CHAPTER XVII

CHINS AND MOUTHS

Physiognomists regard the chin as an important feature to be considered in the study of faces as the outer form of character. The following are the principal points of the "reading" of chins.

In Fig. 20 we see the first point to be observed in the study of chins. The rule is to draw an imaginary perpendicular line from the point at the root of the nose, between the two eyebrows. In the normal and average type, the line touches the upper lip and chin. But we find the normal condition in but comparatively few cases, the majority manifesting a variation backward or forward. When the chin is found to recede from the line, it is interpreted as an indication of weakness, lack of stability and firmness, and a general vacillating and unstable character. When the chin projects beyond the line, it is interpreted as indicating firmness, stubborness, and a generally selfish nature, which is considered "strong" by contrast with the "weak" receding chin. When the projecting chin is _pointed_, it indicates that the strength is manifested as grasping, miserliness, etc.; while if it is _square_, it indicates Combativeness and Destructiveness as well as Acquisitiveness; and if it is _very broad and square_, it indicates the domineering, "bossy," tyrannical, self-willed character.

The above points regarding the chin must always be taken into consideration. The following points are based on the shape of the chin when in _normal position_, that is when the perpendicular line descends in a straight line from the root of the nose to the chin:

The _narrow-round chin_ indicates _idealistic feeling_ not manifesting in decided action. These people have high desires, longings, and aspiration, but lack the will to act upon the same.

The _narrow-square chin_ indicates the idealistic nature, _accompanied by the will to act_ upon the same.

The _broad-round chin_ indicates _substantial feeling_, without the will to manifest it in decided action. These people desire ordinary, plain, practical things, but lack the initiative, will and nerve to overcome obstacles to acquire them.

The _broad-square chin_ indicates that the feelings are plain, practical and substantial, _with the will to back them up_.

From the above, it will be seen that _roundness_ indicates _feeling_; and that _squareness_ denotes _will_; that narrowness denotes _ideality_; while _broadness_ denotes _practical, substantial, plain_ desires and tastes.

The _dimpled or indented chin_ indicates the warm artistic temperament with its accompanying desire for love of the opposite sex, desire for affection, and alas! too often a fickleness and lack of loyalty and fidelity in love affairs.

JAWS

A _broad, firm jaw_ indicates strong Combativeness, Destructiveness and Firmness.

A _narrow, loose jaw_ indicates the reverse of the qualities above noted.

A _loose, drooping jaw and open mouth_ indicates timidity, weakness, shyness, or despondency.

The _fighters_ in all walks of life manifest the strong, firm jaw. It is the survival of the primitive "bite" in the animal or cave-man.

MOUTHS

The Orientals have a proverb which runs as follows: "By a man's eyes, know what he might have been, or may be; by his mouth, knew what he has been, and is." The study of the mouth is one of the greatest interest, and one which will richly repay one for his time and thought. It will be noticed that there is a great difference between the mouth and lips of an individual in childhood, in youth, and in middle-age, which fact shows the truth of the Oriental proverb just quoted. The mouth indeed shows what a man has been and is.

_Small mouths_ generally denote undeveloped, childish, or babyish character, neither good nor bad.

_Large mouths_ denote matured character, good or bad. When firm, they denote force and energy. When half-open, they denote dullness and heaviness. When showing full protruding lips, they denote sensuality and selfish passions and tastes. When very large and flexible, they denote the "windy" person who is fond of talking and hearing the sound of his own voice--when one says that another is "big-mouthed" he states a truth which physiognomy bears out.

An _upward curve_ of the corners of the mouth, denotes a cheerful, optimistic disposition and mental attitude. Likewise, a _downward curve_ denotes a despondent, pessimistic disposition and mental attitude. A graceful bow-like curve, shows a well-balanced and "all around" disposition.

_Tightly closed lips_ indicate a firmness, and often a "closeness" of disposition. _Loosely closed lips_ indicate a lack of firmness, and often a spendthrift tendency. _Lips that touch lightly and protrude slightly_ in a "kiss-like" shape, indicate vanity, love of praise and flattery, and often a desire to be petted.

_Puffed-out lips_ indicate sloth, dullness, lack of energy and ambition, general heaviness. _Coarse lips_ indicate lack of refinement, and often grossness. _Particularly full lips_ indicate Amativeness and sometimes Sensuality.

_Slanting mouths_ indicate trickiness, "foxiness" and general unreliability. _Crooked mouths_, or mouths greatly out of symmetry, are held by many authorities to indicate lack of Conscientiousness, and often criminal tendencies.

_Full, red, middle-lips_ indicate love of the opposite sex. _Thin, pale middle-lips_ denote the opposite traits.

_A long upper-lip_ indicates Self-Esteem. _A short upper-lip_ denotes deficient Self-Esteem, but often also a strong Approbativeness. (John D. Rockefeller has an almost abnormally long upper lip.)

The affectionate faculties are believed to manifest in outer form in the center of the lips, because of certain nerve centers at that place. A fullness and enlargement there denotes strong affection, while deficiency in the affectionate qualities manifest in the opposite direction.

Will and self-control is shown by the relative firmness and "set" of the lips and mouth.

Besides the above mentioned characteristics, the student will soon perceive that there are certain "expressions" of the lips and mouth which, although impossible of expression in words, nevertheless may be almost instinctively recognized by the careful observer. Lips, like eyes, tell their story plainly to the careful and practiced observer. It is a safe rule to _avoid those whose mouths arouse an instinctive distrust in your mind_. Watch closely the mouths of people speaking to you, and you will receive many a plain signal of danger, and many an assurance of safety. The eyes, while full of information, often deceive those not fully versed in their secret code--but the mouth tells its tale in plain, simple, understandable terms, signs and symbols.