Forty-nine, the back combines yin and yang, and the three paths must not be left uncertain in terms of level and height.

背陷成坑胸露骨，家無隔宿之糧。大概背欲高，胸欲平，肩欲闊而不聳，凡聳為寒也。廣鑑集云：背有三甲（三甲乃背字也），腹有三壬（三壬用垂字也），衣豐食足富貴榮華。

A person whose back is sunken and forms a hollow, and whose ribs are protruding from the chest, has no food for the night in his family. Generally, the back should be high and thick, the chest flat and full, and the shoulders broad but not raised—when the shoulders are raised, it is called "shoulder cold," which is a sign of thinness and coldness. The "Broad Mirror Collection" says: a person with "three Jia" on the back—old notes explain that "three Jia" means the muscles on the back rise in the shape of the character "Jia"—and "three Ren" on the abdomen—old notes explain that "three Ren" means the flesh on the abdomen hangs down in the shape of the character "Ren"—such a person will have abundant clothing and food, and will achieve wealth, honor, and prosperity.

凡胸宜闊，不宜窄小，胸上有毫為忌，軟者遂可心之，深陷為人心事奸邪。背若成坑，至老無糧，水土兩形背宜高，木形背宜平。俗云：好面不如好身胸，背乃一身之主。書云：陽空陰沒亦同途，背為陰，胸為陽，乃陽不可空，陰不可露。

The chest should be broad and not narrow. Having hard hair on the upper part of the chest is considered an omen of bad fortune, while soft hair is more acceptable. A sunken chest indicates a person with deceitful thoughts. If the back is sunken like a pit, one will face difficulties in old age. People with a water shape or earth shape should have a high and thick back, while those with a wood shape should have a flat and straight back. It is said: a good face is not as important as a good chest, for the back is the main structure of the body. The book of physiognomy states: if the yang position is empty and the yin position is submerged, the results are the same. The back belongs to yin, and the chest belongs to yang. The yang position (the chest) should not be hollow, and the yin position (the back) should not have exposed bones.

凡乳不宜小，金木水土四形宜皮土厚，如皮薄，乳必薄，乳頭圓硬子富，乳頭方硬子貴，乳頭破小，子息難成。乳白色不起，難言子息。婦人乳宜黑大為妙，小者子少，大者子多，乳頭方圓子富貴，白小低偏子息難，若黑若堅毫且美，子貴孫榮福壽昌。

The breasts should not be small. For those with the forms of metal, wood, water, and earth, thick and solid skin is suitable; those with thin skin will certainly have small breasts. If the nipple is round and firm, the son will be wealthy; if the nipple is square and firm, the son will be of high status; if the nipple is damaged and small, it will be difficult to have children. If the nipple is white and not prominent, there will be no children. For women, dark and large breasts are considered good; small breasts indicate fewer children, while large breasts indicate more children. If the nipple is round and square with a proper shape, the children will be prosperous and wealthy. If the nipple is white, small, low, or crooked, it will be difficult to have children. If the nipple is black and firm, and there are fine hairs around the breast with a beautiful shape, the son will be prominent, the grandchildren will be honored, and there will be great fortune and longevity.

太素曰：臍乃百脈之隘，凡臍宜深，腹宜厚，皮宜實，骨宜正。臍近上，主智人，近下，主下愚。深者，主福祿，淺者，主貧窮。寬大者名播千里，臍中黑子腹垂，乃是朝郎。臍小又平，勞苦下賤。

The Taisu says: The navel is the key point where all the meridians of the body converge. A deep navel and a thick abdomen with firm skin and upright bones are favorable. Those whose navel is higher are wise; those whose navel is lower are of low intelligence. A deep navel indicates wealth and honor, while a shallow navel suggests poverty. A wide navel is known far and wide. If there is a black mole in the navel and the abdomen hangs low, one will become an official of the imperial court. A small and flat navel indicates a life of toil and low status.

先生曰：腹垂下，臍近上，天然衣祿，腹近上，臍朝下，老主孤窮。凡腹宜上小下大，切忌上大下小。又云：腹乃五臟之外表，最宜寬大，嫌窄小，居上智慧，居下愚，此理人間都不曉。

Liu Zhuang said: Those whose abdomen hangs downward with the navel positioned higher are born with clothing and food fortune; those whose abdomen is gathered at the upper part with the navel facing downward will suffer from loneliness, poverty in old age. The abdomen should be small at the top and large at the bottom, and it is most undesirable to be large at the top and small at the bottom. He also said: The abdomen is an external manifestation of the five internal organs, so it should be broad and spacious, narrow and small ones are to be avoided; those with the navel positioned higher are intelligent, while those with the navel positioned lower are dull-witted—this principle is not understood by most people in the world.

