L AVATER’s 
84 
■ The bridge of the nofe fliould be fuppdrted by 
buttrelTes, joining above the arch that borders on 
the orb ^ nor ought it to be lefs than half an inch 
broad. 
Although thefe lines of diftinffion conftitute per- 
feffion, it muft, neverthelefs, be acknowledged, that 
many men of merit have been ill-treated by Nature 
in that refpeff ; but we muft diftinguifh their pre- 
eminence in perfonal merit. For inftance : — 
Lavater fays, that he knew moft upright, gene- 
rous, and intelligent men, fo unfortunate as to have 
fmall carbuncles on the fides of their nofes, notwith- 
ftanding thofe qualities which rendered them foft, 
pliable, and paflive obje6fs ; fitted, like wax, to re- 
ceive delicate impreflions, rather than to hold the 
reins of empire. 
- An aquiline nofe betrays a commanding afpe£f, 
an enterprizing fpirit, and becoming fortitude. 
' Straight nofes hit the right medium between the 
two extremes 5 and denote men endowed with cou- 
rage, energy, and refignatlon to their fate. 
A ftraight or crooked nofe with a broad bottom 
denotes fuperior intellects. 
The fame eminent writer fays, that this form is 
uncommon, and never deceived him in his opinion 
of it. ‘ ' ' ■ ■ ■ • .. - - 
■ Small noftrils indicate timidity and indolence. — 
But when they are firm and extended, fuch a de- 
licacy 
