The philosophy of beards : a lecture : physiological, artistic & historical / by T.S. Gowing.
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ought not to be omitted. All artists know the value of white in clearing up colours. Now let any one look at an old face surrounded by white hair, whether in man or woman, and he will perceive a harmonizing beauty in it, that no artificial imitation of more youthful colours can possibly impart. In this, as in other cases, the natural is the most becoming. Permit me to conclude this section of my lecture by reminding all who wish to let their Beards grow, that there is a law above fashion, and that each individual face is endowed with its individual Beard, the form and colour of which is determined by similar laws to those which regu- late the tint of the skin, the form and colour of the hair of the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes; and therefore the most becoming, even if ugly in itself, to their respective physiognomies. What suits a square face, will not suit an oval, and a high forehead demands a different Beard to a low one. Leave the matter therefore to nature, and in due season the fitting form and colour will manifest them- selves. And here parties who have never shaved have this great advantage over those who have yielded to the un- natural custom, that hair will only be visible, even when present, in its proper place, be better in character and colour, and more graceful in its form. And now, ladies aud gentlemen, as all history we are told grew out of fable, allow me, as a sort of intermezzo, to preface my history by " a Fable for the Times."