凡婦人臍乃子之根，乳乃子之苗，凡妊，子在腹必紅黑，婦在腹中，三四月必凸出，若人九月臍凸又許男，凡婦人不論肥瘦，有一分深得一子，半寸深得五子，臍大方好，小則難問子息，縱生亦不存。臍赤生子，一玉帶黑，生子。金帶內生毫，生子必秀，腹皮寬大，必有五子，凡臍小、腰偏、腹小、皮薄、皮急，難有面相可取，然亦無子之婦也。

The navel of a woman is the root of her children, and the breasts are the sprouts. Once pregnant, the fetus is in the womb, and the navel color will turn red and black. By the third or fourth month, the navel will definitely protrude. If the navel protrudes only at nine months, it may indicate the birth of a son. Regardless of whether a woman is fat or thin, for every inch deeper the navel is, she will have one child; for half an inch deeper, she may have five children. A wide navel opening is good; a small navel is not favorable, and even if she gives birth, the child may not survive. If the navel color turns red, she can have children. If there is a black circle around the navel like a jade belt, she can also have children. If there are fine hairs growing inside the navel ring, the son she gives birth to will be handsome. If the abdominal skin is wide, she will have five sons. Women with small navels, slanted waists, small bellies, thin skin, or tight skin, even if they have a somewhat good facial appearance, will ultimately be childless.

少年無臀，凡事無成，田園難守，破祖離宗。老來無臀，困苦辛勞，妻亡子喪，奔波紅塵。瘦人無臀，多學少成，肥人無臀，刮鍋洗盆，無妻無子，孤獨貧賤。故臀宜開宜潤宜寬大，不宜尖嬌。書云：胸凹臀凸父子不和。婦人犯此，為兇惡之婦。

Those who are thin in their buttocks when young find it difficult to achieve anything, cannot hold onto their homeland, lose their ancestors' property, and leave their family. Those who are thin in their buttocks in old age suffer hardships and toil, their wife and children die, and they are constantly struggling in the world. A thin person with no buttocks learns much but achieves little; a fat person with no buttocks becomes so poor that they have to scrape the pots and wash the pans, ends up without a wife or child, and is lonely and poor. Therefore, the buttocks should be broad, full, and wide, not pointed or thin. The book of physiognomy says that if the chest is sunken and the buttocks are prominent, there will be discord between father and son; for women, this is a sign of a wicked woman.

附論婦人訣曰：腰小臀尖臍穴深，又為奴婢守孤窮，若是乳頭再如白，一生主孤獨。又云：無臀尖之貴婦。端莊婦人，胸宜寬不宜凸，腰宜圓不宜細，乳宜黑不宜白，臍宜深不宜淺，髮宜黑不宜黃，肉宜細不宜滑，眉宜圓不宜聳，背宜高不宜陷，面宜圓不宜尖，眼宜細不宜圓。此乃總論，如犯一件，即非良人之婦也。

There is also a mnemonic for judging the appearance of a woman: those with a slender waist, pointed hips, and deep navel will become servants and suffer loneliness and poverty; if their nipples are white, they will live a life of solitude. It is also said that there are no noble ladies with pointed and thin hips. A proper woman should have a broad but not protruding chest, a round and firm waist rather than thin and weak, black rather than white nipples, a deep rather than shallow navel, black rather than yellow hair, smooth rather than oily skin, round rather than high eyebrows, a tall and thick back rather than a sunken one, a round rather than sharp face, and long rather than round eyes. These are the general principles; if any one of these is violated, she is not a proper woman of good family.

腕包腳肚為股肱，乃一身根本，不可無包。書云：股肱無包最是凶，正謂此也。肥瘦大小之人俱有方好。小兒無股，三六而亡，大人無股，貧賤泛常，婦人無股，定是不良，瘦人無股，敗走他鄉，肥人無股，後運難量，凡婦人亦不可無根本也。

The muscles on the upper arm and the calf are collectively called "gugong," which are the fundamental parts of the body and must not be missing. The book of physiognomy says, "Without gugong, it is most ominous," referring precisely to this. Whether one is fat or thin, big or small, one should have this layer of muscle. If a child lacks the gugong muscle, he will die before the age of eighteen (three six). If an adult lacks it, he will live a life of poverty and mediocrity. If a woman lacks it, she is certainly of bad character. If a thin person lacks it, he will fall into ruin and be forced to wander elsewhere. If a fat person lacks it, his later years are unpredictable. Women are also not allowed to lack this fundamental part.

相手之法，先看五行，次察八卦。掌有厚薄，指有長短，紋有深淺，色有明滯，務要君臣得位，五行得配，八卦有停，實主相勻，只許主去強實，不可實來強主。凡紋欲細深成形，不欲淺亂枯乾偏削缺陷歪斜。

The method of analyzing a person's hand involves first examining the Five Phases, then observing the Eight Trigrams. The palm may be thick or thin, fingers long or short, palm lines deep or shallow, and palm color bright or dull. The overall principle is "sovereign and minister in proper position" (the palm is the sovereign, the fingers are the ministers, with clear distinction between master and subordinate). The Five Phases should be in harmony, and the Eight Trigrams (the eight trigram areas on the palm: Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui) should each be evenly distributed. The flesh of the palm should be full and balanced with the overall shape of the palm, allowing only the main shape to be slightly stronger than the flesh, but not letting the flesh overpower the shape. The palm lines should be fine and deep, with clear patterns, not shallow, chaotic, dry, or lacking, nor should they be uneven, defective, or crooked.

