loves (with other signs, of course). I now reach this great and capital feature of the hand. The Triangle, often called the “Plain of Mars” and as such very fre- quently observed in connection with the two “mounts of Mars.” This figure is formed by the Line of Life, THE TRIANGLE 205 the Line of Head, and the Line of Liver. When the latter does not exist the third side of the Triangle must be supplied by an imaginary line following the course of a good Line of Liver. Each of the three Angles in the Triangle has a special name, often recurring in Chirological liter- ature. The angle formed by the intersection of the Lines of Life and Head is called the “Supreme Angle” or the “First Angle.” The Angle formed by the intersection of the Lines of Life and Head is called the “Supreme Angle” or “Angle to the Right.” (Right Angle is a misnomer to be avoided). The Angle formed by the intersection of the Line of Liver and the Line of Life is called “Third Angle” or “Angle to the Left.” These indications refer to the “Great Triangle” or “Plain of Mars.” A “Smaller Triangle” is met with, inside the larger one, by the combination of the Lines of Head, Life and Fate. I find it unnecessary to pay any special attention to this minor figure, but thought proper to just mention it here, as its name may be quoted in some article on 206 THE TRIANGLE Palmistry and the absence of information in reference to it might lead you astray. The following observations all refer to the forma- tion of the “Great Triangle” and the chance Lines and Signs within its limits: I. Pormation of the Triangle. “Raised in the palm” — Aggressive temperament. “Raised in both hands” — Bravery. “Broad and well traced” — Benevolence. “Very broad and large, with developed mounts of Mars” — ^Audacity. “Large and well traced, with the Line of Heart forked at its termination” — Generosity. “Wide and clearly marked, with the three Lines of a good color” — Good understanding. “Flat in both hands, with a very low mount of Sat- urn” — Insignificant life. “Low, with an exaggerate mount of the Moon and a single uncrossed Bracelet well traced” — Lethargy. “Very low in both hands, with a short and thick Line of Heart” — Catalepsy. “Narrow, through the Line of Life inclining to the Line of Head” — Business failure. THE TRIANGLE 20? “Badly formed with a Line of Heart straight to the Percussion” — Avarice. “Heavy and pale, with a large, broad palm, a short thumb and thickset fingers, the third phalanges puffed up” — Materialism. “Much lined, with exaggerate mounts of Mercury and Mars” — Impatient, fretful disposition, easily aroused to anger. “Upward branches from the Line of Life terminat- ing inside the Triangle (Fig, 33, a, a, a,)” — Riches and honors coming to the subject after great struggles. II. Each of the Angles by Itself. “The Second Angle very broad and heavy with a poor Line of Heart and a narrow Quadrangle” — ^Un- charitableness. “The Second Angle broad and feeble” — Laziness. “The Third Angle well formed in a broad Triangle” — ^Good, all-around health. “The Third Angle well cut and narrow, with a well developed mount of Mercury” — Wit. “The Third Angle broad and clear, with a Line of Liver ascending to the mount of Mercury” — -Longe- vity. THE TRIANGLE “The Third Angle badly formed, with small lines cutting the Line of Life” — Neuralgia. “The Third Angle very obtuse, with a crescent inside” — Unfaithfulness. “The Third Angle very obtuse, with the first phalanx of the thumb weak and the mount of Venus exagger- ate” — Faithlessness. HI. Signs "Within the Triangle. “A cross in the upper part of the Triangle” (Fig. 32, g. ) — Casualty, law suits, serious change in one’s life. “A cross at the lower part of the Triangle” (Fig. 32, h. ) — Events, fortunate but late in life. “A cross in the Triangle under the mount of Sat- urn, with long fingers and the first joints knotted” — ■ Skepticism. “A cross in the Triangle” — ^Troubles from others. “An irregular cross in the center, with cross lines on the mounts of Saturn” (Fig. 32, i.) — Unhappiness. “A star in the Triangle near the Line of Liver” (Fig. 32, f.) — Blindness. “A badly formed, solitary star in the Triangle” — Troubles in love. “A circle inside the Triangle” (Fig. 33, c.)— Troubles from a woman. THE TRIANGLE 20£ ‘A circle in the Triangle, with an exaggerate mount of the Moon” — Captiousness. “A triangle within the Triangle between the Line of Life and the Line of Fate” — Military renown. “A crescent within the Triangle” (Fig. 33, b.)—- Inconstancy. CHAPTER XVII. CHANCE LINES— LINES AND SIGNS ON THUMB AND PINGEBS. My examination of the fourteen principal Lines generally met with on the average hand is now com- plete. To conclude these practical lessons and before devoting my final chapter to the application of what has been taught herein, I wish to give a little space to Chance Lines Pound Prequently on the Palm, and Lines and Signs found on the Thumb and Fingers. In the first department are included, by rights, these numerous Lines and Rays I had occasion to explain under the headings of the various Lines. A number of these, starting inside the mount of Venus, I have exhaustively examined in my Chapter X., under the name of “Lines of Influence.” These are generally called “Worry Lines,” as their presence is seldom a token of pleasant happenings. In Paragraph III. of the chapter devoted to the “Line of Heart” (Chapter (aio) ABOUT CHANCE LINES 211 XIL,) other Chance Lines are noted. This is so again in Paragraph III. in the chapter devoted to the “Line cf Head,” in Chapter XIII., and many other such Lines are mentioned and their meaning explained in connection with the other principal Lines. I need only refer the careful reader to these various chapters to help him read aright a number of these additional Rays, Bars or Lines. To discover, without the assistance of book or teacher, the meaning of other “Chance or Influence Lines” not described and interpreted in this volume, the reader must have recourse to the general princi- ples that form the solid foundation of Chirosophy and distinguish this highly estimable science from the hap- hazard and dishonest work of common fortune-tellers. As I shall never be weary of repeating it, the chir- osophist obtains his knowledge of past and future events from a thorough, systematic study of the sub- ject’s character and disposition, physical, intellectual and psychic. Chirognomy, the examination of the Mounts, the close survey of the principal lines, are the three elements that allow the hand-reader to erect a perfect superstructure of details and results. With- out them, he can do nothing; while without the minor m ON CHANCE LINES indications, such as '‘chance lines,’' "signs,” etc., he could yet obtain an accurate outline of the subject’s whole existence. In the same manner this exhaus- tive examination will furnish him, every time, with sufficient data for the explanation of such lines, etc., as have not been noted down in these lessons with their specific meanings. Just go to work in the proper spirit, with the necessary patience, and build slowly but surely, leaving all "minutiae” aside for a while. You’ll be surprised to realize how these finishing touches, resulting from additional markings, will become easy and simple reading if they are investi- gated at the right moment. Be thorough; follow the order given within these lessons; jot down one after the other, in orderly fash- ion, the discoveries you make by the methodical appli- cation of the rules herein contained — and almost by magic the complete, realistic picture will develop itself in its fullness of details before your very eyes. Of course some special difficulty may puzzle you awhile, even lead you astray a little way, but in the final result it will amount to almost nothing and exper- ience will soon reduce to an infinitesimal quantity these errors of judgment or these lapses of memory. LINES AND SIGNS ON THUMB 213 There are some lines or signs of which I have had no occasion to speak to you yet, and to which I’li devote now quite an amount of space. I refer to The Lines and Signs on the Thumb and Eingers. In Chirosophy, as you know well by this time, the thumb has “two” phalanges, and each of the four fing* ers has “three.” The nailed phalanx is designated as the “first” and the phalanx next to the palm as the “third,” the middle one being the “second.” It has always been admitted that in the fingers the first phalanx represents “Inspiration,” the second “Intellect or Reasoning,” and the third “Material Instincts.” In the Thumb the first phalanx stands for “Will power,” the second, as in the fingers for “Logic.” And now let me pass in review the mark' ings often met with upon the five little members that render our hands a small world in itself, a “Micro- cosmos.” I. Lines and Signs on the Thumb. ‘Two stars near the thumb nail” — Captiousness. “A star on the first phalanx of the thumb, with a mount of Venus exaggerate” (Fig. 34, c.) — Immor- ality. 