Still, in that famous work of his,
Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively
studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells
in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.
Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints
touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.
Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application
of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.
I try all things; I achieve what I can.
Physiognomically regarded, the Sperm Whale is an anomalous creature.
He has no proper nose. And since the nose is the central
and most conspicuous of the features; and since it perhaps
most modifies and finally controls their combined expression;
hence it would seem that its entire absence, as an external appendage,
must very largely affect the countenance of the whale.
For as in landscape gardening, a spire, cupola, monument,
or tower of some sort, is deemed almost indispensable to
the completion of the scene; so no face can be physiognomically
in keeping without the elevated open-work belfry of the nose.
Dash the nose from Phidias's marble Jove, and what a
sorry remainder! Nevertheless, Leviathan is of so mighty
a magnitude, all his proportions are so stately, that the same
deficiency which in the sculptured Jove were hideous,
in him is no blemish at all.
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