又云：指甲乃精之餘，指甲厚，主人膽大，指細主人聰明，掌明則財興祿厚，暗黑則家破財空。掌心有肉乃祖父根基，背有肉乃自創根底。掌背之肉以細潤為妙，大抵掌欲軟而長，腹欲明而厚，如骨露、筋浮、肉削、甲薄、指偏，皆非好相也。

It is also said that fingernails are the remains of vital energy; people with thick fingernails are bold and courageous, while those with slender fingers are intelligent. A bright and moist palm indicates wealth and good fortune, whereas a dark and dull palm suggests financial ruin and loss. Having flesh on the palm signifies inheriting the foundation from one's ancestors, while having flesh on the back of the hand indicates having built one's own fortune. Both the palm and the back of the hand should have fine, moist flesh. Generally, the palm should be soft and long, with a bright and thick palm area. If the bones are prominent, the veins are visible, the palm flesh is thin, the fingernails are weak, or the fingers are crooked, these are not good signs.

先生遊於一小巷，見一手傾水於窗外，色瑩如玉，光彩入目，指如春筍，血若珠紅，先生曰：男若此手，當入翰林，女若此手當為國母。後永樂選此婦為妃生正統。

Liuzhuang Master once walked down a narrow alley and saw a hand reaching out from a window to pour water. The skin was smooth and lustrous like jade, radiant and dazzling. The fingers were slender, like spring bamboo, and the blood color was bright and red, like pearls. The Master said: If a man is born with such a hand, he will enter the Hanlin Academy; if a woman is born with such a hand, she will become the mother of a country. Later, the Yongle Emperor indeed selected this woman to enter the palace as a concubine, and she gave birth to a son who became the Zhengtong Emperor.

凡男女之手宜色潤、指長、紋細，心背有肉為妙。離宮有井紋，當入翰林，乾宮起紋到離宮，為沖天紋，白手起家，掌心紅潤，數年內可起，紋若亂，則名利少成，紋淺，志亦淺，紋深志亦深，紋亂，心多亂，無紋心必幹，有紋為妙。大凡指長、掌厚、紋深、色明、血潤，男為卿相，女為夫人。

The hands of both men and women are considered good if they have smooth and moist skin, long fingers, fine palm lines, and full flesh on both the palm and back of the hand. The area below the middle finger, called the "Li Palace," with a "well" shape pattern indicates a person will enter the Hanlin Academy. A line starting from the "Qian Palace" under the thumb and going straight up to the Li Palace is called "Chong Tian Wen," indicating someone who will rise from nothing. A red and bright palm suggests success within a few years. If the palm lines are chaotic, it is difficult to achieve fame, wealth, and status. Shallow lines indicate shallow aspirations, while deep lines indicate deep aspirations. Chaotic lines suggest a restless mind. Those with no lines on their palms are considered to have a dry and unfeeling heart. Having lines is considered good. In summary, long fingers, thick palms, deep lines, bright skin, and moist blood color indicate that men can become high officials and women can become诰命 (honored) wives.

頭圓象天，足方象地，天欲高，地欲厚，凡足背有肉，安穩福祿，足心有肉，堆金積玉。足背浮筋，何曾得聚半文錢？凡足中指欲長，小兒無足跟，不過一歲春。足背毛欲軟，主聰明，指上生毛，主一生無足疾。大人無足跟，貧賤走紅塵。

The head should be round, symbolizing heaven, and the feet square, symbolizing earth; heaven should be high and earth thick. If there is flesh on the top of the foot, one will live a stable and prosperous life. If there is flesh on the sole (the foot sole is not hollow), one can accumulate wealth. If the veins on the top of the foot are prominent and blue, one will never hold onto even half a coin. The middle toe should be long. If a child lacks a heel, they will not live past one year. Soft hair on the top of the foot indicates intelligence. If there is hair on the toes, one will not suffer from foot ailments. If an adult lacks a heel, they will live a life of poverty and hardship, constantly moving through the world.

凡髮乃血之餘，欲潤而秀，細而長，軟而香。不宜枯黃燥結，如山林不秀，非貴人也。惟木形人，髮不宜濃長，宜清，宜潤，不宜枯黃。金水火土四形，俱不宜多髮，髮多財疏，髮生曰月角，主人愚玩，又克親。

Hair is the leftover essence of blood and qi. It should be moist, lustrous, fine, soft, long, and smooth, with a pleasant fragrance. It should not be dry, yellow, tangled, or matted. Hair is like the forest on a mountain; if the mountain forest is not beautiful, a person lacks a noble appearance. Only people with the 'wood shape' should not have overly thick or long hair; instead, their hair should be clear, sparse, and moist, avoiding dryness and yellowness. People with the 'metal shape,' 'water shape,' 'fire shape,' and 'earth shape' should also not have excessive hair, as too much hair indicates thin fortune. If hair grows continuously to the areas above the forehead called 'sun angle' and 'moon angle' (parents' palace), the person is likely to be foolish, playful, and may harm their parents.