214 LINES AND SIGNS ON FINGERS “One or two stars on the second phalanx of the thumb” — ^Amiability. II. Lines on all the Four Fingers. “One short vertical line deeply traced on the joints of all fingers” (Fig. 34, a. a. a. a.) — Sudden death. “One deep line running the entire length of all fing- ers” — strong sense of honor. FIG. 33. VARIOUS LINES AND SIGNS. “Many horizontal lines on the first phalanx of all fingers”" — Bad general health. “Many small lines resembling creases on the first phalanx of each finger, the nails of which are narrow” — Debility. “Transverse wavy lines on the first phalanx of all the fingers” — Danger ahead. LINES AND SIGNS ON FINGERS 215 in. Lines and Signs on tb.e Pirst Finger. “A single line on the first finger, from the root to the top of the first finger” — Nobility of character. Great honors. “A star on the first phalanx of the first finger” — Favorable happenings. “A star on the first phalanx of the first finger or on the second phalanx when surrounded by a circle” — Profligacy. “A cross on the upper joint of the first finger”— Literary success. “Many transverse lines on the second and third pha- langes of the first finger” — Envious disposition. “Lines on the third phalanx of the first finger with upward branches of the Line of Life” — Riches. IV. Lines and Signs on the Second Finger. “The second finger much lined” — Impulsiveness. “Waving vertical lines on the second finger with cross rays on the Mount of Saturn” — Succession of fatal happenings. “A triangle on the second finger” (Fig. 35, e.) — ^Tal- ent for occultism. “A star on the first phalanx of the second finger” (Fig. 33, d.) — Unfavorable casualties. Even danger of 216 LINES AND SIGNS ON FINGERS assassination, “if repeated in both hands.” Seen also in murderers’ hands. “A star on the first phalanx of the second finger, with a triangle on the Mount of Saturn” (Fig. 34 b.) — Depravity. “A star on the first phalanx of the second finger, and the said finger spatulate at the tip” — Fatal talent for the occult sciences. “A black spot on the first phalanx of the second finger” (Fig. 35, a.) — ^Ague. “Two stars, one on the first, one on the second phal- anx of the second finger” — Death on the scaffold. “Many horizontal lines on the third phalanx of the second finger with a smooth first phalanx” (Fig. 35, c.) —Inheritance, LINES AND SIGNS ON FINGERS 217 “One or two lines from the third to the second phal- anx of the second finger” — Wisdom. V. Lines and Signs on the Third Finger. “A line from the root of the third finger to the joint of the first phalanx” — Great fame. “Several lines rising from the root of the third finger to the joint of the first phalanx” — Reverses due to women. “A cross on the first phalanx of the third finger, with a good Mount of Jupiter” (Fig. 33, b.) — Chastity. “One or two straight lines from the third to the second phalanx of the third finger, with a wide Quad- rangle and a well formed Triangle” — Nobility of char- acter. “One or two lines extending from the third to the second phalanx of the third finger” (Fig. 33, g. g.) — Talait. “One line from the third phalanx cutting deeply into the second phalanx of the third finger” — Wisdom. “One single vertical line on the third phalanx of the third finger” — Happiness. “A semi-circle on the third phalanx of the third finger” — ^Unhappiness. 218 LINES AND SIGNS ON FINGERS VI. Lines and Signs on the Fourth Finger. “One clear line traversing the entire length of the fourth finger” — Veracity. “Two clear cut vertical lines on the fourth finger” (Fig, 35, d.) — Rectitude. “A line from the root to the first phalanx of the fourth finger” — Success in scientific pursuits. “One deep vertical line in the center of the fourth finger” — Rectitude, “Confused lines on the second phalanx of the fourth finger” — Untruth. “Cross lines on the second phalanx of the fourth finger” — Deceit. “One well marked line from the root through the third phalanx of the fourth finger” — Intelligence. FIG. 35. VARIOUS LINES AND SIGNS. LINES ANi^ SIGNS ON FINGERS 219 “One tortuous line ascending from the third to the second phalanx of the fourth finger” (Fig. 32, k.) — Ruse, crafty disposition. “Many confused lines, or a single cross, on the third phalanx of the fourth finger” — Thievish disposition. “A cross on the first phalanx of the fourth finger” (Fig. 33, e.) — Celibacy. “Two stars on the third phalanx of the fourth finger” (Fig. 33, f.) — Dishonorable death. CHAPTER XVIII. DOUBLE LEXICON OF PALMISTIC INDICATIONS. The first question asked a Chirosophist by every investigating subject is invariably ‘^How Long am I to LiveP’^ And the second question, just as urgent, as anxious, as persistent, is: ‘'What disease, what fatal accident, am I threatened with?” To both these questions this Lexicon is to give clear, concrete, easily verified answers. Some day — some early day — my great work, “The Theories and Practice of Palmistry,” (600 pages, 1,080 illustrations) will be issued; and then, then only, shall I be able to indulge in the theories of ancient and mod- ern Palmistry, and give the whys and wherefores of the hundreds, yea, thousands, of statements that have been presented the reader through these pages Practical Hand-reading. ( 2 ») PAIJIISTIC LEXICON 221 And when the time shall have come to thus strengthen ‘^practice by theory” — a method more pop- ular than logical — I shall treat the ‘"Longevity” ques- tion in proper fashion. No stronger argument can be relied upon to inspire full confidence in Chirosophy than these scientific deductions explaining, from A to Z, the close correlation existing between the “Ankna,” or soul, the Life “inflatus,” or fluid, and those shapes and markings in and on the hands. The length and shortness of each existence; the ills it will have to encounter, successfully or unsuccessfully; finally the cause of death and the means and possibility of delay- ing the dread event, are not only delineated on the palm and fingers of the hands but the logical “raison d’etre” of the prognostics thus revealed can be dem- onstrated with an accuracy mathematicians might— and sometimes do— envy us. In the first part of this Double Lexicon I simply propose to gather and classify such observations as may be found scattered through the preceding chap- ters (with a number of new indications added), and which refer to the Human Life, from birth to old age. I shall include only such dicta as apply to the health of the body, leaving for the second part of the 222 PALMISTIC LEXICON Lexicon all facts concerning the events that make or mar a human existence. For convenience and clearness' sake I will divide these observations into two sections: The first, including ‘‘Early Life, General Constitution, Acci- dents and Death;" the second devoted to an “Alpha- betically Arranged List of the principal Diseases," with the markings revealing their presence in the hands. One more advice before launching in “medias res:” ' Whenever you want to apply to your hand — or to any other — the data given hereafter, place before your eyes “The Map of the Hand" (Fig. 1), and the figures 18 and 19, referring to the “Calculation of Dates" in the hand. All three will be indispensable elements in your fully understanding the exhaustive list of obser- vations found herein. Remember, besides, that no judgment must be passed by any earnest student of Chirosophy without a comparative study of the vari- ous indications concerning any particular point at issue. I. Barly Life, General Constitution, Accidents and Death. Mystery of Birth (generally illegitimacy) — ^An / PALMISTIC LEXICON 223 island at the beginning of a badly formed Line of Fate. Also an island at the beginning of the Line of Life. Complaints (Hereditary) — An island at the begin- ning of the Line of Life. Childhood (Unhappy) — ^The Line of Fate, start- ing with a series of zigzags or crosses, or a corkscrew formation (Fig. 37). Accident in Early Life — A cross at the beginning of the Line of Life, especially if a point is also found there. Weakness of Constitution in Early Life — Line of Life chained under the Mount of Jupiter. Weakness of Constitution — Long, thin nails. Pale and broad Line of Life. Chained or Linked Line of Life. Descending branches on the Line of Life. A very pale and wide Line of Heart. A poor Line of Liver and also a poor Line of Head, with a cross at the termination of the Line of Life. Many sm*all lines resembling creases on the first phalanx of each finger. Death (Premature) — The Line of Heart starting from the Mount of Saturn with a cross at about the center of the Line of Head. (Fig. 21, a.) The Line of Heart joined to the Line of Head under the Mount of Mercury in a tortuous curve. The Line of S24 PALMISTIC LEXICON Head ending just before it crosses the Line of Fate, with (or without) a cross on the Line, Health (Perfect) — The three Bracelets clearly traced and unchained. The Line of Life, long and narrow, encircling the Mount of Venus. The Lines of Heart and Head long and straight. The Line of Mars in both hands. A straight Via Lasciva acting as a sister line to a straight Line of Liver. Health (Generally Good) — Absence of the Line of Liver. The Third Angle well formed in a good Tri- angle. Longevity — A straight Line of Liver ascending the Mount of Mercury with the Third Angle in the Tri- angle broad and clear. Ill Health (Continued) — ^The Line of Life broken up* and laddered (Fig. 15, c.) Forces (Diminishing) — fork in the very center oi the Line of Life. Ill Health at Close of Life — ^The Line of Life ter- minating in a series of crosses with a wide Line of Liver broken at its termination. Death (Imminent) — Yellow specks on the nails. A break in the Line of Life, in both hands, especially if PALMISTIC LEXICON 225 the lower broken fragment turns toward the Mount of Venus. Death (Sudden) — The Line^Dife thin and meager in the center, a spot^_tgpni!iating the thinness. The Line of Life ceasing abruptly with a few little parallel lines (Fig. 15, b.). The Line of Heart starting from under the Mount of Saturn without forks. The Line of Head sloping almost to the Rascette and terminat- ing in a cross or a star. Death (Violent) — A grille or gridiron on the lower Mount of Mars. The Lines of Life, Head and Heart joined together at the commencement (Fig. 22, a.). A cross at the termination of the Line of Fate, with a grille on the Mount of Mercury. Death on a Journey — Travel Lines (from the Ras- cette upward), ending at the Line of Life (Fig. 20, e.). Death by Water — A circle on the Mount of Mer- cury. A circle on the Mount of the Moon. The Line of Head sloping to the Mount of the Moon, and end- ing in a star. An angle on the Mount of the Moon. Death in Battle — A star on the upper Mount of Mars. An oblique line rising from the lower Mount of Mars to the Mount of Saturn. Death (Violent) in a thle’^nng expedition of