^6 on physiognomy. July ij. 



stamp^its signature on the external form, and render 

 natural to the bodj those features, that air and man- 

 ner, by which it is exprefsed. 



These observations, which are confirmed by daily 

 expt ience, evidently fhow the powerful influence 

 which the perations and afF-ctions of the mind have 

 upon the body. So sensible are all men of this, that 

 they cannot help determining concerning the temper 

 and disposit on fron the external appearance, and 

 formi g some judgement of the character of every 

 person, the very first time they see tnem. Nay the 

 imprefsions made upon us on these occasions, are 

 often so strong, that it is a difficult matter after- 

 wards to efface them. If we go into a company 

 where all the persons are equally u.iknown to us, 

 we cannot be long indifferent, but will soon find a 

 partiality to some of them, a secret charm that al- 

 lures and draws us to seek, the conversation of one 

 preferably to that of another. If they are engaged in 

 play, we cannot help wilhing succefs to one, or grud- 

 ging at the good luck of another ; and we will be as 

 much interested in the event of the game, as if we 

 ourselves were concerned in its succefs. 



A late French writer*, after having made this 

 observation, puts the question, " From what does this 

 prejudice proceed, and upon what is it founded ?" 

 And then he replies: I don't think it is a thing 

 which can be defi;ied. Will it be said, that it is the 

 agreenient of taste ? The persons are strangers to 

 one another. Is it the union of sentiment ? Have 



* Aa.t'ior of L'pcole de I'homme. 



