The ancient Greeks compared the human face to the faces of various animals and birds, such
the eagle and the horse. They believed people shared certain character traits with the animals they resembled. A person with an equine, or horselike, face wasthought to be loyal, brave, and stern. A person with an aquiline, or eaglelike,nose was believed to be bold and courageous, as well as arrogant and self-centered. Physiognomists study such features as the shape of the head, thelength and thickness of the neck, the color and thickness of the hair, and theshape of the nose, mouth, eyes, and chin. They believe that round-facedpeople are self-confident. Prominent cheekbones show strength of character,while a pointed nose reveals curiosity. Heavy arched eyebrows belong to adecisive individual, while thin arched eyebrows signal a restless and activepersonality. Almond-shaped eyes reveal an artistic nature. Round, soft eyesbelong to dreamers. Downturned lips reveal a proud character, while a long,pointed chin indicates someone who likes to give orders. A related — though not as ancient — art is phrenology, the study ofthe bumps on the head. Phrenologists have identified 40 bumps of various shapes and sizes on the human head. They “read” these bumps to identify aperson’s talents and character. For example, a bump between the nose andforehead is said to be present in people who have natural elegance and alove of beauty. A bump behind the curve of the ear is the sign of acourageous and adventurous person. Phrenologists are not so much interested in health as they are incharacter and personality. They believe, for example, that a bulge in thecenter of the forehead is typical of people who have a good memory and adesire for knowledge. A small bump at the top of the head indicates aperson who has strong moral character, while a bump just below this one isa sign of generosity and a kind, good nature. Phrenologists say a bump justabove the tip of the eyebrow is found in people who love order anddiscipline, and a rise at the very back of the head is evident in people whoare very attached to their families. Phrenology was developed in the early eighteenth century by FranzJoseph Gall, a doctor in Vienna. His interest began at school when he noticedthat boys with prominent eyes seemed to have the best memories. This ledhim to believe that a connection existed between appearance and ability. Dr.Gall’s research interested many people, but he was ridiculed by otherdoctors. When he died in 1828, he was a poor and bitter man. It was onlymany years later that Dr. Gall’s theories found support among some doctorsand scientists, and today the art of phrenology has become more accepted.