418 



HISTORY OF 



The nose is the most prominent feature in the 

 face ; but, as it has scarcely any motion, and that 

 only in the strongest passions, it rather adds to 

 the beauty than to the expression of the coun- 

 tenance. " However, I am told by the skilful 

 in this branch of knowledge, that wide nostrils 

 add a great deal to the bold and resolute air of 

 the countenance ; and where they are narrow, 

 though it may constitute beauty, it seldom im- 

 proves expression." The form of the nose, and 

 its advanced position, are peculiar to the human 

 visage alone. Other animals, for the most part, 

 have nostrils, with a partition between them, but 

 none of them have an elevated nose. Apes them- 

 selves have scarcely any thing else of this feature 

 but the nostrils ; the rest of the feature lying 

 flat upon the visage, and scarcely higher than 

 the cheek-bones. " Among all the tribes of sa- 

 vage men also, the nose is very flat ; and I have 

 seen a Tartar who had scarcely any thing else 

 but two holes through which to breatlie." 



The mouth and lips, next to the eyes, are 

 found to have the greatest expression. The pas- 

 sions have great power over this part of the face ; 

 and the mouth marks its different degrees by its 

 different forms. The organ of speech still more 

 animates this part, and gives it more life than any 

 other feature in the countenance. The ruby 

 colour of the lips, and the white enamel of the 

 teeth, give it such a superiority over every other 

 feature, that it seems to make the principal object 

 of our regard. In fact, the whole attention is 

 fixed upon the lips of the speaker : however rapid 