the sub- 226 PALMISTIC LEXICON ject~A grille or gridiron on the Mount of Mercury. Death in Prison — The Line of Fate, starting from the Quadrangle and entering the third phalanx of the second finger. Death on the Scaffold— The Line of Head broken under the Mount of Saturn, with a Line of Life ending abruptly and a cross inside the Triangle. Two stars, one on the third, one on the second phalanx of the second finger. Accident (Fatal) — A wavy and sloping Line of Head, with a cross on it along the Triangle (Fig. 25, e.) Accident (Very Grave) — A cross on the Line of Head along the Triangle (Fig. 25, d.). Accident to the Head — The Line of Head broken under the Mount of Saturn with a red spot on the Line. Assassination (Danger of) — A star on the third pha- lanx of the second finger. A line rising below the Mount of Saturn and cutting the Girdle of Venus. Danger from Animals — A star on the Mounts of Saturn or Mars. A horizontal line in the center of the Mount of the Moon running toward the Percus- sion. Accident from a Quadruped — A Line from the PALMISTIC LEXICON 227 Mount of Venus to the Mount of Saturn; will be fatal if this line has branches. The Line of Head broken under the Mount of the Sun. II. Diseases. Ague — A blacl?' spot op th^ first phalanx of the sec- ond finger. Alcoholic Troubles — A Line of Mart, in t>oth hands with a fork at the end in the direction of the Mount of the Moon (Fig. 20, b.). A line rising from the Line of Life and terminating in a star on the Mount of the Moon. Apoplexy (Danger of) — A deep scar across the Line of Heart. The Line of Liver of varying color, but red as it crosses the Line of Head. Apoplexy (Death by) — Two perpendicular lines pro- ceeding straight from the Line of Heart to the Mount of the Moon (Fig. 22, d.). Asthma — The Line of Heart sinking toward the Line of Head, with a poorly traced Line of Liver. Biliousness — A wavy Line of Liver; worse if accom- panied by an island on the Line of Life; worse still if the subject has damp hands. Blindness — Circle or spot on the Line of Life. A circle on the Line of Head and a cross on the Line of 228 PALMISTIC LEXICON Liver. A star close to the Line of Liver in the Trh angle. A black spot in the connecting point between the Line of the Sun and the Line of Heart. Brain Disease (Very Serious) — A pale and wide Line of Head with black spots and the Line of Life forked at the start. Brain Fever (Danger of) — The sign of Mars on the Mount of the Moon. The Line of Head running foi quite a space close to the Line of Life. An island on the Line of Head with the Line of Liver turning red as it approaches the Line of Head. Brain Troubles — A line from the Mount of Venus ending at the Line of Head. A wavy Line of Head inclining toward the Line of Liver with a Line of Fate ending abruptly at the Line of Head. The Line of Head joined with the Line of Liver, the Line of Life being forked at the start. Lines descending from the Line of Head and cutting the Line of Life, with a full Mount of Mercury. Catarrh — Excessive fullness of the Mount of the Moon toward the top. Childlessness — A weak and poor Line of Heart end- ing at the Percussion. Several short vertical lines at the Percussion near the Mount of Mercury, crossed by PALMISTIC LEXICON 229 a line that starts from a star on the Mount. The Line of Life lying close to the Thumb, with the Lines of Head and Liver joined by a star. A Line of Heart bare of branches near the Percussion. A star on the third phalanx of the second finger. Circulation of the Blood (Bad) — Moderately long nails, but wide and bluish in tint. A very pale and wide Line of Heart. Consumption (Tendency to) — Long, thin, curved (or worse, fluted or ribbed) nails. The Line of Head formed in little islands. Delirium Tremens — A black spot on the Line of Head in both hands with a line from the lower part of the Line of Life rising to the Mount of the Moon and terminating in a star (Fig. 26 , c.). Deafness — Spots on the Line of Head under the Mount of Jupiter. Diphtheria — The Line of Life broken and cut just as it leaves the Line of Head, the latter cut by the bam.e bar, with a cross in the Quadrangle under the Mount of Saturn. Dropsy — A star on the Mount of the Moon, but not on a voyage line. Epilepsy — Short nails with a much-broken Line of 230 PALMISTIC LEXICON Head. Within the Triangle, a cross the points of which terminate in spots. Fainting Fits (Tendency to) — The Line of Head ris- ing toward the Line of Heart with the Line of Liver starting from the Line of Life (Fig. 26, b.). Feverish Disposition — Dark spots on the Line of Head, with narrow and highly colored Lines of Life and Liver. The Line of Liver thin and red about the middle of its course. Generative Functions (Troubles in) — The fifst Bracelet high up and convex in shape. Especially true for difficult childbearing. Gout — Excessive fullness of the Mount of the Moon toward the top. A single deep line across the Mount of the Moon, with a small Line cutting it. The Line of Life forked at its extremity with one branch pro- ceeding toward the Mount of the Moon. Giddiness — The Line of Head rising toward the Line of Heart at its termination. Hay Fever — The Line of Heart sinking toward the Line of Head, and with an imperfectly traced Line of Liver. Headaches (Frequent) — A chained or linked Line of Head. Small lines cutting the Line of Head and fall- PALMISTIC LEXICON >231 ftO. 36. A HAPPY, LONG-LIVED, PROSPEROUS AND FAMOUS EXISTENCE. \ \ PALMISTIC LEXICON 233 ing from it. The Line of Liver of a red color near the Line of Head. Heart Disease (Very Grave) — The Line of Heart broken under the Mount of Saturn, the two fragments overlaying each other. Heart (Fatty DegeneraLon of the) — ^Very fat and pulpy hand, with the above signs added. Heart Troubles — Short and square shaped nails. A line from the Mount of Venus ending at the Line of Heart. A very pale and wide Line of Heart. A poor Line of Head, with the Line of Heart absent, and a Line of Liver wavy. An island on the Line of the Sun with an indication of illness on the Line of Life. Hysteria (Dangerous) — ^^A star on the Mount of the Moon in a bad hand. Hydrophobia (Danger from) — A star on the Mount of the Moon in both hands. Idiocy — A poor Line of Head, with abnormally •mail thumb. Illnesses, but not Severe — ^The Line of Life cut by a number of small short bars, almost capillary in thick- ness. 231 PALMISTIC LEXICON ‘ Illness (Coming) — Is marked on the Line of Liver by a little deep cross line. Illness from Sorrow — line from the lower Mount of Mars, crossing over to the Line of Heart, with other signs of illness. Illness (Hereditary) — An island at the commence- ment of the Line of Life. Illness (Incubating) to be fata! — ^The Line of Life broken in one hand, continued in the other, the broken fragment starting toward the interior of the Mount of Venus. ^'May be cured'’ if the fragment starts toward the palm. Illnesses in General — Breaks or cuts in the Line of Life ; for each break or cut an illness. Illness in Old Age — Thick, much-cut Line of Liver. Illness (Past) — It is marked by a cross line on the Lines of Heart or Head, or both, and by a slight gap in the Line of Liver. Illness (Preservation from) — A bar across the broken ends of the Line of Life. Illness (Recovery from a Serious) — ^The Line of Life broken inside a square (Fig. 16 , a.). Illness Through Excesses — An island on the Line 835 PALMibxIw LEXICON of Life. A very pale and wide Line of Heart. A double, wavy Line of Fate in the Triangle. Indigestion (Chronic) — A wavy Line of Liver; worse, if accompanied by an island on the Line of Life. Also with a poor and narrow Line of Head. Insanity of Some Kind — The sign of the Moon on the Mount of the Moon. The Line of Life tasseled at the end, one tassel going to the Mount of the Moon (Fig. 15, e.). The Line of Head wavy and rising in a curve toward the Line of Heart under the Mount of the Sun or Mercury. The Line of Head sloping abruptly toward the Mount of the Moon with a star on the first finger (Fig. 24, b.). The Line of Head broken under the Mount of Saturn and sloping toward a very prominent Mount of the Moon. Broken or curved lines on a sloping Line of Head. Insanity (Hereditary) of the Erotic Form — A branch of the Line of Heart extending to the Mount of the Moon and ending in a star. Insanity (Religious) — The Line of Head forming a large cross with the Line of Liver on the Mount of the Moon. Insanity (Violent) — The sign of the Moon cm the upper Mount of Mars. 238 PALMISTIC LEXICON Internal Troubles — Islands on the Line of Liver. Fullness in the exact center of the Mount of the Moon. Jaundice — Skin and Lines of a yellow tinge. The Line of Liver wavy and indistinct. Kidney Troubles — Puffy, watery-looking skin with a star on the Mount of the Moon. Liver Troubles — A livid or yellow Line of Heart. A wavy or discolored Line of Head with a bluish spot on it. A wavy Line of Liver. Loss of Blood — A wavy Line of the Head starting downward between the first and second fingers. Love Affairs (Some Disease Connected with) — ^A spot on the Mount of Venus. Maternity (Dangers of) — A line from the upper part of the Mount of Venus to the Mount of Saturn. (See Childlessness.). Melancholia (Chronic) — A grille or gridiron on the Mount of the Moon. Memory (Loss of) — The Line of Head broken in small sections, having the appearance of small squares. Nervous Complaint (left by some disease) — Branch rising from a black spot on the Line of Life. Nervous System (Disease of the), from Hysteria to PALMISTIC LEXICON 237 Insanity — A spot on the Mount of the Moon. Dry skin covered with a network of lines. Nervous Prostration (Danger of) — Moderately long nails but wide and bluish in tint. Neuralgia — An island on the Line of Head. The Third Angle of the Triangle badly formed, with small lines cutting the Line of Life. Organic Affections — Livid holes upon any Line. The nature