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    How to Interpret Small Hands, 1651

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    How to Interpret Small Hands, 1651

    engraving of hand with short fingers performing gesture, labeled "negabit" John Bulwer, Chirologia (1644)

    The hands very short, doth signifie a gross and rude person: fat and fleshie, with the finger likewise, inclined to theft. Small hands, crafty men.

    Johannes ab Indagine, The Book of Palmistrie and Physiognomy

    Well, that settles it. Short fingers = vulgarian.

    Tags: 17th century, fingers, hands, negabit, physiognomy, science

    Updated: January 12, 2017

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