Not before Imprinted .

AMongst the several species of Physical Divinations , Chyroscopia merrits not the least , or last place , it being a most Noble and Antient Science , as antient as Man himself ; Chiroscopia , I say , that is the consideration by inspection of the inward part , or Palm of the hand , as it is distinctly differenced by Characters and Lines , from which if we Divine , or Judge it is called Chiromantia , that is , Divination from , and by the lines of the hands , even as Metopomantia from the lines of the Forehead .

This Science informeth us to know and discerne by the hand , the Complexions , and Constitutions of Bodies , the Sufferings and Sorrows of Humane life , the felicity and infelicity thereof , and in fine , all things good or bad , that may befal or betide man or woman , Naturally in the course of this their Pilgrimage : The Subject of this Science is that part of the humane body as I said before , the hands , in the which are contained the foresaid Lineaments , which are called lines for the similitude and participation they have with a Line , which is defined by Euclid to be a Longitude , without Latitude or profundity , the extream parts of which are indivisible points per se , or as Phylosophy hath it , i. e. Linea est Magnitudo longa , non lata , cujus partes puncto copulantus , A Line is a magnitude having only length , composed only of punctos , or points by addition , and this is the subject of our ensuing Discourse , from which lines in the hand of man , most excellent and singular Speculations , and conclusions are drawn , that is to say from their Longitude , Latitude , Profundity , Rectitude , Obliquity , Intercision , Application , Opposition , Conjunction , Separation , continuity , discontinuity , Proportion , Disproportion , Lucidity , Apparency , Pallidity , Rubedity , Fuscedtiy , which is a Cloudy darkness of colour , nigredity , Asperity , Mollicity , Feminine Tenderness , from their Position , Colligation and Form , as of a Triangle , Quadrangle , circumscription of Circle , and Semicircle ; there is also observable in the hands Crosses , Stars , Rayes , Branches , Letters , Ascensions , and Descensions , Right and torted , as we shall shew more cleerly in their due places , but amongst all this diversity of lines , which are found in the hand , some only are principal , as namely , the Vital line , the Natural the Hepatick , and the Mensal , which Lines have a most beautiful , and profitable speculation , and are most dilligently to be heeded , in men of sound Bodies , and well composed Temperaments , the good Position and constitution of the line of Life , shew the heart is good , the life long and comfortable , and the like , by the natural line is seen the good disposition of the head and brain , and those accidents thereto relating ; from the Hepatick Line is judged the constitution of the Liver , and its consequent Accidents ; from the Mensal line , the state and disposition of the whole body is clearly perceived , and by the Harmonical correspondency of the lines whether to Health , Infirmity or Sickness ; and from these all the condition and state of Fortune , good or bad , as to Riches or Poverty , for Riches are meerly the consequents of careful and fortunate ingenuity , and Poverty the Products of supine careless , selfish stupidity : To proceed there are many other Lines then these four , to be seen and found in the han is , ( as the Learned Cardinal Morbeth observes ) either from nature therein inserted , or from the Coelestial Influences , altering and changing in the hand , according to the mutable configuration of the Planets in their Revolutions , as they are annually or otherwise changed and suffer mutations , as by experience is suffently comprobated , of which colligation of the Planets , & of this most renownedly honourd Science , the famous Hermes wrote a most ellegant Treatise , which Aristotle afterwards found in a Temple upon an Altar , Dedicated to Hermes , written in Golden Letters , as witnesseth the same Aristotle , which Book he presented to his Disciple the Great Allexander , with infinite joy and exultation , as a Present of most inestimable worth and value , more worth in his learned esteem , then all his Conquests . Tully in his Book , De Divinatione , mentioneth many waies of Prognosticating things to come , but amongst all , he gives the precedent Honour to Astrology , and Chyromancy , by which the courses , fluxes , and refluxes of the Celestial bodies are known , and the Phylosopher in the first of his Meteors , saith , Motus Coeli est perpetuus , est principium , & causa omnium motuum inferiorum , i. e. The motion of the Heavens is perpetual , is the beginning , Original and cause of all inferior , sublunary motions ; and in his second Book , of De Generatione & Corruptione , the motion of the heavens and of all the other Planets , in an Oblike Circle are the proper Physical causes of Generation and Corruption ; and in his Book , De secretis secretorum , in that Chapter where he shews how the King ought to govern by Astrology : He saith , Oh Rex clementissime , fi fieri potest non surgas nec sedeas nec comedas , neque bibas , nec penitus , aliquid facias sine consilio periti in Astrorum Arte , Oh most Grations King , as much as in you lies , neither rise nor rest , neither eat nor drink , nor do any other action without the Counsell of those expert in the gubernation , and power of the Stats ; and in the 12. Chapter , writing to Alexander the Great , Scias certe , quod nil vacui & otiosi facit Deus gloriosus , sed omnia fact a sunt ex causa probabili & certissima ratione , Know for certain , ( saith the Philosopher ) that the Glorious God hath made nothing in vain , but all things are