of the affection Is indicated by the usual characteristics of the Line. Palpitations of the Heart (Tendency to) — ^The Line of Liver red at the start. Paralysis (Death by) — A star at the termination of the Line of Fate with a star also at the end of the Line of Life in both hands. Paralysis (Disposition to) — Short, flat and thin nails of triangular shape; all the principal Lines poorly marked. Pleurisy — A line rising from the Line of Life and ending in an island on the Mount of Saturn. Respiratory Organs (Delicacy of) — Many islands on the Line of Liver and narrow fluted nails. Rheumatism — Satin skin. A fork at the termina- PALMISTIC LEXICON tion of the Line of Life. Fine lines crossing down- ward at the commencement of the Heart Line. Scarlet Fever — A small square on the Line of Life with an upright cross inside. Spinal Disease (Danger of) — Very narrow and curved nails. Stomach Vapors Reaching the Brain — ^The Line of the Head too thin. Suicide (Tendency to) — An exaggerate first phalanx of the second finger in a weak hand. An exaggerate Mount of Jupiter, with the Line of Head joined to the Line of Liver, with a poor Line of Fate and many lines crossing the Line of Life. A star at the termin- ation of the Line of Fate with another star on the Mount of the Moon. Sunstroke — An island on the Line of Head under the Mount of the Sun. Teeth (Bad) — A long and wavy Line of Heart with a Line of Liver also wavy and the second phalanx of the fingers relatively longer than the others. Throat Troubles — Moderately long, but thin and brittle nails. Typhoid Fever — A small square on the Line of Life, PALMISTIC LEXICON 239 with a St. Andrew’s cross inside, and with, generally, a bluish dent. Wounds — Spots on the Line of Heart. The Line of Head broken under the Mount of Saturn, in both hands, with the two fragments overlaying each other. Wound in a Fight — A spot on the upper Mount of Mars. Wounds on Either Arm — Capillary (very small) lines on the Mount of the Sun. Wounds on Either Leg — Capillary lines on the Mount of Saturn. Wounds on the Breast — Capillary lines on the Mount of Mercury. Wounds on the Head — Capillary lines on the Mount of Jupiter. A star on the Line of Head (Fig. 26, f.). Wounds Through the Vital Organs — Capillary lines on the upper Mount of Mars. The two illustrations (Fig. 36 and 37) entitled respectively, ‘^A Happy, Long-Lived, Prosperous and Famous Existence,” ‘‘An Unhealthy, Vicious and Unfortunate Existence,” contain a number of mark- ings, all explained in full within these pages. Thanks to my close method of classifying chiromantic indica- tions it will be found easy by all earnest and persever- 240 PALMISTIC LEXICON ing students of my work to discover in these eighteen chapters the needed explanations. And I propose leaving the task to their ingenuity as a necessary appli- cation of my teachings. The Second Part of this Lexicon includes a Collec- tion of Prognostics of all such Feelings, Facts and Events as may combine to make of every human exist- ence a heaven or — the other thing. I. Love; Its Best and Worst Features. Chastity — A cross on the first phalanx of the third finger with a good Mount of Jupiter. Constancy — Many lines ascending the thumb, but not crossed so as to form a grille or gridiron of large size. The Mount of Venus moderately developed with a long and narrow Line of Head. A cross on the Mount of Venus with strong first phalanx of the thumb. A well-traced Line of Heart, forked at the start, one fork running up the Mount of Jupiter. Coquetry — An exaggerated Mount of Venus with a Line of Heart chained or poorly marked, or both. Disappointment Through Loved Ones — Downward branches on the Line of Heart. PALMISTIC LEXICON 241 Engagement (Broken) — A break in the Line of Heart. If it occurs “under the Mount of Saturn” it has been caused by circumstances not under the sub- ject’s control; if “under the Mount of the Sun” the financial question separated the lovers; if “under the Mount of Mercury” a caprice of the subject caused the break. See also the Line of Marriage when forked; if “the fork is inside the hand” the engagement will have been broken by the subject in whose hand this fork is found. “F- found at the other end,” on the Per- cussion, the break will have been the act of the other party. Flirtation (Serious) — Island on the Line of Heart. The Mount of Venus in both hands lined and exaggerate. A poor Line of Heart with a chained Line of Head. The Third Angle of the Triangle very obtuse with the first phalanx of the thumb weak. A crescent within the Triangle. Heartlessness — ^The Mounts of the Sun and Venus insignificant in both hands, with a poor, branchless but straight Line of Heart. Happiness in Love — A clear, straight, uncrossed line from the Mount of Venus to the Mount of Mer- 242 PALMISTIC LEXICON cury. A well traced Line of Heart, starting with a fork, one branch going up to the Mount of Jupiter. Immorality — A star on the first phalanx of the thumb, with an exaggerate Mount of Venus. A star on the first phalanx of the first finger, or on the second phalanx, if inclosed in a semi-circle. Cross bars on the Mount of Venus, unless the Lines of Head and Heart are clear and good. Many crosses or Lines at the root of the thumb. Influence of Opposite Sex (Great) — Lines falling from the Line of Heart to the Line of Head without quite reaching the latter. One clear, straight line from the Mount of Venus to the Triangle, with a star inside the Quadrangle. A star on the Mount of Venus. Influence of Opposite Sex (Fatal) — The Line of Fate forking at its termination, one branch toward the Mount of Venus, another toward the lower Mount of Mars. Jealousy — ^The Line of Heart stretching clear around the Percussion, with an exaggerate Mount of Venus. A long Line of Heart, with a high Mount of the Moon and a girdle of Venus. The Line of Heart running comparatively near to the fingers. Life (Loveless) — ^The Line of Life and the Line of PALMISTIC LEXICON 243 Heart very far apart at the start, and both branchless. Love Affair (Fatal) — Two lines joining the Line ol Fate low down, one rising from the Mount of Venus and the other from the Mount of the Moon. The Line of Head starting close to the Line of Life, rising toward the Line of Heart under the Mount of Saturn, and then resuming its normal direction. The Lines of Life, Head and Heart united at the start with the Line of Head, ending in two long branches, one descending deep into the Mount of the Moon. Love (Ardor in) — ^The Line of Liver, with the Via Lasciva as a sister line. Love Conquests — White spots on the Line of Heart Love (Desire for) — Smooth fingers, with pointed tips and the Mount of Venus strong. Love (Fatal) — A cross on the Mount of Venus, unless there should be also a cross on the Mount of Jupiter. The Line of Head slanting downward quite close to the Line of Life. Love for a Married Person — An island on the Line of Fate in both hands. Accompanied by an island on the Line of Heart “the love would stop at nothing.” An island stretching from the Mount of Venus almost to the Line of Heart. m PALMISTIC LEXICON Love for a Near Relative — The Line of Marriage formed into islands. Love (Great devotion in) — A double Line of Heart, "will cause sorrow to the subject.” Large thumb with firm (not hard) hands. Love, (Ideal) — A long, narrow Line of Heart start- ing high up from the Mount of Jupiter. Love (Material) — A strong Mount of Venus, with a Line of Heart beginning under the Mount of Saturn. A pale, wide Line of Heart with a line proceeding from the Mount of Venus to the Mount of Mercury or lower Mount of Mars. A rayed and crossed Mount of Venus. Love Not Ending in Marriage — Short lines ascend- ing from the Line of Fate to the Line of Heart. Love (Only for One) — ^The Line of Heart evenly forked under the Mount of Jupiter, with a cross on the Mount of Venus. The Line of Fate losing itself in a Line of Heart that started upon the Mount of Jupiter. Love (Prudence in) — A triangle on the Mount of Venus with a strong second phalanx of the thumb. Love (Skill in) — A line starting from the Mount of Venus and going straight to the Mount of Mercury. PALMISTIC LEXICON 245 In a good hand: “Prudence and wisdom in love.” In a bad hand: “Strategy of a deceitful character.” Love (Troubles in) — A Line of Fate chained when crossing the Line of Heart, or stopping below it. An indented or much crossed Line of Heart. A badly formed star inside the Triangle. Love Wrecking One’s Life — Lines rising from the Mount of Venus and cutting the Lines of Life, Head and Heart. Loved, But to the Subject’s Sorrow — ^Three stars close to the Line of Life on the Mount of Venus. The Line of Head, after crossing part of the hand, return- ing toward the Mount of Venus. Loved by Two and Getting None— A line from the Mount of Venus with a cross on it. Love Affairs (Two Simultaneous) — ^Two parallel lines from the Mount of Venus to the lower Mount of Mars. A star connected with either line would mean an unfortunate termination of the matter. Troubles from Unfaithfulness — One deep line from the second joint of the thumb across the Mount of Venus and cutting the Line of Life. Unhappiness, Through Misplaced Affection— Lines falling from the Line of Fate to the Rascette, with a 246 PALMISTIC LEXICON star on Jie Mount of Venus. The Line of Head arcfc ing tov;ard the Line of Heart and falling back toward the Line of Life. The Line of Fate rising from the Mount of the Moon and terminating at the Line of Heart. Women (Fatal Influence of) — A crescent on the Mount of the Moon. Women (Influence of) — A well-formed star in the Quadrangle, in a man’s hand, shows that he is good and true to a woman who does with him what she pleases. Woman (Unhappiness Through a) — A star at the base of the Mount of Venus just below the second phalanx of the thumb. II. From Celibacy to Divorce. Celibacy — A cross on the first phalanx of the