Treatise on Physiognomy

Om! Salutations to the illustrious Ganesha. Having first bowed to the Primal Deity original: "Adidevam" — referring to Ganesha, the god of beginnings, traditionally invoked at the start of Hindu texts to remove obstacles.,
the all-knowing and all-seeing, I shall declare the auspicious science of Physiognomy original: "Samudrikam" — the traditional Indian study of physical traits to determine character and destiny.
for men and women. 1 First, one should examine the lifespan; afterwards,
one should declare the bodily marks. For a man or woman lacking a long life, what
is the use of auspicious marks? 2 On the left side for women
and on the right for men, the marks are specified
according to the words of the Physiognomy original: "Samudra vachanam" as follows: 3 Five long, four short,
four subtle, six elevated, seven flushed original: "raktam" — literally red; in this context, it refers to a healthy, pinkish glow in certain body parts., three broad,
and three deep are praised. 4 The arms, the space between the eyes, the kn-
-ees, the nose, and likewise the space between the breasts: these five lo-
-ng parts are praised. 5 The neck, the genitals short?, and the shanks
are honored; he who has these four short parts is known as a [distinguished]
man. 6 Fine finger joints, the hair...