HOW TO READ HUMAN NATURE/PART 13

 

CHAPTER XIII
THE PERCEPTIVE QUALITIES

The eighth group is known as the Perceptive Qualities, composed of thefollowingparticular Qualities, respectively: Observation; Form Size; Weight; Color; Order; Calculation; Tune; Time; Locality; Eventuality,and Words. This group manifests outer form in the lower part of the forehead, in the region of the eye. (See Fig. 9.) When large this group often gives to the upper forehead the appearance of "retreating" or sloping backward. Prof. O. S. Fowler says of the appearance of those Qualities which manifest outer form under the eyebrows: "The following rule for observing their size obviates the objection sometimes urged that the eyebrows and their arches prevent the correct diagnosis of these smaller organs crowded so thickly together. The rule is: The shape of the eyebrows reveals the size, absolute and relative, of each, thus: When all are large, the eyebrow is long and arching; when all are deficient, it is short and straight; when some are large and others small, it arches over the large ones, but passes horizontally over those which are small. This rule is infallible." The other Qualities of the group, according to Prof. Sizer, "is located above the eyes, and ... constitute about one-third of the depth of the forehead, beginning at the arch of the eye."

 

 Fig. 9
THE PERCEPTIVE QUALITIES

Observation. This Quality was given the name of "Individuality" by the early phrenologists, but this term is considered misleading, owing to the later usage of that term. It manifests in a strong desire to observe, see, examine, inspect, and "know" the things of the objective life. Those in whom it is largely developed feel the insatiable urge of the inquisitive spirit; they desire to investigate everything coming under their notice. Many little details in the objects or subjects in which they are interested are noticed by them, while overlooked by the majority of people.

Prof. Sizer says of it that it "gives a recognition of things and the special points and facts of subjects; quickness of observation is an important element in the acquisition of knowledge.... Those in whom it is large are eager to see all that may be seen, and nothing escapes their attention. It opens the door for the action of all the other perceptive organs.... They are quick to notice everything that is presented to the eye; and it goes farther, and enables us to recognize that which we touch, or sounds we hear. The rattling strokes of a drum are distinct noises, and each is an individuality."

Prof. O. S. Fowler, says: "It is adapted, and adapts men to the divisibility of matter, or that natural attribute which allows it to be subdivided indefinitely. Yet each division maintains a personal existence. It thus puts man in relation and contact with a world full of things for his inspection, as well as excites in him an insatiable desire to examine everything. It is therefore the looking faculty. Its distinctive office is to observe things. It asks: 'What is this?' and says, 'Show me that!'... Before we can know the uses, properties, causes, etc., of things, we must first know that such things exist, and of this Observation informs us."

This Quality is largely involved in the process of Attention. It usually manifests in the form of involuntary attention, that is, attention to interesting things. But, under the influence of the will, with Firmness large, it manifests voluntary attention, or attention or study of objects not interesting in themselves, but which it is important to study and know. It is largely developed in children and undeveloped adults in the phase of curiosity or desire to observe new things. In adults, of developed minds, it manifests as attention to things of material interest and important subjects or objects of study. This Quality is the master of its associated Qualities in this group, and is involved in all of their activities.

It manifests outer form in the middle of the lower part of the forehead, between the inner ends of the eyebrows, and above the top of the nose—"just above the root of the nose," in fact. Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "When it is large, the eyebrows flex downward at their nasal ends, and the lower part of the forehead projects. When it is deficient, the eyebrows are straight at their inner ends, and come close together" (See group figure).

Form. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of the form and shape of objects observed. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember details of form and shape, faces, etc. It manifests outer form between, and slightly above, the eyes, on each side of Observation (see group figure). When large it tends to push the eyes apart and outward. Sizer says: "The width between the eyes is the indication of its development.... When small the eyes are nearer together, which gives a pinched expression to that part of the face; when the organ is large, the eyes appear to be separated, pushing away from the root of the nose. Distinguished artists have the eyes widely separated." Audobon said of Bewick, an eminent English wood-engraver, "His eyes were placed farther apart than those of any man I have ever seen."