fourth finger. Childlessness — A star on the Line of Liver. A star on the third phalanx of the second finger. A poor Line of the Heart terminating without fork or tassel, Children — Short lines from the root of the fourth finger moving down toward the Line of Marriage on the Percussion. Divorce — A line running from the Mount cj Venui PALMISTIC LEXICON 347 to the Line of Heart, there ending in a fork, confirmed by an island on the Line of Fate. The Line of Mar- riage ending in a fork and drooping toward the Line of Heart. Family Affection — ^The fingers and the palm of even size with the Mount of Jupiter well developed. Happiness (Domestic ) — A straight, clear, uncrossed Line of Fate rising from the Rascette, providing the Line ends high upon either the Mount of Jupiter or that of Saturn. A cross on the Mount of Jupiter. Marriage (Happy) — The Line of Fate starting from the Mount of the Moon, stopping at the Line of Heart, with a clear cross on the Mount of Jupiter. Marriage (Law Suits Connected with a) — A sharp, deep, perpendicular line proceeding from below to- ward the Line of Marriage, but just not cutting it. Marriage (Prevented by Death) — A sudden, sharp break in the Line of Marriage. Marriage (Unhappy) — A line rising from a star on the Mount of Venus to the Line of Heart, where it ends in a fork. An island on the Line of Marriage with a cross bar on the Line of Fate. Marriage (Unsuitable) — ^The Line of the Sun cut by ^ 1 PALMISTIC LEXICON the Line of Marriage (shows a loss of position; a “Mesalliance”). Marriage (Wealthy) — cross and a star on the Mount of Jupiter. Marriage with an Artist— A branch from the Line of Marriage toward the Mount of the Sun. Marriage with a Business Man — A line from the Rascette to the Mount of Venus and thence to the Mount of Mercury. Marriage with an Old Person — ^A line from the Rascette to the Mount of Venus, and from thence to the Mount of Saturn. Troubles Connected with Marriage — ^The Line of Marriage crossed by many perpendicular lines. One deep horizontal line on the Mount of the Moon with a star on the Mount of Venus. Widowhood or Widowerhood — The Line of Mar- riage sloping toward the Line of Heart. A line from the Line of Heart to the Line of Fate, with the latter broken. A black spot on the Line of Marriage. III. Fortune; Favorable or Otherwise. Ambition (Gratified) — The Line of Fate starting from tlje Mount of Jupiter (very rare). The Line of PALMISTIC LEXICON m FIG. 37. AN UNHEALTHY, VICIOUS AND UNFORTUNATE EXISTENCE. PALMISTIC LEXICON S61 Fate terminating on the Mount of Jupiter; the higher it goes the greater the success. Celebrity Attained by Chance — good Line of Fate, with a star on the Mount of the Sun. Parallel, vertical lines on the Mount of the Sun, if distinct and uncrossed in both hands. Celebrity Due to Talent — One single line well traced and ending in a star on the Mount of the Sun, with a clear Line of the Sun in both hands. Disappointment Through Life — ^The Line erf Life throwing out small branches toward the Rascette. Dishonor — A star on the Mount of Mercury, with a low Mount of Jupiter. Events Causing Radical Changes — ^The Line of Life forked at its termination; a cross low down near the wrist. Events in One’s Life (Serious) — Every important step we take is marked by a straight line from the Mount of Venus to the Mount of Saturn. Whether it has been or will be favorable or not depends on the Line of Fate, which study, according to indications given in these pages, and by constant practice. Events (Fatal) — The Line of Head joining the Line 252 PALMISTIC LEXICON of Life under the Mount of Saturn. A star on the first phalanx of the second finger. Events (Fortunate, but Late in Life ) — A cross at the lower part of the Triangle (inside). Failure — The Line of Life terminating in a series of crosses in both hands, with a poor Line of Fate. The Mount of the Sun cut up by numerous capillaries. The Line of the Sun terminating in a series of small lines when near the mount. Fame — clearly marked Line of the Sun, not crossed with bars. A star on the Mount of Jupiter. A line rising from the root of the third finger and ter- minating on the joint of the first phalanx. Fortune (Brilliant) — The Line of the Sun, starting from the foot of the Line of Life. A line from the Line of Head terminating in a star on the Mount of Jupiter. Fortune Due to Another’s Caprice — ^The Line of Fate, starting from the Mount of the Moon and con- tinuing, straight and clear, to the Mount of Saturn. Fortune Following a Laborious Life — ^The first bracelet of the Rascette chained but even and unin- terrupted. The Line of the Sun rising from the lower part of the Triangle, with a good Line of Fate. PALMISTIC LEXICON 253 Fortune (Good) — The Lines of Heart and Head forked under the Mount of Jupiter, A single deep vertical line on the Mount of Mercury. One deep, clear, vertical line on the Mount of Jupiter. A line extending from the Mount of Venus to the Mount of Mercury. Friendship of the Great — One or two crosses on the second phalanx of the first finger. A well-traced line from inside the Quadrangle to the Mount of Mercury. A deeply traced Line of the Sun with a strong Mount of Jupiter in both hands. Glory — The Line of the Sun terminating in three even branches of the same length, one toward the Mount of Mercury, one toward the Mount of Saturn. Grand Destiny (A) — The Line of Fate rising from the Rascette and entering the second phalanx of the second finger. Extraordinary fate for good or evil. See the other indications in both hands for a correct interpretation. Happiness — One straight line on the third phalanx of the third finger. A single clear line on the Mount of Saturn with upward rays starting from it. A single, unbroken line forming the first bracelet of the Rascette. 254 PALMISTIC LEXICON Happiness (Intense) — The presence of a perfect Line of Mars and of an excellent Via Lasciva follow- ing, sister-like, the Line of Liver. Happiness (Negative) — A line of heart rising from between the Mounts of Jupiter and Saturn. The Mount of Saturn well developed and not rayed. No signs or chance lines on the Mount of the Moon. Happiness (Unexpected) — The Line of Fate start- ing from the Mount of the Moon, and losing itself in a Line of Heart, itself starting from the Mount of Jupiter. Homicide, committed by the subject — A cross or a grille on an exaggerate upper Mount of Mars, with a narrow Quadrangle and a broad but weak Line of Heart. Honors and distinctions — Many branches on the Rascette. A line straight from the Rascette to the Mount of the Sun. A star in the Quadrangle. A single line from the root of the third finger to the first phalanx. Honors through friendship of the great — ^A line from the root of the fourth finger sloping down the Mount of Mercury. Honors with riches — Branches ascending from the PALMISTIC LEXICON 305 Line cf Life toward the center of the Line of Head; “tending inside the Triangle,” these honors and riches are acquired after great struggles. Imprisonment — In a bad hand, a square on the lower part of the Mount of Venus close to the line. Opportunities (Favorable) — ^The Line of Fate rising straight from inside the Triangle in both hands, with a clear long Line of Head. Reverses — A cross on the Mount of the Sun, the Line of Fate starting with branches from the Rascette. Reverses Due to Women — The ring of Venus well formed but cut by a deep bar under the Mount of the Sun. Several lines rising from the root of the third finger and cutting the joints up to the first phalanx. Success (Phenomenal) — A line from the Lin© of Head ending in a star on the Mount of Jupiter. Talent in General — ^Thumbs set very low in the hand. Troubles in Middle Life — ^The Line of Fate poorly marked as it approaches the center of the hand, rv. Success or Pailure in Special Callings. Art (Celebrity in) — A straight, clear line from the Line of Head to the root of the third finger, which must be full sized. The Line of Fate running direct 856 PALMISTIC LEXICON to the Mount of the Sun unless crossed or barred. The Line of the Sun taking its start from the Line of Life in both hands. Art (Failure in) — Smooth joints with spatulate tips and a badly developed Mount of the Sun. Art Failure for Want of Concentration — ^Several confused lines on the Mount of the Sun. Two or three upward branches of the Line of the Sun crossed by others. A branch of the Line of the Sun, reaching the Mount of the Sun and divided into two forks in the form of a V. Business (Aptitude for) — The third finger-tip square in both hands. The second phalanx of the fourth finger well developed. Chemistry (Aptitude for and Success in) — Short, vertical lines near the Percussion on the Mount of Mercury (not to be confounded with “Children* Lines). Clairvoyance (Gift of) — ^The Line of Intuition com- mencing with an island. The Line of Head terminat- ing in a long, fine fork on the Mount of the Moon. The existence of the “Ring of Solomon” (i. e., a branch of the Line of Heart encircling the Mount of Jupiter). PALMISTIC LEXICON 257 Oerical Life (Honors in) — A line from the Rascette rising to the Mounts of Jupiter or Saturn.