凡女人之髮宜長四尺內外為妙，少年落髮，難言子息，老若頭烏，壽似松。半白半烏，終有壽。少年白髮喪雙親，左邊多妨父，右邊多妨母，不過十五歲，此白髮論人十五歲而生者。

A woman's hair should be about four feet long for good fortune. If someone loses their hair at a young age, their children may be difficult to have. If one remains with black hair even in old age, their lifespan will be as long as pine and cypress trees. If the hair is half white and half black, they will eventually live a long life. If someone turns white-headed at a young age, they may lose their parents. If the left side of the hair turns white first, it indicates trouble with the father; if the right side turns white first, it indicates trouble with the mother. The prediction is valid only for those who develop white hair before the age of fifteen. This statement about white hair refers specifically to those who have white hair before they reach fifteen.

凡高者為痣，平者為點，黃者為斑，凡斑點不宜生在面上。書云：面多斑點恐非壽之人。在面為顯痣，在身為暗痣，俱宜有毫，如山林有草木方妙。背主衣冠，胸主智，腹帶黑如墨，赤如珠硬，高者方貴，中平小貴，色明潤為好，色暗不好。

All raised bumps are called 'zhi', flat ones are called 'dian', and yellow ones are called 'ban'. Both 'ban' and 'dian' are not desirable when they appear on the face. The book of physiognomy says that having many 'ban' and 'dian' all over the face may indicate a short lifespan. Those on the face are called 'xian zhi' (visible moles), and those on the body are called 'an zhi' (hidden moles). Both should have hair growing out of them, just as grass and trees grow on mountains and forests. A mole on the back indicates success and prestige, one on the chest suggests intelligence and strategy, and one on the abdomen is good if it is black as ink or red as a pearl and hard in texture. A mole that is high and prominent indicates great fortune, while one that is flat with a slight rise suggests lesser fortune. A mole with a bright and smooth color is favorable, while one with a dark color is unfavorable.

粗硬為毛，不拘生何處皆主賤，較細為毫，宜生腿足為奇。臍下股道俱有毛，主一生不招陰病，不畏神鬼。胸上生毫，主人性燥。背上生毫，一生勞苦。乳上生毫（三根者好），必生貴子。若毛如草亂，多者無子之相也。手指生毫亦好，總之，毫宜細軟為妙。

Thick and coarse hair is called "mao," and wherever it grows, it indicates a lowly status. Fine and soft hair is called "hao," and when it grows on the legs, it is most unusual. Those who have hair both below the navel and around the anus (the area of the thighs) will never attract evil influences or fear ghosts and spirits. Those with hair on their chest are impetuous in temperament; those with hair on their back will have a hard life; those with hair on their breasts (three strands are best) will surely have noble offspring. If the hair grows like wild grass, being numerous and disordered, it is a sign of being childless. Having hair on the fingers is also good. In summary, fine and soft hair is most desirable.

凡骨欲堅，肉慾實，骨為君，肉為臣，骨多肉少主貧賤，肉多骨少主壽夭，骨肉相勻，方言有壽有子。凡女人骨硬必刑夫，男人骨硬必貧賤。龍骨欲細長，龍骨欲粗正，不欲浮，筋露骨浮肉歪斜，夭相。總言，骨欲正直，肉慾堅實，方福壽之相。書云：骨正神強肉又堅，君臣得配福綿綿，若見肉浮多發氣，四九之刑壽不全。

The bones should be firm and strong, and the flesh should be full and solid. Bones are like the ruler, and flesh is like the minister. If there are many bones but little flesh, it indicates poverty and low status; if there is much flesh but few bones, it suggests a short lifespan. Only when bones and flesh are in harmony and proportion can one expect longevity and children. Women with coarse and hard bones will likely harm their husbands, while men with coarse and hard bones will be poor and lowly. The "dragon bone" (upper arm bone) should be fine and long, and the "tiger bone" (forearm bone) should be thick and straight; neither should be exposed. If blue veins are visible, bones are prominent, or the flesh is uneven, it is a sign of a short life. In summary, bones should be upright and straight, and flesh should be solid, which is the appearance of good fortune and longevity. The classic says: if bones are straight, spirit is strong, and flesh is solid, then ruler and minister are in harmony, and blessings will be continuous. However, if the flesh is weak and flabby, and one easily feels breathless, there will be calamities by the age of thirty-six (forty-nine), and life will be difficult to complete.

凡皮屬土，土必厚實，方可滋生萬物。肉必盈潤，肉有血氣為榮，一身皮薄，何能榮生？皮急壽短，皮寬壽長，小兒皮急，非長壽也。又云：皮急皮粗最不宜，何曾此輩立家其，下賤愚頑多破耗，四九之前壽必歸。

In the Five Phases, the skin belongs to Earth, and Earth must be thick and solid to nurture all things. Muscles must be full and moist, with blood and qi flowing through them, which is called flourishing and moist. A person with thin skin cannot have flourishing growth. Those with tight skin have short lifespans, while those with loose and gentle skin live longer. Children with tight skin also do not live long. It is also said that tight and rough skin is very bad; such people are unlikely to establish a family fortune. They are lowly and foolish, often losing money and wasting resources, and their lives usually end before the age of thirty-six (four nines).

