An excerpt from the Introduction: Palmistry is a name derived from the Latin "Palma," the palm of the hand, with etymological suffixes which make it signify "the Science of one skilled in the Palm." Palmistry, in its modern acceptation, is divided into two branches, Chirognomy and Chiromancy. Chirognomy defines the outward shape or form of the hand, and of its members-the thumb and fingers. The name is derived from the Greek and means the Laws of the Hand. Chiromancy is also derived from the Greek, and signifies Divination by the hand; that is, by the Lines, Mounts, and other marks on the palm of the hand. Their rules and doctrines were first established by the actual study and comparison of the hands of illustrious personages and the impressions of the hands of criminals. The varied development and combinations of the lines and other tokens of the hand were in each case noted and compared, and thus definitely connected with the ascertained predominant traits of character in the individuals, and the events which befel them. The locations of these lines and tokens were further dedicated respectively to those planets whose astrological influence or Astral Fluid coincided with the known temperament of the person. With such fairly established data, the infinite variations and combinations of the hand afford a wide field for study, with some tangible basis for interesting deductions. The distinctive structure of the hand has thus been subjected to critical examination, and conclusions drawn, not by visionary enthusiasts or designing Charlatans, but by men whose attainments should make the results of their researches worthy of some respect; and we are free to conclude that a Science, in the elucidation of which so much talent has been applied, can scarcely be set aside as purely mythical, corroborated as it is by the more modern treatment of Jean Bellot, Gaspard, Desbarrolles, D'Arpentigny, and others, whose writings on this subject have called forth the highest encomiums from such eminent littérateurs as Lamartine, Jules Janin, Balzac, Barthelemy, &c. ....