Size. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of the size and magnitude of objects observed. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember the size, dimensions, proportion, distance, height and depth, quantity, bulk of things. It manifests outer form on each side of Observation, but a little lower down (see group figure), in the angle formed by the root of the nose and arch of the eyebrows. Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "In proportion as it is large it causes the inner portion of the eyebrows to project over the inner portions of the eyes, quite like the eaves of a house, forming a shed over the inner portion of each eye."

Weight. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of weight, balance and gravity of things. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember the weight of things; and also things out of balance or plumb. These people seem to have the faculty of balancing themselves nicely, and keeping their feet on a slippery surface, on a tight-rope, etc., and often walk with a swinging, free motion, indicating a sense of balance and security. This Quality manifests under the eyebrows, next to Size, about a half inch from the upper part of the nose, rising somewhat above the inner part of the eyeball and the bridge of the nose. Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "Draw a perpendicular line from the centre of each eye up to the eyebrow; Weight is internally, and Color externally of this line under the eyebrows."

Color. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of the color, hue, shade, and tint of things. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember the colors, shadings, blendings and combination of tints, and to compare, match and harmonize colors instinctively. It manifests outer form under the eyebrows, just back of Weight (see rule for finding, in last paragraph), and occupies the space directly under the centre of the arch of the eyebrows (see group figure). When largely developed it gives an upward and forward arch to the eyebrows.

Order. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of order, method and arrangement. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember the order and sequence in which objects appear or are arranged. They are very methodical, precise, and pay attention to details of arrangement and system. They "have a place for everything," and like to "keep everything in its place." In business they are "strong on system," sometimes overdoing it. They are also fond of rules, laws, customs, and codes, and adhere strictly thereto. They like everything pigeon-holed, labelled, or else fenced in and off from every other thing. Are also great disciplinarians. This Quality manifests outer form next to Color, and beneath the junction of the bony ridges (on the sides of the head) and the eyebrows, (see group figure). Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "When very large it forms an arch, almost an angle, in the eyebrows at this point, accompanied by its projection or hanging over.... When small, the eyebrows at this point retire, and are straight and flat, wanting that arched projection given by large Order." Combe says: "Its large development produces a square appearance at the external angle of the lower part of the forehead."

Calculation. This Quality manifests in a cognizance,appreciation,andrecollectionof number, figures, calculations, etc. Those in whom it is largely developed most readily perceive, recognize, and remember anything concerned with the number of things, or calculations based thereon. They are natural arithmeticians and mathematicians. Calculation comes easy to them, and in cases of high development they may be said to "think mathematically." This Quality manifests outer form next to Order, and under the outer ends of the eyebrows (see group figure).

Prof. O. S. Fowler, says: "It elongates the ends of the eyebrows laterally, and flexes them horizontally in proportion as it is developed, yet when deficient the eyebrow is left short externally, does not project beyond the eye, and terminates running downwards." Gall says: "Its convolution is a continuation of the lowest convolution of Tune, and is placed on the most external part of the orbital plate, in a furrow running from before backwards. When it is very large it depresses the external part of the plate, so that the superorbital arch is irregular, except in its internal part; its external line representing a straight line, which descends obliquely. Hence the external part of the eyelid is depressed, and conceals the corresponding part of the eye."

Tune. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of tune, music, harmony, melody, etc. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember all connected with the subject of Music. It is the musical sense, taste and faculty. Its characteristics are too well-known to require elaboration. It manifests outer form in the lateral and lower part of the forehead, above Order and Calculation, in front of Constructiveness, and back of Time (see group figure). Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "When large it fills out the lower, frontal portions of the temples.... Still, being located in a kind of corner ... and the temporal muscle passing over it, its position varies somewhat, which renders observation more difficult, except in the heads of children, in whom it is generally larger than in adults."

Time. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of time, duration, rhythm, etc. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember all connected with the flight of time, dates, duration, periodicity, chronology, etc. Spurzheim says of it that it, "perceives the duration, simultaneousness, and succession of phenomena." It may be called "the time sense" which is so apparent in some persons, and so noticeable by reason of its absence in others. It manifests outer form above Color and Weight, in front of Tune, and back of Locality (see group figure).