concluded within the limits of most sure Reason , and are produced from certain causes ; to which opinion the greatest Philosophers agree , as well Modern as Antient , as Instance the unparraleld learned Sir Kenelm Digbey in his Observations on Religio Medici , Pag. 28. I beleive ( saith he ) that all Causes are so immediately chained to their effects , as if a perfect knowing Nature get hold but of one link , it will drive the intire series or Pedigree of the whole to each utmost end , so that in truth there is no fortuirness or contingency of Things in resect of themselves , but only in respect of us , that are ignorant of their certain and necessary causes ; from hence Aristotle proceeds in his exhortation , Ideoque nil magni tentes praeter concilium alicujus in scientia Astrorum periti , nec insipientium dictis fidem adhibeas , qui dicunt scientiam Astrorum ita difficilem , quod nemo ad ipsius cognitionem pervenire possit ; This scruple many quaking judgements make at this day , but he proceeds , Nesciunt quid dicunt quia apud potentiam intellectus nihil est difficile , & cuncta sunt scibilia secundam viam rationis , and proceeds sunt alij non minus stulti , There is another Generation no less foolishly sottish then the former , meaning the Fatalists Dicentes Deum cuncta praevidisse & praeordinasse ab aeterno , & cuncta futura de necessitate evenire , unde dicunt quod nil prodest futura praecognos●ere , ex quo debeant necessario evenire : Quid ergo valet , scientia stellarum , Astrologiae , chiromantiae , quib us futura praecognoscuntur ? he answers , Errant similiter & terpitur falluntur , quia quamvis quaedam sunt necessario futura , tamensi praesciantur levius tolerantur : prudentius declinantur , & sic quodammodo evitantur , quia eo ipso quoque futura sunt in nostra sunt notitia , & pervide & discrete transeunt sine molestia & maxima lesione , verbi gratia , quando homines futurans AE is hyemalis tempestatem , nimis frigidam praecognoscentes : remedia tempori provident & si pest is intali loco futura sit , & sic de aliis . And the Famous Petrus Apponensis , otherwise called Consiliator , who flourished in the Year of Christ 819. wrote a most pithy and elegant learned Tract of Chiromancy , alias Palmistry I might instance Iob , and many places in the sacred Scriptures , as also produce multitudes of famous Authors , and honourers of this Science , of all Ages , and of all Countries , both Divines and Philosophers ; but I am here forc'd to brevity , and this already is indifferent well performed in my Subject of Chiromancy , Printed in 1652. for Nath. Brooks in Cornhil London , and if any thing be wanting , shall ( God sparing life ) be supplyed in the next Edition at large : But to proceed , great is the consent , ad identitatem between this Science of Chiromancy and Astronomy , by reason of the inseperable connexion and cognation of the superior bodies with the inferior , the Macrocosme with the Microsme , all the great Masters in Chiromancy have unanimously in judging observed this Herauldry to blazen the hand and Lines by the Planets and Signes , alwaies observing the same as to method and signification , and good reason , for all agree that the Impression of the Lines are caused by the superior bodies , at the formation and birth , and so answerably in the actions of humane life illustrate each other , and confirme each others significations , yet if to our apprehension either is more certain in its predictions : It may be said of Chiromancy , as having its principles and grounds not so remote from our apprehensions as Astronomy : Much to be lamented is it , to see such cheating , Deluding Impostors , silly Women , ignorant Quacks who swarm in every place City and Country , to undertake and be dayly conversant in this so Sublime and Noble a science ; from whose ignorant and false delusive Oracles and misgrounded judgements , much Infamy and Reproach hath adhered to this so Sublime a Subject , and no wonder , for the persons pretending the profession of it , as Gypsies , and other fordid Quacks , men and women , through whose imposturisme this Noble Science hath been much wounded , and the credit thereof much impaired , which hath been the long and serious Study and Contemplation of the greatest Sages , and Masters in Philosophy , as not to be attained otherwise , for it comprehends the summe of all Physical Notions , as the Nature of Elements Simple , their infinite differences in reference to composition , the qualification and composure of the body both internal and external , and all Anatomical conclusions , and simetrical proportions as shall in due place be observed ; and is not here matter for the most learned capacities , the most laborious and serious studies , and the longest measure of life to comprehend this so Sublime a Subject ? From hence then be excluded all those cursed Imposturisms , which the Divel acteth . In the persons of ignorant Impostures Men and Women , to obscure the works of God and to deceive poor miserable easie believing creatures ; from hence be excluded all those Deceivers and deceptious persons , who willingly or malitiously , through Superstitious Exercises , Spels or inchantments , ( of which Monsters there are many at this day ) attempt and endeavour to presage to the ignorant of future things ; all which impious and superstitious presages and Prophesies , I seriously abhor & detest , there being not the least of my Chiroscopia common with them : It being only conversant within the Limits of Nature , and bounded with Physical limitations , wanting all things of Imposturism and Superstition , and taken from Physical causes and effects , and from Natural and ordinary Signes , not at least bordering upon ignorance and Non-sence .

