Cheiro's Language of the Hand (Palmistry)

To believe is to perceive-either by the senses or the soul. This distinction constitutes two classes-the sceptic and the believer, who, 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. While placing this 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 endeavoured 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.

In a trifle, immensity is concealed—the atom is equal to the whole because its existence is important; so, if somebody considers this study to be 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 such people to do nothing but 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 specialisation 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 Defence of Cheiromancy I have endeavoured to collect a number of facts, both medical and scientific, which can be brought forward to demonstrate that, as the hands are the servants of the system, so all that affects the system affects them. In following out the ideas of many famous men on the subject of the nerve-connection between the brain and the hand, I have in every case given my authority for whatever statement I have adopted. I trust that in this way even the greatest sceptic in such matters will be led to sec that the study of the hand has not been confined to the attention of those he has so often been pleased to call "weak-minded," but also the men of learning, botli among the philosophers of Greece and the scientists of the present age, who have considered the subject worthy of their time and attention.

When the mysterious action of the brain and its influence over the entire body is considered, it is not surprising to find that those scientists who first proved that there are more nerves between the brain and the hand than between any other part of the system, now has gone so far with their investigations to conclude that the brain cannot think without the hand feeling the influence of the thought. By viewing palmistry from this standpoint alone it can be surmised that it is not contrary to the dictates of reason but it is in accordance with the natural laws (which gives shape even to inanimate objects), which, by demonstrating the effect of a heretofore cause, are in themselves the cause of a hereafter effect.

In presenting the hands of famous people here, my aim is to acquaint the student with the hands of those with whose lives and characteristics he is probably well-acquainted, and also to show the reader at a glance the difference that exists between the hands of people of different temperaments. It would not be in keeping with the purpose of this book if I were to give a delineation of such hands. In the first place, their owners were too well known to make the readings of value as a test; and in the second, the student will derive greater benefit by tracing out for himself the lines and formation that exhibit each well-known characteristic.

In the following chapters I have endeavoured to place clearly and candidly before the intelligence of the reader the rules and theories that has been proved true by me, and those foundations from which I have built up whatever success I have achieved. I have done so for two reasons: the first and the most important is, that I believe in cheiromancy and wish to see it acknowledged as it deserves to be; the second is, that the time is not far distant when, from considerations of health and demands from other fields of labour, I must perforce retire from the scence and entrust my job to others who are more competent.

Nothing has been more removed from my thoughts than the intention of giving offence to any section of the community by any expression, religious or otherwise, contained in these pages. I have, however, used my right of independence of thought and freedom of speech. If, by any chance, my remarks should give offence to any sect, community, or people, I am willing to take the responsibility for such statements; but I request my accusers that if, in the court of their conscience, they want to condemn my expressions, then they should hurl their condemnation on my head, not on my study.