The Art of Oratory; System of Delsarte, from the French of M. L'Abbe Delaumosne (Pupil of Delsarte) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 Excerpt: ...attitude the head is elevated; this is the vital state. Soldiers and men of robust physique carry the head high. Here are three genera, each of which gives three species. The Normal State. When the head is erect, it is passive and neutral. The head inclining laterally toward the interlocutor indicates affection. If in the inverse direction, opposite the interlocutor, sensualism is indicated. This is in fact retroaction; in the first case we love the soul, in the latter the form. The Eccentric State. If the head bends backward it is the passional or vehement state. The head inclined toward the interlocutor, denotes abandon, confidence. The head turned away from the interlocutor, denotes pride, noble or base. This is a neutral expression which says something, but not the whole. The Concentric State. The head lowered, that is, inclined forward, denotes the reflective state. If the head inclines toward the interlocutor, it is veneration, an act of faith in the object we love. If the head inclines away from the interlocutor, it is stratagem or suspicion. All other attitudes of the head are modifications of these. These nine attitudes characterize states, that is, sentiments, but sentiments which are fugitive. Either of these attitudes may be affected until it becomes habitual. But there are movements which cannot be habitually affected, which can only modify types and attitudes of the inflections of the head. These are fugitive movements. There are nine inflections or fugitive movements of the head: --1. If a forward movement, it ends in an upright one, with elevated chin, and indicates interrogation, hope, appellation, desire. 2. The same movement with the chin lowered, indicates doubt, resignation. 3. A nod of the head, a forward movement, means confirmation, y..