All men know that man is composed of a twofold Nature , that is to say a Celestial and Aetherial , as the Rational soul , and a corpus , carducum mortale , a mortal , frail body composed of the Elements ; therefore being agitated , and acted from these two different principals , to wit , the Celestial infiux , and the humane wil , it comes to pass that his operations are rendred , mixed and various .

The Tract , Signs , and footsteps of which operations our Chiroscopia doth not obscurely demonstrate to every judicious eye , cum igitur ( teste Philosopho primo de coelo & mundo ) Deus & Natura nihil efficiant frustra , seeing that God and Nature have made nothing in vain , id est , Natura Naturans & natura naturata , Haec que propositio universalis , non solum a Philosophis verum & a Theologis approbatur , this being a received maxime , both with Philosophers and Divines , Sequitur non temere & frustra lineas in manibus hominum esse impress a presertim quia ex influxu celesti , & ipsius microcosmi principiis dependet : It follows then , that not inconsiderately and in vain are such various Lines impressed in the hands of men and women , principally seeing that they depend on the celestial influence , and the principals of the Microcosm .

But farther to remove that detracting and vulgar opinion of them which say , that the lines of the hand are caused by the constriction and plication thereof .

The falcity of which opinion , every one may more clear then the Sun discern by his own hands , for can one and the same plication or folding of the hand constitute Stars , Triangles , Quadrangles , Crosses and marks of several different forms in the hand ? neither is their two men in ten thousand that in all respects have the lines in their hards alike , although they use one and the same exercise with their hands : Further for refutation of this error , we see Nature hath impressed lines in the forehead , which is not capable of restriction or plication ; therefore this cannot hold that the constriction of the hands should cause the formation or appearance of the Lines in the hands , for in the Condils , between the joynts of the fingers , many have many Lines , and of different forms , others very sew or none at all , and here is no flexation , constriction or plication , and oft-times are lines transverse , circular , and cemicircular between the joynts of the fingers , where no constriction is of the hand . Which is sufficient to silence any Antagonist : Furthermore this truth is confirmed by Astrology , for Chiromancy and Astrology prove the verity each of other , for let the Astrologer considering the Nativity of any one , observe the nature of good fortune to come to that person thereby , to the same end and sence will it appear to the Chiromancer by observing and judging the hand , which hath been much delightful to me in my Observations ; therefore where I can have the Nativity of any one under examination , I will if possible , subjoyn my Chiromantick observations , for I have very oft experienced , that what the Nativity shall signifie , the Chiromantick observation of the hand shall confirm , and ratify , as thus , if the Astrologer by the Scheam of heaven radically considered , finde the Native subjected to ill fortune , the same will appear in the hand , by considering the proper significations of the proper parts thereof ; beside shall Astrology in the Nativity find any Planet more then ordinarily savourable to the Native , or more favourable then another , let the Chiromantist consider the proper place of that Planet in the hand , and he shall find it beautified and adorn'd with significant Lines to that purpose , and so on the contrary .