人中為溝洫，五十一歲主事，最要深長為妙，宜上小下大，為溝洫得通，上大下小，為溝洫阻滯。面上有江河溝，為四瀆，五嶽俱從，故宜深長寬大，最嫌窄小短偏。江耳淮鼻河目溝口，若淺，生子必遲，先生曰：人中平滿，子息難言。人中平滿，四九可延年，然人中一處乃小道也，言雖如此，還宜於周身大處詳之。

In physiognomy, the area between the eyebrows is called "gou xu," and when a person reaches the age of fifty-one in their life cycle, this area becomes significant. The area between the eyebrows should be deep and long, with a shape that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, which is called "gou xu de tong" (smooth and unobstructed). If it is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, it is called "gou xu zu zhi" (obstructed). There are also four water channels on the face, namely Jiang (river), He (river), Huai (river), and Ji (river), collectively known as "si du" (four rivers). The five mountains should harmonize with these four rivers. Therefore, the area between the eyebrows should be deep, long, and wide, and it is most undesirable to be narrow, small, short, or crooked. The allocation of the four rivers is: the ear represents the river, the nose represents the Ji river, the eyes represent the He river, and the mouth represents the Huai river. The area between the eyebrows is the channel connecting to the mouth. If the area between the eyebrows is shallow, it indicates that having children will be delayed. Liu Zhuang said: if the area between the eyebrows is flat and lacks a groove, it is difficult to have children; however, those with flat and full areas between the eyebrows can still prolong their life until the age of thirty-six (four nine). Although the area between the eyebrows is just a small joint, one should still consider it in conjunction with the overall body structure.

上為祿（左右兩邊），下為丹（地閣），人中為髭，承漿為須，有此五名邊地上生，方為鬍髭。只可有祿無官，不可有官無祿。只可有髭無鬚，不可有鬚無髭。五件俱配，方為妙，方為貴人。

The various parts of the beard have specific names: the areas on both sides of the upper cheeks are called "Lü," the lower chin (earth palace) is called "Dan," the hair growing in the area of the philtrum is called "Zi," the hair growing below the lower lip at the Chengjiang point is called "Xu," and the hair growing along with the sides is collectively called "Hu Zi." It is better to have "Lü" without "Guan," than to have "Guan" without "Lü." Similarly, it is better to have "Zi" without "Xu," than to have "Xu" without "Zi." These five areas should complement each other to form a good face, which is characteristic of a Nobleman.

凡須宜黑如漆，宜赤不宜黃，如黑赤黃相雜者，大不好也。金赤有索，首尾一開，為金鬚大發萬金。面如白粉，圓如月，為銀面金鬚，二品之職。疏秀為妙，宜硬不宜軟，宜彎不宜直，宜清不宜濁，如連鬢生鬚與髮，和相為妙。如髮少鬚多，亦不發財，貧賤之相也。

A man's mustache should be black and bright like lacquer; it is better if it has a slight red tint, but it should not be yellow. If the mustache has a mixture of black, red, and yellow, it is not good. A mustache that is golden red, with each strand clearly defined and extending from tip to root, is called "golden mustache," indicating great wealth. If the face is white like powdered jade and round and smooth like a full moon, and is accompanied by a golden mustache, it is called "silver face with golden mustache," indicating a position of second rank. A mustache should be sparse, clear, and elegant; it should be firm rather than soft, slightly curved rather than straight and stiff, clear and bright rather than dull and turbid. If the mustache and hair blend well together, that is best. If there is little hair but a lot of mustache, it does not indicate wealth, and is considered a sign of poverty and low status.

書云：渾濁焦黃最不良，草比燕尾有刑傷，清輕出肉稀秀者，取於皇家作棟樑。凡鬚鬢老來自直者，為羊鬚，尾開為燕尾，老來克子孤獨相也。

The book on physiognomy says: hair that is dull, turbid, and yellowish is most unfavorable; hair that is messy like grass or has split ends like a swallow's tail indicates punishment or injury; hair that is clear, light, grows straight from the skin and is sparse and elegant may be selected by the royal court as a栋梁之材 (supporting pillar). Any beard or hair that becomes straight and hard with age is called "sheep's beard," and hair with split ends is called "swallow's tail," both of which indicate old age bringing about the inability to have children and loneliness.

