FINGER FORM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 76

FINGER FORM.

A GUIDE TO CHARACTER. In all ages and all countries the thumb has played an important part in life generally. During the Roman gladatorial combats, if the audience wished for the death of the fallen combatant, they held out their hands with the thumb turned 'out and downwards; if, on the contrary, they desired mercy to be shown, they held out their hands with the thumb hidden by the fingers. A clumsy thumb, thick-set and short, indicates a person with coarse nature and animal instincts. With very few exceptions, it will be found that idiots have weak, small thumbs, some not even properly formed. One that is well-shaped and long shows intellect and refinement. —The Individualiser. — One writer has very truly said ; —“The thumb individualises the man,” and, indeed, it often helps to give a clear insight into character. The thumb should be long, well-shaped, and set neither 100 close to the hand, nor standing out too sharply from it. The latter indicates a nature liable to go to extremes, to be aggressive and almost impossible to control; the former a nervous, weak nature, cautious, and utterly lacking in independence. If a weak thumb is long, the person is likely to use his intellect in a craftv manner to outwit his foe. If it is short and thick, he would use violence secretly. The divisions of the thumb are three in number—love, logic, and will. The nail phalange denotes will, the second logic, and the third love. When normally developed, all three phalanges are about equal; but if any one of the three is unduly developed, that particular one rules * the character. —Flexibility.— Another point to notice is whether the thumb is stiff or flexible. If stiff, the thumb cannot be bent back at all, but if flexible the first phalange will easily bend backwards. The stiff thumb, as a rule, belongs to Northern races, while the flexible is distinctive of all Latin races. The latter gives an extravagant, improvident nature, not only of money, but of all things in life generally. Those who possess them are very adaptable, have a deep affection for race and country, but can easily fit themselves to any environment, and are impulsive. The stiffjointed thumb gives a nature strong, selfcontained, inclining to obstinacy, practical, averse to change, and cautious, and fond of home life.

The next thing to notice is the form of thumb, and (o see whether the second phalange is thick, or has what may be termed a waist. The owner of one such as the latter will possess much tact; but, if thick, the intellect will not be nearly so refined. If the nail phalange is thick and heavy, with a short nail, giving a formation somewhat like a club, then the subject will be governed by brute force, particularly if the thumb is stiff-jointed. Such a person, in a fit of passion,_ would lie likely to commit any crime or violence. —Development.—■

The next thing of importance is to notice whether the fingers are smooth or have developed joints. If the former, the subject as a rule is quick in thought and jumps to conclusions, often correctly, without much reasoning. Those with developod joints take great care, and exercise their reasoning powers in working out everything. It must not be forgotten, however, that the type of hand must he taken fully inro consideration, as each different type either modifies or more fully confirms , these characteristics of thumb and fingers. Short fingers imply a quick, impulsive nature, an<l if. in addition, they should he thick and fleshy, particularly at the third phalange, selfishness and self-mdui-gcncc are shown. Long fingers give great love of detail in every respect. _ Fingers standing widely apart indicate independence in thought and action; a long first finger, pride and a masterful disposition; a long and heavy second finger, a solemn, melancholy disposition; a long third finger, ambition and a love of honour, . The little finger, very long, indicated eloquence, ability to write, and to influence others.