58 EXPRESSION. 



able, quite quiescent : it is perceptibly broadened 

 and shortened by the outward and upward move- 

 ment of the alae. Thus this characteristically 

 human expression is not confined to a single 

 feature, much less the effect of a single muscle, 

 after the fashion in which Duchenne 1 endeavours 

 to demonstrate that various expressions are pro- 

 duced each by a particular band of fibres. The 

 means are various by which the results so harmoni- 

 ous in character, so similar in their symbolism, are 

 achieved : here it is by the direct pulling of 

 muscles, there by the accident of one part pushing 

 another upwards, and by the wrinkling caused by 

 an action having another primary object. 



Under the influence of the depressing emotions 

 the same parts are depressed which were raised 

 in smiling ; and the apertures of the face, the 

 openings of communication with the world, are 

 diminished as the soul retires from its disagree- 

 able surroundings. The brows, the eyelids, the 

 alae of the nose, but most of all the angles of the 

 mouth, are lowered in all expressions of sadness. 



But, in speaking of smiling and sorrow, I keep 

 out of consideration altogether laughter, sobbing 

 and crying. They do not fall within the limits of 

 actions principally explained by the natural corre- 



1 Mdchanisme de la Physiognomic Humaine. 