Locality. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of places, positions, locations, directions, etc. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember places, directions, positions, land-marks, points-of-the compass, roads, paths, streets, and other things having to do with space. Such persons are never "lost" nor confused as to direction or locality; they have an almost instinctive "sense of direction." It is the geographical or traveller's sense. It is found large in the majority of travellers, sailors, civil engineers, etc. Persons in whom it is large can find themselves about a strange city without trouble, and will remember old scenes, places, locations for years. Those in whom it is weak frequently "get lost," or mixed up regarding place, position and direction.

It manifests outer form over Size and Weight, or about three-quarters of an inch above the inner half of the eyebrows, and runs upwards and outwards (see group figure). It is said to have been immensely developed and apparent in Capt. Cook, the eminent explorer, and the portraits of Columbus and other great explorers and travellers show a distinct enlargement of this locality. Gall, who discovered the location of this Quality, took casts of the heads of noted explorers and travellers, and others manifesting the "sense of place and direction," and upon comparing them, "found in them all, in the region directly over the eyes, two large prominences, which began just inside the root of the nose, and ascended obliquely upwards and outwards as far as the middle of the forehead." Dr. Caldwell states that, "Daniel Boone who was perpetually going from one place to another, was the most celebrated hunter and woodsman of his age, and possessed this organ in a degree of development so bold and prominent that it deformed his face."

Eventuality. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation and recollection of facts, events, happenings, occurrences, news, etc. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember striking events, facts, doings, occurrences—in short, news. Such persons have the "nose for news" which is so important to the newspaper man, scientific investigator, researcher in any line, and general investigator. It is the "historical faculty," and the "journalistic sense," as well as an important part of the "scientific instinct." These people make good witnesses, story tellers, and entertainers. They know "what is going on," and are the people to go to when one wishes to "hear the news," or to learn the past history of anything or anybody.

This Quality manifests outer form in the centre of the forehead, immediately above Observation, and in front of Locality (see group figure). When large it tends to "fill out" the middle of the forehead. Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "It sometimes seems deficient, because the surrounding organs are large, whereas close inspection shows it to be large. Steady the head with the left hand, and place the second finger of the right in the very centre of the forehead, firmly on the head, and then work the skin horizontally. If your finger caresses an up-and-down ridge about the size of a pipe-stem, this faculty is vigorous, and has been much used and strengthened by culture of late years. Where it is not noticeably full, but has been taxed by business or literary pursuits, or had a great many little things to do for years, it appears deficient to the eye, but the rule just given for this perpendicular pipe-stem ridge signifies great activity and vigor in it." (See group figure.)

Words. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation and recollection of words, terms, phrases, etc., and their meanings. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember the words, expressions, gestures and other modes of communication between the minds of men, and are proficient not only in perceiving and understanding them, but also in employing and using them. It is the taste, power, and ability to receive verbal Impressions and to manifest verbal Expression. It produces the orator, and the adept in the use of words in writing. To those persons in whom it is largely developed, words take on life and reality, and become living thought. In excess, it produces verbosity, talkativeness, and "windiness" of expression. When deficient, it renders one unable to properly express himself. It manifests outer form above and partly behind the superorbital plates, which form the roof of the sockets of the eyes, and when large tends to press the eyes forward and downward. Its location was discovered by Gall, who observed that those fluent in the use of words almost always had full and prominent eyes, and prominent under eye-lids. The fullness of the eyes and lower eyelids, therefore, is its distinguishing mark.

Professor O. S. Fowler says: "See how the eyes stand out beyond the cheekbone—the best standard points from which to estimate its size, because, though it may be large, yet the Perceptives may be still larger, in which case the latter will project forward still farther even beyond large Expression. (Words). Hence the fullness of the eyes should not be compared with the eyebrows as much as with the bone below them, which not being subject to kindred mutations, forms a correct measuring point of observation." The pressure outward of the under eyelids, is a good sign of the development of this Quality. It may be objected to that Quality of Words is not, strictly speaking, a Perceptive, but when it is realized that before words may be fluently used, they must be perceived, recognized, and remembered, the reason for our inclusion of this Quality in the Perceptive class may be understood.

NEXT CHAPTER 

The Reflective Qualities