Physiognomonics

Aristotle. Aristotelis Opera, Volume 6. Bekker, Immanuel, editor. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1837.

Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This scientific and philosophical work systematizes the methodology and practice of "physiognomics" (physiognomonia), the art of reading mental temperament and soul characteristics from physical features. The text begins by establishing a theoretical foundation, demonstrating that the mind and body are naturally and closely linked. The author criticizes the limitations of previous approaches and proposes a correct method of selecting signs based on a comparison with animals that share similar mental states. In the middle section, the work classifies various physical traits, such as hair quality, skin color, and fleshiness, that correspond to traits like courage or cowardice, utilizing a categorization of animals into male and female archetypes. The latter part of the work provides a detailed catalog of how to discern character from specific body parts and behaviors, including the neck, eyes, voice, and gait. Ultimately, the work concludes that a moderate body size and harmony are optimal for intelligence and capability, emphasizing the importance of making a comprehensive, logical judgment from multiple conflicting signs.