The Devil's Dictionary: Physiognomy

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
by Ambrose Bierce
PHYSICIAN
PIANO

PHYSIOGNOMY

-n.

The art of determining the character of another by the resemblances and differences between his face and our own, which is the standard of excellence.

"There is no art," says Shakespeare, foolish man,
"To read the mind's construction in the face."
The physiognomists his portrait scan,
And say: "How little wisdom here we trace!
He knew his face disclosed his mind and heart,
So, in his own defence, denied our art."

- Lavatar Shunk

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