腦後為枕骨，三八外即生。耳後骨高為枕，又為壽根。凡人慎不可無此，小兒若無，能言而亡。此骨在耳後，旦耳生成即有此，為回紋骨也，此為品字骨。此為連珠骨，凸此為三山骨，以上俱主封侯之貴。北方人頭大一尺外，常有此骨，若有此品，為小品字，主三品職。

The bone at the back of the head is called "zhěn gǔ," which becomes fully developed after the age of twenty-four (38). The elevated bone behind the ears is the "zhěn gǔ," also known as "shòu gēn." A person must have this bone; if a child lacks it, they often die shortly after learning to speak. This bone is located behind the ears and appears at the same time as the ears develop. The shape of the "zhěn gǔ" can vary: those with a wavy pattern are called "huí wén gǔ," those arranged in a triangular pattern are called "pǐn zì gǔ," those connected in a row are called "lián zhū gǔ," and those with three peaks are called "sān shān gǔ." All these types indicate a high status of being granted a noble title. People from the north often have this bone, and if it is a smaller version of the "pǐn zì" shape, called "xiǎo pǐn zì," it indicates a position of a third rank official.

書云：枕骨宜雙不宜單，左右偏生壽不長，若是高高生腦後，何愁家道不榮昌？若枕骨不過主壽，如回紋、仰月、三山品字、雙珠連環，必主大貴。高隆大起，發福綿綿。

The book on physiognomy says: The occipital bone should be formed in pairs rather than single; if it grows unevenly on the left or right side, it indicates a shorter lifespan. If it grows high and prominent in the center of the back of the head, there is no worry about the family's prosperity. Usually, the occipital bone is associated with longevity. However, if it has shapes such as reverse patterns, upturned moons, three mountains, character 'pin', or double pearls linked together, it indicates great fortune. If the occipital bone is high and prominent, the blessings will be continuous and endless.

凡齒乃骨之餘，欲整齊厚大，上牙通太陽，為陽經，下牙通腰，為腎經，故齒長主壽，稀疏主夭，齒短主愚，白齊如玉，可食天祿，圓小不齊，貧窮之輩，當門二齒為大門，齊大多忠孝，偏小無信行。女人齒宜黃大為妙，男齒生三十四，主貴，三十二亦主福壽，三十中平，二十八壽少。又名內學堂，最要整齊白大厚者，方有學問。

Teeth are produced from the residual energy of bones, and they should be neat, thick, wide, and strong. The upper teeth connect to the Taiyang meridian, which belongs to the Yang meridian; the lower teeth connect to the waist and kidney, which belong to the kidney meridian. Therefore, people with strong teeth tend to live long, while those with sparse and spaced teeth tend to die young. Short teeth indicate foolishness. White, even teeth like jade suggest a person may attain official rank and salary. Round, small, and uneven teeth indicate poverty. The two large teeth at the front are called 'Great Gate'; those that are neat and wide often indicate loyalty and filial piety, while those that are crooked and small suggest a lack of integrity and virtue. For women, yellowish and large teeth are considered good. Men with thirty-four teeth are destined for high status, thirty-two teeth indicate good fortune and longevity, thirty teeth are average, and twenty-eight teeth suggest a shorter lifespan. Teeth are also called 'Inner Academy,' and they must be neat, white, wide, and thick. Such people are likely to have knowledge and learning.

凡貴人之聲清、長、潤、和、韻，頭大尾小，富貴也。又云：木聲宜高，金聲宜潤，聲韻出丹田，喉寬響又堅，乃為美聲。又云：木聲高唱火聲焦，和潤金聲福自饒。

The voice of a Nobleman is clear, long, moist, gentle and melodious, with a full beginning and a smooth ending, indicating wealth and honor. It is also said that people with the form of wood should have a high and resonant voice, while those with the form of metal should have a round and smooth voice. The tone should originate from the lower abdomen, with a broad throat and a solid sound, which is considered a good voice. It is also said that the voice of a person with the form of wood is high and far-reaching, while the voice of a person with the form of fire is restless and urgent. A gentle and moist voice of a person with the form of metal naturally brings abundant blessings.

凡富貴之人，聲自丹田，清長高響，小人之聲，出自舌尖，低而破。又云：身小聲宏，定是豪家富貴之子，聲低身小，須知自是破家兒。婦人之聲宜清，男人之聲宜響，聲如破鑼、吠犬、嗚羊，皆貧賤之相。

The voices of wealthy and noble people originate from the dantian, being clear, long, and resonant. In contrast, the voices of common people come from the tip of the tongue, being low, weak, and broken. It is also said that a person with a small body but a loud voice is likely from a wealthy family, while someone with a small body and a weak voice is likely a spendthrift. Women's voices should be clear, and men's voices should be strong. Voices resembling a broken gong, a dog's bark, or a sheep's call are signs of a lowly and poor destiny.

凡囊宜黑，紋宜細，不宜下墜。如火曖，生貴子，如冰冷，主子少。玉莖乃靈龜之說，皇帝為玉莖，常人為龜頭，凡龜宜小，白堅者貴，如大、長、黑、弱為賤，大者招凶，人必賤，小而秀者好賢郎。凡龜小者妻好、子好，大者不好。

The scrotum should be dark in color, with fine and dense wrinkles, and should not be loose or sagging. If the scrotum is warm and hot like fire, it can produce a noble son; if it is cold, there will be few children. The "Yujing" refers to the male root, also called "Linggui" in physiognomy: emperors are said to have the form of Yujing, while ordinary people are called "Gui tou." The龟头 (glans) should be small; a white and firm glans indicates nobility, while a thick, long, black, or soft glans indicates low status. A very large one brings misfortune and indicates a person of low character; a small and delicate one can produce virtuous and good sons. In summary, a small龟头 is good for both wife and son, while a large one is bad.

