<54 OH pljysicgnomy. 'j^^y * ?• 



ticular circumstance, orsome combinatlonof ideas, ap- 

 pear to us to be expiefsed in the face, the air, and 

 manner of the person. 



The exprefsions of these amiable dispositions of 

 teind, give external beautjr its chief force, and 

 most powerful charm. Beauty, harmony, and just 

 proportions, are always viewed with pleasure ; and 

 no beauty in external objects affects us so strong- 

 ly as that of the human form. A fine face, a well 

 ihaped body, an easy air, and graceful deportmentj 

 are beheld with a high degree of pleasure by every 

 spectator. Yet still it is the exprefsion of some- 

 thing inward that charms us most. For though the 

 beauty or deformity of the mind, is not necefsarily 

 connected with that of the body, yet we are natu- 

 rally inclined to infer the one from the other ; and 

 wherever we behold a beautiful and agreeable form, 

 we are apt to conclude, that the soul which ani- 

 mates it, is no lefs amiable. When we observe 

 great beauty and elegance in the one, we will not 

 allow ourselves to think the other is deformed and 

 depraved. But thut the qualities of the mind ex- 

 prefsed in the face and manner, form the great charm 

 of beauty, and have the most powerful influence in 

 gaining the affLCtions will appear, if we consider 

 that where good sense and a good heart are not dis- 

 covered, we may admire the fine proportions and 

 symmetry of features, but will find nothing that at- 

 tracts out affection and good will. " Why else," (but 

 for the reason now given,) says the noble authof 

 of the characteristics, " is the very air of fooUQinefs 

 enough to cloy a lover at first sight ? Why does an 

 idiot iook *nd manner destroy the effect of all tlveir 



