The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy

In this compact yet richly illustrated guide, the author revives the once‑fashionable science of physiognomy, inviting listeners to explore how a person’s outward features can hint at inner character. Drawing on centuries‑old observations, the work explains the language of facial expressions—what an “open countenance” or a “forbidding look” might reveal—while acknowledging the controversies that have long surrounded the discipline.

Beyond human faces, the book ventures into an intriguing comparison between animal and human physiognomy, borrowing insights from the Italian scholar Porta. The accompanying copper‑plate portraits bring to life a parade of national types—the melancholy Briton, the proud Spaniard, the choleric Russian—showcasing how culture and demeanor intertwine with appearance. Listeners are guided through these visual and textual examples, learning to read subtle cues without resorting to superstition.

Ideal for curious minds, the treatise balances historical curiosity with practical observation, encouraging a more nuanced appreciation of the faces we encounter daily.