凡股道宜兩臂夾而不露，如露十分貧賤，且夭。有毛者好，無毛者必賤。尿遲好，快則貧，細長為貴，主武職，偏主文貴。如疊帶，富貴之相。股道無毛老定貧，少年露出必遭刑，要知取用為奇妙，細細深藏是貴人。

"The 'groin' refers to the anus, which should be enclosed by the flesh on both sides and not exposed; if it is exposed, it indicates extreme poverty and a short life. Those with hair around the area are considered good, while those without hair are destined for low status. Slow urination is favorable, while rapid urination indicates poverty. A thin and long urine stream signifies nobility and often indicates a military position; a crooked urine stream suggests scholarly nobility; if the urine flows like a folded ribbon layer by layer, it is a sign of great wealth and status. If the groin has no hair, one will certainly be poor in old age. If the groin is exposed in youth, one is likely to suffer punishment. To understand the significance of this feature: those who are fine and hidden are considered noble."

古人腰闊四尺，今人焉能而得？只取闊直硬為妙。胖人慾闊，瘦人慾圓欲硬。兩腰腿為腎命二穴，有肉皮厚而有壽，腎命穴陷皮枯主死，大概腰偏細薄折削俱是貧夭之相。女人腰大是福，細、偏者少子從賤。書云：腎命皮焦心壽夭，腰生疊肉壽年長。

Ancient people had waists measuring four chi, but nowadays it is impossible to achieve that. What is desirable is a broad, upright, and solid waist. For those who are fat, a broad waist is suitable; for those who are thin, a round and solid waist is preferable. The areas connecting the sides of the waist to the thighs are called the "kidney points" and the "life points." Those with thick flesh and skin in these areas tend to live longer; whereas if the kidney and life points are sunken and the skin is dry and withered, it indicates a short life. Generally, a slanted waist, a narrow waist, a thin waist, a bent waist, or a frail waist are all signs of poverty, low status, and short life. For women, a broad waist is considered a blessing, while a narrow or slanted waist suggests fewer children and lower social status. The physiognomy texts state that if the skin at the kidney and life points is dry and withered, it indicates a short lifespan, whereas if there are overlapping muscles on the waist, it signifies a long life.

膝大腿小為鶴，膝主下賤，膝小無骨主壽夭，小兒膝小者無壽。膝上生筋，一生奔走勞碌，腿上生毫，一生不犯官刑。毛硬易招險，以軟為妙。一身相俱好，如膝大腿小，主下愚，不為取用。書云：膝大不宜露骨，腿大要膝圓。又云：膝圓如柱，一生不到公庭，腿大膝尖，半世常招官司。

A person with large knees and thin lower legs is called "He Xi," indicating a low social status. Small knees without strength suggest a short lifespan; children with small knees also lack longevity. If blue veins are prominent on the knees, the person will have a life of constant toil and hardship. If fine hairs grow on the legs, the person will rarely get into legal trouble—thick, coarse hair is more likely to bring danger, so soft hair is preferable. Even if a person's overall appearance is good, if the knees are large and the legs are thin, it still indicates a dull and unremarkable character, not worth considering. The book of physiognomy says: large knees should not have prominent joints, and thick thighs should match round knees. It also says: knees round like pillars indicate a life without involvement in court or official matters; thick legs with pointed knees mean frequent legal troubles throughout one's life.

血在皮內，要知滯濁明旺，可看氣色根本，血足方發氣色，血旺氣色方明，隱隱內應，為明灼內有色，為旺。男女血明旺，可斷富貴壽年。色昏暗在內為滯，在外為濁，主貧賤。血白如粉，為色不華，血色不華一世多寒。

The blood flows within the skin. To determine whether it is stagnant, turbid, bright, or vigorous, one must look at the fundamental complexion. Only when the blood is sufficient can the complexion appear, and only when the blood is vigorous can the complexion be bright. When the complexion subtly emanates from within, it is called 'bright'; when the luster is vivid and there is indeed a blood color beneath, it is called 'vigorous'. For both men and women, a bright and vigorous complexion indicates wealth and longevity. A dull complexion that accumulates beneath the skin is called 'stagnant', and one that floats on the surface is called 'turbid', both indicating poverty and low status. If the blood color is white like powdered makeup, it is called 'lack of color'; a lack of color in the blood indicates a life full of hardship and coldness.

