The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-10-11
THE HUMAN FACE.
The Minds Thoughts Are All Expressed
There, but Few Can Read Them.
From the Baltimore Sun.

from the Baltimore sun.
I'm every persons countenance stands
clearly written his history, his hatred
and love; his inuermost nature steps
forth into light. Yet not every one can
read It. nor can every one understand It"
These words of the German poet find
their confederation in recent paper of
DR.. Louis Robinson on static Physiog-
Romy," or the science 4WhiGhc treats of
the Interpretation OF habltual expression
when the countenance is at rest
Seneca observes that there is no strong
inward thought that does not betray
itself in the countenance," but DR.. Rob-
inson contends that every emotion, how
ever slight, sends an impulse to the ap-
propriatt muscles. Even trivial nerve
impulses, unnoticed by the subject him
self and imperceptible to lookers-on, may
by frequent REPETITION become efficient
factors in the formation of an habitual
cast Of countenance. Every expression
of the face results from the contraction
of definite muscles by means of the
nerves, and as those muscles are most
strengthened which are most exercised, it
is easy to infer the effect of a long-con-
tinued dominat emotion on the face. even
though it may exist in the individual too
well bred to allow his visage TO be dis
torted by the prevailing passion.
Whenever the thoughts take their ha-
bitual direction a stream of nervous in
fiuence form the brain to the hidden ex-
preston muscles Is the inevitable con-
comitant. The subject himself may be
unwarned as to what is going on and
the closest observer may not notice the
vaguest tremor of movement Yet, in
the course of years, the muscles so
stimulated assert themselves over the
others, and a permanent facial impress
sion in accordance with the mental char
acter is formed.
This incessant flow of related lnvolun-
tray nerve currents to the facial muscles
accounts for the odd similarity Of Wis
age among persons of the same avoca-
ton, and for the likeness which is often
displayed on the faces of married couples.
An unconscious mimicry, moreover, in
both cases is continually reacting upon
the muscles Of expression i'm the same
way as a ruling passion does, and this
tendency to facial imitation is very gem
eral.
The connection between the emotional
centers in the brain and the counteuance
is largely Independent Of the will, al
though, by strong volition, any conse-
quent movement or change of features
may be prevented or restricted That the
association is instructive and not ac-
quired through individual or racial educa-
ton is shown by the fact that the facial
changes which accompany the sentiments
of fear, hatred, contempt, merriment or
rnockery are practically Identical the
world over.
The signs by which to read a face are
different. We naturally interpret those
on a young face as merely prophetic,
while those Of an old visage disclose a
record. In the one case we proceed from
the supposition that certain features be-
tray certain traits Of moral and mental
character; in the other we peruse the
facial inscription as we read a book
whose author we know. The types are,
OF course, not Uniform in all cases and
Interpretation is difficult. Trouble or
passion may be recorded IN bold charac-
tiers In one instance; In another IN hardly
visible traces, and a lean face win betray
emotional experience more readily than
one covered with mask of fat and a
smooth skin.