* Knotted joints with conical finger tips. Diplomacy (Success in) — A pointed fourth finger with a triangle on the Mount of Mercury. The Line of Head forked, one branch down to the Mount of the Moon, with a good Mount of Mercury. Discoveries — ^White spots on the Line of Head. Dramatic Genius — The third finger with spatulate tips, and a strong Mount of the Sun. A branch from the Line of Fate to the Mount of Mercury. Eloquence (Fame Through) — A long, p'binted first phalanx of the fourth finger. A well developed Mount of Mercury with a star on the third phalanx of the fourth finger. A long Line of Head sloping toward the Mount of the Moon, with the Mount of Jupiter very strong and with a grille on it. A small triangle at the termination of the Line of Head. Genius — A much developed Mount of the Sun. Genius in Invention — Much developed Mounts of the Sun and Mercury. The thumb set very low in both hands, with a Mount of Mercury so large as to extend to the Percussion. Genius (Misdirected)— Two wavy, irregular lines on 258 PALMISTIC LEXICON the Mount of the Sun, with a good Line of the Sun. Genius (Rewarded) — good Line of the Sun in both hands, with one single, deep, clear line on the Mount of the Sun. Legal Success (Bench or Bar) — line from the Rascette to the Mount of Jupiter (not a travel line). Literary Success — A cross on the upper joint of the first finger. A line from the wrist to the Mount of the Sun. A star on the Mount of Mercury accompanied by lines rising and touching the Lines of Head and Heart with white spots on the Line of Head under the Mount of the Sun. Medical Skill — ^Two or three vertical lines on a good Mount of Mercury. Military Lite (Honors in) — ^A triangle or star on either Mounts of Mars. A triangle inside the Trian- gle, between the Lines of Life and Fate. Military Skill — ^The Mounts of Mars well developed, and a deep line on the third phalanx of the second finger. Mimicry ("Talent for) — The Line of Head ascending the Mount of Mercury at its termination. Nurse's Skill — ^Two clear-cut, vertical lines op fourth finger. PALMISTIC LEXICON 259 Poetry (Talent for) — Srnooth joints and a small thumb with a grille on the Mount of the Moon. Public Life (Honors in) — A star on the first joint of the first finger or on the Mount of Jupiter. A triangle on the Mount of Mercury. (See Diplomacy.) Scientific Pursuits (Success in) — Fourth finger as long as the second finger. A triangle or white spots found on the Line of Head near tb'' Mount of Mer- cury. A line from the root to the first phalanx the fourth finger. V. Financial Success or Failure. Bankruptcy — An island on the Line of Liver, with the Line of Fate cut up by small lines, the Line of the Sun being absent or poorly formed. The Line of Fate starting below the first bracelet of the Rascette and terminating at a short Line of Head. A narrow Tri- angle caused by the Line of Life inclining toward the Line of Head. Economizing (Talent for) — A very strong and straight Line of Head with a poor Line of Heart and the first finger relatively longer than the rest. Extravagance in Money Matters — Fingers easily curved backward. Failure in Money Matters — ^A very hollow palm, 360 PALMISTIC LEXICON especially when the hollow inclines towarc! the Line of Fate. A cross on the Mount of Mercury, so close to the Line of Heart as to cause one of it? branches to cut the Line. Gain in Commerce — A clear, straight line from the Line of Head to the Mount of Mercury. Gambler or Speculator’s Instincts ~ The third finger almost as long as the second, with a long slop- ing Line of Head. Greed— The Line of Heart crossing the palm straight and clear to the Percussion, with the fingers showing a natural bend inward. The Mounts of Mer- cury and the Sun somewhat exaggerate with the third phalanx of every finger long and thick. Honesty (Doubtful) — A wavy line of Head Vv^ith a narrow Quadrangle and an exaggerate (or much rayed) Mount of Mercury. Inheritance^ — An acute angle cutting the first brace- let of the Rascette. If a cross or star is close to it ^^the inheritance will be large.” The Line of Head accom- panied by a sister line (very rare). Many horizontal lines on the third phalanx of the second finger if the second phalanx is not rayed. Legacies — Branches ascending on either side of the PALMISTIC LEXICON 261 Line of Life toward the Line of Head and the Mounts of Saturn or the Sun. A line starting from a star on the Mount of Venus and proceeding unbroken to the Mount of the Sun. Riches — The Line of the Sun long and uncrossed. Three or more branches from the Line of Head to the Mount of Jupiter. Lines on the third phalanx of the first finger with branches from the Line of the Sun. A good Line of Fate with a branch of the Line of Head extending to the Mount of the Sun. A line from the Rascette to the Mount of the Sun. ' Success in business — A line from the wrist crossing the Line of Head and Heart and reaching the Mount of Mercury. The Line of Fate terminating on the Mount of Mercury. Theft — An island on the Line of Liver with an exaggerate Mount of Mercury. The Mount of Mer- cury exaggerate with a grille or a cross or a star on it. A cross on the third phalanx of the fourth finger. Many confused lines on the third phalanx of the fourth finger. Wealth, Fatal to Happiness — A star on the Mount of the Sun when the Line of the Sun is missing in both hands. 26S PALMISTIC LEXICON Wealth, Late in Life — Two branches from the Ras- cette to the Mount of the Sun. Branches from the Line of Life downward to the Triangle with a good Line of Fate. APPENDIX. L A SHORT THEORY OE THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES. It is impossible to give this appendix the propor- tions of a scientific treatise. I wish, however, to briefly touch upon some of the essential points which establish the connection between palmistry and the discoveries, or rather I should say, the demonstrations of modern science. I, therefore, in common with my masters in chiro- mancy, lay it down as a principle, that we — that is, terrestrial beings — are surrounded by an imponderable and mysterious fluid which presents four different manifestations; ‘flight, heat, electricity, magnetism.’' This fluid, we have succeeded in condensing, and, sometimes, in directing, and, in short, in giving it a more and more important part in our existence, (26a) THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 264 But no science, none, without any exception* what- ever, has more clearly pointed out its source and primordial origin, than the recently improved science of Chirosophy. This science proclaims that the astral fluid is an emanation from the principal heavenly bodies that sur- round the earth. That this emanation returns whence it came, and is again emitted in a kind of perpetual respiration. The whole terrestrial creation, to a greater or less degree, is affected by this incessant and powerful exhalation, and human beings are more susceptible to this influence than the rest of creation, that is, they are more 'Tygrometric,” if the expression may be allowed; they retain the impression it produces upon them with remarkable distinctness. *Thomas A. Edison and a number of other electricians happening to meet recently in the Western Union office, the discussirn which followed took the direction of recent devel- opments in electricity. Incidentally some one spoke of the indefiniteness of various terms employed to designate the measurements of electrical force, and said, “Ohm, for instance, and volt and ampere: what real idea of power do these terms convey?” “Oh,” said Mr. Edison, smiling, “those terms are very useful terms. They serve to conceal our ignorance of electricity.” — “N. Y. Tribune, July 22, 1883.” THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 265 It is impossible to pretend that the influence thus exerted by the orbs of heaven upon human creatures and all terrestrial nature is a merely speculative hypo- thesis. To dispose of any such suggestion it is sufficient to mention the influence exerted by ^^the Sun/’ whose rays ripen the crops and whose light (aside from the effects of heat) gives life and development to the whole vegetable creation. I might also — among the thousand phenomena rec- ognized by the severest scientist of modern times^ — speak of the influence of “the Moon” upon the period- ical ebb and flow of the tide, upon woman’s mysteri- ous organization, and, lastly, upon the human brain, whose aberrations are commonly, and with truth, attri- buted to it. With regard to the complex and universal character of this fluid — which I will continue to call “the astral fluid,” as I do not wish to manufacture out of the whole cloth any barbarous term that might include so great number of diverse elements — with regard to its Icharacter is it not indicated with sufficient clearness in the form assumed by the larger part of natural objects, in the leaves of the trees, for example, whose 266 THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES fibres are arranged not with invariable regularity of form, but in infinite variety, a variety that reveals the subtle and ever diverse nature of the force which is present and active in their creation? The fluid is, therefore, “present;” its power sur- rounds us, it forms part of our very being. If the “Sun” and “Moon” play such an important part in our moral and physical development, as it is established authentically, what reason can there be for doubting but that the other heavenly bodies which are, to say the least, of equal dignity — “Jupiter,” “Saturn,” “Mercury,” “Mars” and “Venus” — aid also in some manner in the distribution of this fluid whose integral elements, as we said before, are factors that still remain unknown to the world of science? Possibly I may be met by the objection that many other planets and stars are known to the science of astronomy in addition to the seven great luminaries to which I have alluded, and every decade fresh dis- coveries are made that increase that number. It may be asked, why disregard all these other plan- ets and stars and recognize no sidereal influence except that exerted by the seven heavenly bodies which have been enumerated above? THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 267 My answer to this specious argument is that '‘Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn’' are the most important of the planets, and are so considered by modern science; that, on account of the immense distance of “Uranus” from the “Sun,” its influence is lost upon us; that “Vesta, Ceres, Pallas and Juno” are so small that they are regarded as the “debris” ef some planet that has been shattered in pieces. And, finally, that the planets which have been recently discovered with so much difficulty are of small importance, either by reason of their distance or by reason of their small size, and their influence may be disregarded as inappreciable. Nor, upon this point, have I any apprehension that exact science can refute what I say. Standing thus upon well-established facts, and with- out venturing to transcend in the slightest degree the limits fixed by modern science which divide the known from the unknown, I affirm: “the Existence of the Astral Fluid.” It issues, either simultaneously or separately, from the seven great luminaries that shine down upon us. It envelopes the earth, exerts an influence upon it, and this influence is, so to speak, dominant. m THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES It then returns by “a kind of respiration'’ to the heavenly bodies, whence it was emitted and again acquires fresh power to be again exerted upon us, and so it will go on in perpetual succession, until the con- summation of time and the universe. Having established this much, the questions arise: 1. What is the specific effect produced by this fluid upon human beings? 