Chapter V

On the Art of Facial Perception, Heredity, and Various Expressions of Human Faces

In the study of proportional limb formation, we have observed that the head serves as a convenient module or scale to measure the whole body, and the use and function of the external parts have been adequately indicated in the previous chapter. Here we consider the diversity of heads and expressions, both regarding their forms and the resemblance of origin or similarity of nature, which is referred to as expression. This knowledge or practice is sometimes called 'art of facial perception' or 'study of heredity' by others, but most appropriately, in our opinion, is termed expression.

Although all human faces are generally similar concerning their features or essential parts and placement, which are generally few, specifically in the overall shape or outline of the head, including forehead, eyes, eyelids, eyebrows, nose, mouth, upper and lower lips, chin, and cheeks, along with the color of the eyes that we might reluctantly add at last, nonetheless, the greatest diversity one might imagine is seen in the diversity of resemblances and expressions. However, we can reasonably admit that the diversity of natures contributes to human coexistence.