I stated in the preceding chapter that to every degree of glandular development there corresponds a certain set of physical characteristics which, in the love life, may be transformed into fetishes, (beautiful features, laymen call them), which are necessary to arouse sexual desire in one's mate, but which are not necessarily attractive to any one else. Those physical characteristics are, in turn, the tangible evidence of the presence of certain mental attitudes and predispositions.
Individuals seeking in the love union, not merely a passing gratification of their erotism, but a lifelong arrangement, gratifying both the physical and the mental aspects of the organism, should be trained to recognise the presence or absence of characteristics which would make such an arrangement a lasting pleasure or a lasting torture.
For instance, the woman who falls in love with a man because her fetishism requires a short, round,[Pg 234] plump, man, with a good head of hair but hairless limbs, must not expect him to ever grow into a fighter, a good provider or even a companion of placid moods.
A man of that type is capricious, unstable, unresisting, and prefers the gentler arts to any form of competitive struggle.
Likewise a man who picks out a woman for his mate because she has pretty, doll-like features, is "cute" and slight, has a soft skin, white and pink, must not expect to live peacefully with her on a farm, or even on Main Street or in a distant suburb.
That type of woman grows easily emotional, is constantly in search of new excitement and new pleasures. It is only at forty that she will become more settled (and rotund), retaining, however, a certain jollity of disposition.
The Olive Skinned Dark Haired Type, and the freckled, red haired are very much alike. Both have a low forehead, hair is plentiful all over the body, thick and coarse. Their canines are long and sharp.
Men and women of that type are good fighters, more easily angered than scared; they are generally successful, with a tendency to slave-driving. In the face of great difficulties, of painful disappointment,[Pg 235] however, they are prone to turn embittered and cranky.
People of this type who show large birth marks are likely to be imbalanced and irritable. They may at times give the impression of being weak and lazy, altho their minds may be extremely active.
The Tall Type, with strong frame, firm muscles, generous hands and feet, a thick skin, oval face, head flattened at the sides, thick eyebrows, prominent eyes, placed rather wide apart, large nose, square chin, large upper middle incisors, heavy joints, hairy legs and arms, is characterised by intelligence and self-control. At times that type has a tendency to be a little calculating if not sordid.
The Lean Type with clean-cut features, thick hair, thick, long eyebrows, big, keen eyes, sometimes slightly protruding, well developed white teeth and a very masculine or very feminine mouth, according to sex, is active, restless, a live wire, emotional and likely to be easily prostrated by an unexpected defeat. Men and women of that type have a tendency to be sleepless and to do too much planning at night instead of resting peacefully.
The Short, Obese, Sallow Type, with a high forehead, scanty eyebrows, deep set, narrow eyes, irregular teeth that decay early, with poor circula[Pg 236]tion, cold and blue hands and feet, is rather "animal" and lacks self-control.
The Slender Type, with narrow waist line, rounded limbs, long chest, (which in women may carry poorly developed breasts), very white, hairless skin, delicate features, silky hair, childish teeth, flat feet, knock-knees, may be at times very brilliant, but is generally queer, eccentric, irresponsible, perverse, dishonest. That type is observed in many petty thieves, prostitutes, drug addicts, suicides.
Those are the most striking physical types. They present hundreds of shadings and combinations.
Environment. The last mentioned type, if reared and kept in a comfortable environment, among people of slightly lax behavior, of artistic inclinations, exposed to none of life's onslaughts, may do very well, and be considered by his associates............