Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... To believe is to perceive--either by the senses or the soul. This distinction constitutes two classes--the skeptic and the believer, which, though dependent on, may yet be incomprehensible to, each other; but both being necessary to establish the balance of thought, they are forced into existence and become the links and cross-links which make life's endless chain from thought to truth. In placing the following work before the public, though deeply conscious of my responsibility, I am also conscious of the good that may be derived through such a study. I have therefore endeavored to write, not for any distinct class, but for all, believing in the ultimate universal acceptance of those natural laws which constitute nature and control mankind, and which are peculiarly exemplified by this study of the hand. A trifle is concealed immensity--the atom is equal to the whole in the importance of its existence; if, therefore, this study be considered by some too trivial for their attention, I would remind them that many of the greatest truths the world has known, though once considered trivialities, have become sources of infinite power. I would ask of such people nothing more than that they investigate this "atom" for themselves, resting assured that the study will prove its truth, whether examined from the palmistic theory, or from the fact that "progressive specialization of structure " produces suitability of shape, which by study can be classed under various heads dealing with those characteristics common to occupations, surroundings, and temperaments. In the accompanying Defense of Cheiromancy I have endeavored to collect the many facts, both medical and scientific, which can be brought forward to demonstrate that, as the hands are