Another vulgar error fit to be removed , is , that it is by some affirmed that the right hand , others the left ought to be inspected .

To which I answer , Noste etiam natis sinistra magis favet , die vero & in aurora natis dextra , quamvis utraque manus probe inspicienda & examinanda est .

To those persons born in the night the left hand is of most signification , to those born in the day , or by day-light , the right hand is most observable , yet both are seriously to be impected and examined .

Thus it is apparent that , Chiromancy , est ars recte divinandi ex lineis manuum , that Chiromancy or Palmistry is an Art which rightly draws its conclusions from the lines of the hand , rightly I say , that is not preposterously lightly , and rashly , as ignorant Rogues do , but Learnedly with Judgement and Reason , observing the causes and ground from whence every line deduceth its Original .

The Subject of our judgement is the hand impressed with Lines , for you shall never see the hand of any one living void of lines .

Next , its requisite to subjoyn certain necessary notions , fit and convenient to be observed before giving of judgement .

1. As First , that you may pronounce a right judgement , let Indulgent affection overweaning in Love , and hatred , or ill will be absent from the party judging , for these are hindrances to true judgement , and Byas the spirits , for the powers of the soil cannot rightly conceive of things being impedited by these passions . 2. Next let the hands be decently washt and clean , and a little rest after taken to compose the parts , and with an empty stomack , that is not overcharg'd with Gluttony and Drunkenness ; in the Summer time in a place not over hot , in Winter-time in a place not too extream cold , nor in a place where the Sun-beams are violent , because the natural heat is extracted thereby , and the inward powers debillitated , the skin grows red , and the visive Organs and Spirits are resolved by the Suns Rayes , let not the hand or body be over wearied with labour , because heat draweth out the blood and the spirits from the Center , to the circumference , and in a clear and inoffensive light . 3. In the next place is necessarily considerable , the Sex , Age , State , Condition , and Exercise , for all these are observable , and do not a little help or hinder the signification ; of the Lines . 4. Consider the hands in which the lines are most obvious and conspicuous , for usually the right hand is most apparent of them which are born in the day , and by day-light , and the left of them which are born in the night ; observation of the hands is to be made from the four principal lines , and others visible in either hand conteyned . 5. Next are to be noted the colours of the lines , for paleness commonly denoteth an evil temperament of body , in those lines which look otherwise coloured , for redness in some lines signifies evil , and paleness good . 6. It s very considerable that the usual temper of womens hands is exprest by imperfect lines by reason of the exility of heat , but if the contrary happen , that they have strong lines well and clearly exprest , that woman is to be judged a Virago , if not worse , for its proper for a woman to have imperfect lines ; But on the contrary , if a man have soft hands , flaccid , faint or withered , smooth and shattered lines scarce appearing he is effeminate , timidus , and too much inclining to the nature of women , but it is to be noted that we speak of a hand render and Effeminate , besides the condition of the person , otherwise to some tenderly bred , a tender small near hand is a grace , and comly . 7. The quantity of the hand is to be noted whether it bears an apt proportion to the body , in like manner is to be understood of the lines , bearing a fit proportion they denote holdness , and a good temperament , but if the hands be shorter , longer , or smaller then the due proportion , it s an argument of Cavillers , Contentious , Crafty , and Malignant spirits , the fingers over short denote Theft , and a Man full of Malignity , a long Palm with gross fingers , denotes one dull , heavy , and fatuous : a woman having a short hand , notes to her pain and difficulty in child-bearing ; long slender hands , denote Tyranny , by reason of the excess of choller , hair in a mediocrity on the back of the hands denote a good temperament and ingenuity , but if they over much abound , the person in condition is flashy , light , and of much instability . 8. Next is observable whether the line or lines be continued , or abrupt , for if it be contrarily effected to what is requisite , it lessens the signification , for so it comes to pass that continuity diminisheth the signification in adverse things .

Lastly , it remains to note , that the lineaments of the hand cannot be so exquisitely taken that they may exactly be graven , its possible they may a little evariate in position or figure , and the signification abide , neither can it for a light or small dissimillitude or disconguity be diminished in efficacy .

In the next place we arrive to the Practical part of Chiromancy , and by these two next ensuing figures , give you to understand the parts , the lines , and the divisions of the hands , requisite to be understood of all , who will reap the pleasure and profit of this ingenious study .