2 . Upon what part of the human organization is the effect produced? 3. Finally, what traces does it leave in evidence of its passage? The answer to the first of these three questions is found in the body of this work. Th^e sole purpose, in . . . - ~ - fact, of this book is to exhibit the results produced upon our past lives and upon the brief period that is in store for us, through the presence and influence of the ^^Astral Fluid,” whether we assume that the influence is exerted harmoniously, that is, — phenomenon almost without example, — ^with the absolute accord of the seven dominant orbs, or upon the assumption — ac- cording to the preponderance of probability — that we are subject to the supremacy of certain heavenly body THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 269 ies over others, unequally and with a discordance unfortunately but too inevitable. To the second of the questions, the reply ought to be furnished for us, and will be, by the positive conclu- sions of medical science. The science of medicine explains now fully the ‘‘nature of man’s nervous system,” and shows that it is now understood, as clearly and completely as are the systems of the veins, arteries and muscles. It teaches that from the chief nerves, which are huge conduits, issue thousands of fine ramifications, sensi- tive to the slightest galvanic shocks, and centering more particularly “in the head and hands; in the head,” where reside four of the senses, sight, hearing, taste and smell; “in the hands,” chief seat of the fifth sense, the sense which alone is able to supply, to a great extent, the loss of all the rest, the “sense of feeling.” * *The nerves that connect the brain with the hands belong to the ‘Trachial Plexus’’ (meaning bundle of nerves belong- ing to the arm) formed by the interlacing of the anterior branches of the last cervical pairs and the first dorsal. Those nerves which are on the hand are first, the ‘hnedian nerve” reaching the palmar surface of all the fingers; second, the “cubital nerve” extending to the first three (thumb included). 270 THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES Here, no doubt, it will be asked, why the hand should be the part of the human body upon which the action of the Astral Fluid should be principally con- centrated? My answer is (and it is the answer of physiological science), that the fingers are the instruments of the soul’s life, and have in their possession the secrets of human action; that, as the palm of the hand in all diseases of irritation or inflammation, becomes burn- ing hot, so the hand really is, in a measure, the “f@eus of the soul’s instinctive life.” The means of communication through which this instinctive life overflows are, first, the prominences or “mounts” upon the hand (see Chapter VII.), and, sec- ondly, an accumulation of “Pacinic Corpuscles,” the presence of which has been discovered both in the prominences or “mounts,” and also “in the palm” and “at the extremeties” or “tips” of the fingers. These corpuscles, two hundred and fifty or three hundred in number, consist of a congeries of nerves, as was discovered by Dr. Pacini, of Pisa, and probably perform the function of “innervation,” or, in other words, the “absorption of the Astral Fluid,” which is the peculiar function of the hand. They swve as THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 271 “reservoirs of electricity/’ and give the hand its pecul- iar sensitiveness. * I consider that the doctrine of the exhalation and absorption of the Astral Fluid, its so-called respiration, has now been solidly fortified, with the help of the independent results of modern physiological science. In conclusion, I would refer to the fact that between the extremities of the fingers and the brain, a com- munication is going on incessantly, and thorough- going materialists go so far as to maintain that this form of vitality, which is superior to all others, consti- tutes what is called the “human soul,” the “Psyche” of the Ancients. Without pretending to follow the great leaders of modern medical science so far, I merely contend here, that the hands certainly serve as the chief reservoir *Dunglidon, in his admirable ‘^Dictionary of Medical Science’^ defines the Pacinic corpuscles in these words: “Small bodies connected with cutaneous nerves of the palm and sole. In each corpuscle there is the termination of a ner- vous filament,” and he mentions also the “Tactile or Touch corpuscles as bodies composed of a horizontally laminated mass of areolar tissue found in the papillae of parts endowed with great tactile sensibility. The nerves of touch communi- cate with them and their function is to render the sense more acute. 272 THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES of the nervous fluid, and inasmuch as this fluid is identical with the Astral Fluid (see foregoing observa- tions), I have thus answered the third, as well as the second, of the previously stated questions, that is to say: It is in man’s hands that we shall find revealed : 1. The “larger” or “smaller measure” of each man’s “capacity” to “absorb the Astral Fluid.” This we shall discover from the shape of the hand in accord- ance with the laws of “Chirognomy.” 2 . The “traces left” upon the material substance of the hands “by the ceaseless passage of the fluid,” under the form of lines and various marks, which will appear after a few days’ study to be as easy to read as the alphabet to an intelligent child. A knowledge of the laws which, scientifically and not arbitrarily, are deduced from a study of the palm of the hand forms the science of “Chiromancy.” We again repeat that “modern Palmistry” unites and combines these two elements in order to obtain, by these means, a complete and incontrovertible result — a joint result, which is obtained by two independent and adverse examinations. THE MYSTERY OF THE LINES 273 Possibly the incredulous may suggest that the lines in question are caused by the hand's motions. Were there any foundation for this idea, how does it happen that laboring men and artisans — men who are constantly employed in some kind of manual labor — have very few lines apparent upon the inside of their hands, while women of leisure and professional men, who are exempt from fatiguing labor have a great many lines traced upon their hands? Moreover, how is the fact to be explained away, that many of these' lines may be found upon the hands of newly born infants? Lastly, if the doctrines of palmistry are not logical^ scientific and true, how is the fact to be accounted for — a fact established beyond all doubt by experiments ]that have been repeated a thousand times — to-wit: the fact that the lines that traverse the palm actually change from time to time not only with changes of occupation, but also, and especially, in consequence of changes in moral and intellectual conditions, and still more under the influence of a persistent will?. . . . TRS BENBB OE TOUGH, THE SKIN AND THE NEB.VE CENTBES. (From the Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. I., p, 897.) After the ‘'Cuticle or Epidermis’' forming the outer covering of the skin is removed the “Cutis vera” appears and is seen to be studded with multitudes of minute elevations, the “papillae” of the skin. These “papilae” are either simple conical structures or com- pound with two or three branches. “They are largest in the palms and soles,” being from one-hundredth to two-hundredths of an inch high and arranged in ridges; usually they are much shorter and irregularly distributed. The cutis is formed of connective tissue in which stellate connective tissue corpuscules and elastic fibres are abundant. It is highly vascular; the small arteries that go to the skin give off branches to the lobules of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, then pen- etrate the cutis and form a “plexus” from which (274) TOUCH, SKIN AND NERVES 275 laries arise, which enter the papillae xid form vascular loops within them. The nerves of the skin are the cutaneous branches both of the spinal and of certain of the cervical nerves. They run through the subcutaneous tissue and enter (he deep surface of the cutis when they divide into branches. As these pass toward the papillae, they unite to form a nerve ^'plexus/’ from which smaller branches arise to form the papillae and terminate ‘^more espec- ially in the palm of the hand, fingers and sole,’’ which are the surfaces most sensitive to touch impressions, in the ‘^tactile or touch corpuscles.