Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established Third of a Century.] TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1907 "ONOMATOLOGY."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8942, 17 December 1907, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established Third of a Century.] TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1907 "ONOMATOLOGY."

The cult of the occult is uot exactly a modern development, but its modern revival is quite a factor of life. Spiritualism has led the way, and palmistry, phrenology, physiognomy and psychology (with more or less physiological basis) have followed iv its train. And yet another "ology" is now upon us. A French explorer into the region of the occult, M. de Rochetal, has fathered a new science, which he calls "Onomatology". The theory upon which this gentleman bases his science is that everybody's pre-name (or as it is usually called, Christian name) endows its bearer with certain mental and moral characteristics. His axiom is "What the pre-name is, such is the character, " which indicates that one may by the mere choice of a prename, devote one's offspring to happiness or calamity. The author of this interesting work had hesitated to publish his book, for fear of offending his readers; but he says that the intei'est of future generations has at length outweighed his hesitation, and he has at last made public the result of his cogitations. He summarises his conclusions thus: "The majority of the pre-names indicate in the male a lively sense of sex, and in the female a touch of sensuality," and he adds that "a severe moralist might take umbrage at this, but how many subjects are there that will not give offence? The name of Albert comes first on the list, and first in his estimation. Albert is "always frank, loyal, sensible, affectionate, hardy enterprising, void of avarice. This name is excellent." He says Peter is born under a lucky star. Peter is rarely passionate, he pleases women, he is prudent, and he ought to succeed. John, Louis, Henry, Charles, are full of qualities—though Charles is not a very happy person. It comes as a shock to many that, according to our author, we ought to "mistrust a George." Though George is intelligent and capable he is "egoistic, susceptible and parsimonious." What will our esteemed Prime Minister say to M. de Rouhetal's remark that "though Joseph is a serious name, he does not advise it?" Agatha is a good girl and so is Alice, but the latter has tendencies to love, jealousy and suicide. Mary is nowhere; but you may safely love Olara, Margaret, Gabrielle, Genevieve. Louise is just a fat, comfortable companion, but on no account marry Helen: "There is fatality in this name." Fermaine, Yvonne, and Suzanne are in our author's blackbook. He says these names ending in "ne" are "graciousbut frivolous, and prepare for our souls much adversity.'' A French reviewer with mock seriousness, advises those about to marry to see carefully about the pre-name of their choice, and he concludes by saying that "marriage, enlightened by the laws of physiognomy, phrenology, graphology and onomatology, will become a simple affair, and a sure and happy state—the most delightful in the world after celibacy I"