PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. Physiognomy or The Study of Character Analysis in the Face and Form, as outlined in Stanton's "Encyclopedia of Face and Form Reading," takes you into a field of very extensive research. Seldom do you get the opportunity, unless scientifically inclined, to follow the paths of these great thinkers and students who, we know, are interested in solving the vast problems which are hidden in the depths of nature, but after the way is cleared, we very gratefully enjoy the result of their investigations. All know what tremendous strides have been made in the practice of medicine within the past thirty-five years, simply because science has triumphed over the various conditions met with in disease. This was not accomplished without the spending of millions of dollars, and the united efforts of thousands of physicians and scientists, nor has the development of Character Analysis been developed without much expenditure of money and effort. We cannot begin to count the schools which have sprung up all over this country to teach the individual the value of proper development. Books by the thousands have been printed to show How to Win Success in the business world; both have their good points, but we find them all unconsciously leaning upon the fundamental principles of Physiognomy without realizing their basic action in the formation of Character. Physiognomy will show why the different functions of the body should not be developed to the neglect of other functions of the body, as an excess of development while apparently satisfactory at the time, will later mean the development of Habits, Character, Disposition, Health, Disease, and Premature Old Age, as these are the results of unwise use made of the varions functions or faculties of the mind or body. It is well to ask yourself: What do I know about my functions and faculties? Their Powers and Properties? A little of the circulation of the blood? Yes. A little about the nervous system? Yes. Something of the process of digestion ? Yes. The number of the bones and the action of the muscles? Yes. These you were taught in your school life; coming out of school or college only partially equipped to battle in business with other men of experience because the most important factor in life was overlooked: The knowledge of Human Nature, and its Analysis. We find around us men of no education, or with the most brilliant education, either failing or succeeding. What of" the failures"? In their endeavor for success they overlook their natural field of endeavor. Ignorance of Human Nature of which we all claim to be good readers and yet in which we are very poor students-is the greatest drawback in business life, and is the cause of 50 per cent. of all the failures. In the study of Character Analysis plenty of reasons for failures are given which show how the undeveloped faculties of the body and mind fail at the most critical time. This "Encyclopedia" is so very complete in its text, that at first it is rather confusing to the reader on account of the scientific research work done in connection with the elaboration of the scientific foundation of Physiognomy as established in the comprehensive work of acknowledged authorities upon which the author bases the practical Analysis of Character. It is, therefore, well to follow closely the advice given under this, The Publishers' Preface; in so doing you cannot fail to become greatly interested in its most intricate details. Under no circumstances do we advise the beginner to try to study or read the first part of this work until the portions mentioned hereafter are first mastered We heartily recommend, that the reader start at Chapter III, on page 749, and in connection with the reading of this Chapter, compare the illustrations as you find them with actual photographs in your possession of men and women of your acquaintance. Having covered these pages, 749 to 1084, the reader is then ready to read and study the definitions given of the different faculties and their location upon the face. This is outlined between pages 271 and 749, and when applied to the individual, the reader has all the essentials necessary for Character Analysis. We would caution the reader not to rely upon himself to absorb the entire contents at once, but to get thoughts well impressed upon the mind and to memorize, and apply the principles on those around to see if the application is properly made; this will do more to make the analysis of these outlines more accurate and give the reader the ability to read from the face The Mental Characteristics, as well as the Physical Defects of those with whom he comes in contact, making for him a place as a leader among men. "The Greatest Study of Mankind is Man," and it is to relieve the man who only after many years of sad experience discovers the signs of character, and can analyze those with whom he comes in contact intuitively, that the study of Physiognomy will become an asset worth many a dollar and saving of many a heartache and disappointment. To some, Character Analysis is a natural gift; to others it is not; whether a man is successful in selecting those around him or not, he should by all means understand the principles upon which Character Analysis can be made part of himself, just the same as Hygiene, Physiology, Anatomy, and Language became a part of him in his school days. We might say here, that there is no work so complete and which can answer every question as concisely and dependably as can Stanton's "Encyclopedia of Face and Form Reading." THE PUBLISHERS. |