On me ‘ead..

Physiognomy: template for explaining lines of the forehead. Wellcome Images No.L00504991.

The Library has recently purchased the only known copy of a German pamphlet from 1785 that still contains two original ‘forehead reading’ templates. Made of cardboard and hand painted, these unique plates fit over the forehead to enable the practise of metoposcopy. Metoposcopy is the study of lines on the face to tell fortunes and reveal something of the individual’s character. These curious items are now available to see via the Wellcome Images catalogue and the book has been digitally photographed.