^’ These touch corpuscles, discovered by Wagner and Meissner, are the peripheral end-organs of the nerves of touch. They may be single or compound; are usu- ally ovoid in form; not unlike a minute fir-cone; and are transversely marked, from the tranverse direction of the nuclei of fusiform cells which form an inverting capsule. Each corpuscle and each division of a compound corpuscle is penetrated by one and by never more than one medulated nerve fibre, but the exact mode of ter- mination of the axial cylinder of the fibre has not been ascertained. DUMAS PILS, THE AUTHOR OP ‘^CAMILLE/' INTERVIEWED. M. Alexandre Dumas said: ^^Desbarrolles initiated into his science a lady of per- fectly correct judgment, great eloquence and whose fine and delicate perception was not slow in penetrat- ing into the mysteries of the hand further than he ever went himself. That unity of method and thought which exists between Desbarrolles and the Initiated affords the means of giving an incontestable proof of the truth of the science. One or other of the two, it matters not which, examines the hand, studies it, explains it, relates the past, and predicts the future. The other, absent from the room, enters, takes the hand, explains it in his or her turn, and deviates not a shade from what his predecessor has divulged as t© the past or the future. ^The evening of the day when he received my tele- DUMAS FILS INTERVIEWED 273 gram, Desbarrolles arrived at my house, followed or rather preceded by the Initiated. He found with me the two promised hands. ‘They belonged to a young and robust person of twenty-seven years of age, with black eyes, sparkling under a forest of hair — a rare thing in our day — teeth of enamel, a complexion tinged with the sun, but full of life, and bearing, as a particular mark on the cheeky a large sabre cut, leaving a scar from the ear to the mouth. She passed into my room with me, and gave to the Initiated her two hands, somewhat plump but beautifully shaped, with the mounts of Mars, Mercury, the Sun, Saturn and Jupiter rather prominent, Venus well developed and a line of life stretching fiercely across, with three or four breaks in it. “‘Good and well; here is a beautiful and fortunate hand,’ said the Initiated, whilst Desbarrolles remained in the drawing-room out of hearing. Then, without hesitation: ‘A double illustration,’ said she, ‘a family and a personal illustration.’ “The owner of the hand shrunk a little. “ ‘It is true,’ said I; ‘go on.’ “The Initiated continued : ‘At five years of age you incurred the danger of death.’ 878 DUMAS FILS INTERVIEWED “ ‘I do not recollect,’ replied the patient. '“Think well; it is impossible I can be deceived. You see that little break at the top of the line. Find some recollections of infancy.’ “ Tt may be, but it is impossible you could see that in my hand.’ “ T see a danger of death ; I cannot say what kind.’ “ ‘Well, at five years of age I was in Brazil. My father had a tame leopard. One day, as I was sleep- ing in the garden, lying on the grass, the leopard sprang suddenly upon me, as if he wished to devour me, and tore my dress in pieces. My father, who thought it was at me the animal aimed, rushed up to my assistance, but at the same time being awoke, I arose and took to flight. A coral serpent fell from beneath my clothes. It was dead. The leopard, who aimed at it and not at me, had crushed its head with his teeth.’ “ ‘There,’ said the Initiated, ‘I knew I could not be mistaken.’ And she continued: ‘At fifteen, another danger of death, but this time by poison.’ “ ‘This time again you are right,’ said the person asked. ‘One day while walking in a wood, I found a tree that was unknown to me, which bore a fruit mueh DUMAS FILS INTERVIEWED 279 resembling a gourd. It was of a beautiful red color, and, when opened, there came out three or four ker- nels of a delightful velvety smoothness. I carried them to my father and mother, but neither one nor the other knew the fruit. The nuts were so pretty that we used them in the evening to play with instead of counters. I took one of them and passed it several times over my lips, pleased with its agreeable smooth- ness. A young man who was paying his court to me did the same with his. The same night I was taken with a burning fever. My lips became chapped, and in the morning I was a prey to the most violent vomit- ings. At the end of three days the yellow fever declared itself. The young man, attacked with the same symptoms as I, had also the yellow fever, but had not the good fortune to recover as I did. He died.’ ‘Now,’ continued the chiromantist, ‘as to the great- est danger you have incurred — the danger of violent death between nineteen and twenty — it is that to which belongs that sabre-cut. There is a fire in the midst of all that, is there not?’ “ ‘Yes; they had set the house on fire in one place, while murder was being committed in another.’ “ ‘But,’ continued the Initiated, ‘there is produced a *280 DUMAS FILS INTERVIEWED singular phenomenon. The line of chance, broken by that frightful catastrophe, belongs to that catastrophe even more strongly and more continued. One would say that, losing all on the side of affection, you had gained on the side of fortune.’ ‘All that is amazingly exact.’ “ ‘Lastly, two years ago you escaped a serious enough danger. It ought to be when confined with your third child?’ “An affirmative nod replied to this last question. “ ‘And now,’ continued the sybil, ‘you have nothing more to fear up to forty-five years of age. You will then incur danger on the water. Then, that danger past, the Line of Life resumes its power, and the Magic Bracelet, which continues it, promises you long and happy days. If you pass to the general signs, I will tell you that, although a woman, you have a sol- dier’s hand, combative and imperious. You like bod- ily exercise, movement, horses. You have very fine tact. None of your sentiments proceed from reason; but on the contrary, you ^ct instinctively, by sympathy or antipathy. Had you been a man, you would have been a soldier; free to follow your own calling, you would have been an actress.’ DUMAS FILS INTERVIEWED 281 study of the hand was finished by the Initiated. 'We returned to the dining-room, where Desbar- rolles resumed the hands of the la4y in question, and told her literally the same thing.’' IV. THE (S^RSAT BALZAC’S AFFIRMATIONS IN FAVOR OF FALMISTRY. 'To learn to know the disposition, in the atmos- pheric variations of the hand, is a more certain study than that of physiognomy. 'Thus, in arming yourself with this science, you arm yourself with a great power, and you will have a thread that will guide you into the labyrinth of the most impe- netrable hearts.’' h. * ♦ ♦ "To predict to a man the events of his life by the sight of his hand is not more extraordinary to him who has received the power of knowing it, than to say to a soldier that he will fight; a barrister that he will speak; or a shoemaker that he will make a pair of boots.” He ^ He ★ "The line where flesh ends and the nail begins, con- tains the inexplicable mystery of the constant trans- formation of fluids into horn, showing that nothing is fast) BALZAC’S AFFIRMATIONS *83 impossible to the wonderful modification of the human substance.” * * * * * “Well, if God has printed, to the eye of certain clear- seeing minds, the destiny of each man, on his physiog- nomy — taking this word as meaning the total expres- sion of the body — ^why should not the hand give the characteristics of the physiognomy, since the hand contains the whole of human acting and its only medi- um of manifestation?” * * * * (Balzac in “Le Cousin Pons.”) HANDS OF CELEBRITIES. LIST OF HANDS OF CELEBRITIES William E. Gladstone. Vice-Roy Li-Hung-Chang. General Boulanger. Queen Elizabeth. Sarah Bernhardt. Mrs. Keeley. Mrs. Langtry. Miss Esther Palliser. Jim Corbett (both hands). Miss Edna Lyall. Eugene Sandow. Deeming, the murderer, A photographed hand of the author. Vincent d’Indy, the music composer. Carolus-Duran, the painter. S. MacManus, the writer. Mownet-Sully, the foremost French tragedian. Marcellin Berthellot, the famous scientist, Frangois Copee, leading French poet. “Gyp” (Countess de Martel), novelist. Alexandre Dumas, fils, novelist and playwright. Loie Fuller, the dancer. Emile Zola, the novelist. William Bouguereau, the painter. W'histler, the painter and etcher. Madame Rejane, the Parisian actress. Sarasate, the great Spanish violinist. Maud Gonne, the “Irish Joan of Arc.” Young “Chimpanzee” Monkey. HAND OF EMILE ZOLA, THE NOVELIST. HAND OF LOIE FULLER, THE DANCER. HAND OF WHISTLER, THE PAINTER AND ETCHER, HkND OF WILLIAM BOUGUEREAU, THE PAINTER, HAND OF SARASATE, THE GREAT SPANISH VIOLINIST. HAND OF MADAME REJANE, THE PARISIAN ACTRESS. HAND OF MAUD GONNE, THE “IRISH JOAN OF ARC. HAND OF A YOUNG “CHIMPANZEE” MONKEY. HAND OF CAROLUS-DURAN, THE PAINTER, HAND OF VINCENT D INDY, THE MUSIC COMPOSER. HAND OF MOUNET-SULLY, THE FOREMOST FRENCH TRAGEDIAN HAND OF S. MAC MANUS, THE WRITER. HAND OF FRANCOIS COFFEE, THE LEADING FRENCH FOET. HAND OF MARCELLIN BERTHELOT, THE FAMOUS SCIENTIST, FORMER FRENCH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. HAND OF ALEXANDRE DUMAS, FILS, NOVELIST AND PLAYWRIGHT HAND OF “GYP’^ (COUNTESS DE MARTEL), THE NOVELIST. HANDS OF CELEBRITIES \ UBRAfTf OF TRE , HANDS ©F CELEBRITIES HANDS OF CELEBRITIlt FIG. 40. GENERAL BOULANGER, FRENCH STATESMAN {^Committed Suicide,) RANDS OF CELEBRITISS FIQ. 41. QUEEN ELIZABETH. {The Shape of the Hand from Pictures^ the Lines supplied by Mpert Chtrosophists.) UBR^fiY Ofv Tut UKIVERSITY Ot" 11L1K013 HANDS OF CELEBRITIES. flO. 42. QUCEN VICTORIA. [FBOU HBB aiATCK.] QFIME u^iiV£RS^Y uf iiu;co HANDS OF CELEBRITIES FIO. 43. MRS. KEELEY, THE “DEAN” OF ENGLISH ACTRESSES. U8RARY Of THE UNIVERSITY OF ILUfiOiG HANDS OF CELEBRITIES HANDS OF CELEBRITIES H I OF THE UWVEBSITY Of ILimOlS HANDS OF CELEBRITIES UBRAHY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILUHDIS HANDS} OF CELEBRITIES FIG. 48. EUGENE SANDOW, THE “STRONGEST MA.^ Off EARTH.” LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS HANDS OF CELEBRITIES 'i'VLT Jre” J ■i ' ■ )