LOOKING-GLASS. 
113 
fubftantial layer ; and as all the chinks between 
them are filled up by the general confequence of 
good living, a comely appearance is preferved in 
addition to a blooming complexion. 
It is likewife eafy to obferve, that the veil, thus 
formed to cover the vifage, is thinner in fome 
parts than in others ; being very fine upon the eye- 
brows, within the nofe, and on the lips; but thick- 
er on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. 
In fupport of thefe obfervations, let us give 
fome examples to illuftrate the theory. 
A face painted with joy appears ferene, with 
all the adjoining parts unruffled ; for the nervous 
power is there neither too flow, nor too quick : but 
a forrowful countenance is disfigured with wrinkles 
or plaits, formed by the flirinking mufcles, from the 
brows to the lips. This effect appears to proceed 
from the diforder of the nerves, affefted by the 
irritation of the mind. 
A profound melancholy is marked in ftronger 
chara6ters. The nervous fyftem being deranged, 
thofe finer firings, the mufcles, are more contract- 
ed ; — the eye-lids fcarcely perform their duty ; or, if 
they open half way, it is only to let out, through 
their lluices, a flood of tears. The mufcles of the 
nofe and mouth flirink with violence — the eye- 
brows are knitted — twitchings follow, and bring 
on a temporary interruption of breath, from the 
ruffling of the nerves communicating with the mid- 
I rifl' 
