198 PHYSICAL EXPRESSION. 



are marked by inborn vulgarity, apart from 

 any special expression by nerve-muscular action. 

 Elements contributing to the low vulgar type are a 

 large prominent under jaw, thick lips, a thick 

 immobile make of skin, etc. Here the face is more 

 fitted to bear exposure than to show fine nerve- 

 muscular action, and the expression as to the mode 

 in which the brain will probably act is due to the 

 empirical fact that this type of face does coexist 

 with that state of brain development which makes 

 the individual tend to vulgarity in mentation and 

 in action. This is only an empirical statement 

 dependent upon the results of observation, and as 

 such is likely not to be true in a particular case ; 

 indeed, it is often an untrustworthy sign. Such 

 observations need to be corrected, by noting many 

 nerve-muscular signs before we can determine the 

 character of the individual. A somewhat plain or 

 even vulgar-looking face may receive an intellectual 

 expression when the brain is in action from mental 

 work ; other faces are most pleasing when passive, 

 but when in action show a poverty in their nerve- 

 muscular expression indicative of low organization 

 of the brain-centres. Speaking of idiots, Dr. Lang- 

 don Down remarks (Obstetrical Transactions, vol, 

 xxii.) that " the prognosis is, contrary to what is so 

 often thought, inversely as the child is comely, fair 

 to look upon, and winsome/' 



The condition of nutrition of the tissues of the 

 face is an important index of the general nutrition 

 of the body, and its different organs. A slight 

 amount of malnutrition makes the face looks dull. 



