Page 139 - My FlipBook

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SECTION X.

OP THE PHYSIOGNOMY OF THE TEETH.*

The effect of the teeth in giving character and expression
to the human countenance, has been remarked by most phys-
iognomists, ancient as well as modern, and both have attrib-
uted certain dispositions of mind to certain kinds of teeth.
That the teeth have a great effect upon the expression of a
countenance, is unquestionable ; but I will venture to assert,
that the theory of physiognomy, as far as it relates to the
teeth, and in most instances to the projecting chin is ex-
tremely fallible : the conclusions drawn from physiognomical
remarks upon the expression of both must, of consequence,
be unjust.
The often repeated indulgence of any particular passion,
may give to a countenance a cast or expression of that pas-
sion ; but no action or disposition of the mind can have the
least tendency to make the teeth long or short, to regulate
their order, or to render them sound and beautiful.
The learned and scientific Lavater insists much on the
characteristics of the teeth and chin. His ingenious and
beautiful system has many favourers. It is foreign to my
purpose to consider either the truth or the fallacy of his gen-
eral system of physiognomy, nor is it my intention to derogate
from its merits ; but as his argument upon the characteris-
tics of the teeth, and of the projecting chin, are certainly
founded in error; and, as in the exercise ofmy profession, I
have daily proofs of the injustice of attributing certain pas-

"Murphy, pages 143 to 155.
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