凡斑點，瘦人不宜，人白斑黑，主人聰明好色，人白斑黃，俱主愚賤。瘦人年少生斑在面上、身上，主壽促。肥人有斑主壽。惟土形人宜斑，金木水火四形，俱不宜斑。老來生斑主壽。大者為斑，小者為點，少年斑點大忌，老來無妨。

Spots on a thin person are not auspicious. If the skin is white and the spots are black, the person is intelligent but lustful; if the skin is white and the spots are yellow, it indicates foolishness and low status. A thin person who develops spots at a young age is likely to have a short lifespan; in contrast, a fat person developing spots is a sign of longevity. Among the Five Phases, only those with a 'Earth' form are suitable to have spots, while those with 'Metal', 'Wood', 'Water', and 'Fire' forms should not have spots. Developing spots in old age signifies a long life. Large spots are called 'spots', and small ones are called 'dots'. Developing spots or dots in youth is a major inauspicious sign, but it is not a problem in old age.

額廣、耳潤、頭圓、足方，山根明，地閣肥，鼻垂懸膽，項有賒皮，面方背厚，一身福壽之相。先生作一身之相，具眼屢驗之法，周身上下，頭髮、眉眼、耳、鼻、唇曲須頂，腦、背、乳、腹、臍、腰、腿、手足、毫毛、痣、骨、聲、皮血、斑點、陰囊、玉莖、股道、人中、枕骨而總括之.

A broad forehead, moist ears, a round head shape, square feet, a bright mountain root, a thick and full lower part of the face, a prominent nose like a hanging jade bead, a wide neck with ample skin, a square face, a thick back—these are the signs of a body endowed with both good fortune and longevity. The entire system of physiognomy compiled by Liu Zhuang先生 is based on his own repeated observations and verifications: from head to foot, it includes every part such as hair, eyebrows and eyes, ears, nose, lips, beard, top of the head, back of the head, back, breasts, abdomen, navel, waist, legs, hands and feet, hair, moles, bones, voice, skin color, spots, scrotum, penis, thighs, philtrum, and occipital bone.

原有三十六法，止此三十有三，何不及小便、髮、舌得母遇漏乎？袁子聞而答曰，我觀公有四十三年宰相，上佐六皇，下掌百職，恐洩天機，故將小便鬃舌隱而不言也。高公曰：我定相術，已有四十年，豈不知鬢有深淺，舌有紅白，便有粗細？但眼力不如以求子一訣，以審賢愚，而小職任之輕重耳。

Someone asked: The art of physiognomy originally has thirty-six criteria, but here only thirty-three are listed. Why are the three aspects of urination, hair at the temples, and the tongue not included? Is it an omission? Yuan Liuzhuang replied: I see that you have the fortune of a prime minister for forty-three years, assisting six emperors above and governing the officials below. I fear revealing heavenly secrets, so I have omitted the three aspects of urination, hair at the temples, and the tongue. Gao Gong said: I have studied physiognomy for forty years. How could I not know that hair at the temples can be deep or shallow, the tongue can be red or white, and urination can be coarse or fine? It is only that my discernment is not as sharp as yours. Therefore, I wish to seek one诀窍 for examining descendants, to discern the virtue or ignorance of the children and the importance or lightness of the official positions they hold.

袁子曰：鬢乃一面丰采，可定賢愚藏德，舌乃五穀之苗，可知肺腑胸襟。凡舌宜大、宜紅、宜紫，忌小、忌青、忌白、忌尖，犯此乃奸吝之徒。凡髮宜黑、宜清、宜厚、宜齊、宜潤、宜光，忌黃、忌卷、忌亂、忌焦，犯此乃下賤之輩。

Yuan Liu Zhuang said: The hair on the temples is the embodiment of a person's appearance, and can determine whether they are virtuous or foolish, as well as their inner virtue. The tongue is the sprout of the five grains, and can reveal a person's inner feelings and breadth of mind. The tongue should be wide, red, and tinged with purple; it should not be short, pale, white, or thin and sharp, for those who possess these traits are deceitful and stingy. The hair should be black, clear, thick, neat, moist, and lustrous; it should not be yellow, curly, disheveled, or dry and withered, for those who have these traits are of low character.

大概君子無焦鬢，小人無大舌，鬢深過命門，主人賢德，惟好色而已。鬢重髮輕，當入公門，髮重鬢輕，一世辛苦。又云：鬢輕眉秀必有留襟，鬢少眉豐何曾始終？凡鬢重有鬚好，不然主娼不好。高公然其論而贊曰：舌尖白小是非徒，鬢髮焦枯學問無，若要有官並有職，除非舌紫鬢如絲。

In general, a gentleman will not have withered and dry hair at the temples, and a petty person will not have a wide and full tongue. If the hair at the temples is long and deep, covering the area in front of the ears called the "life gate," this person is virtuous, but perhaps indulges too much in lust. If the hair at the temples is thick while the head hair is sparse, this person will serve in the government office. If the head hair is thick while the hair at the temples is sparse, this person will have a hard life. It is also said that if the hair at the temples is light but the eyebrows are prominent, this person will leave a good legacy for future generations; but if the hair at the temples is sparse while the eyebrows are thick, how can this person have a complete and successful life? Thick hair at the temples should be paired with a good beard, otherwise, the person may fall into a disreputable life and it is not auspicious. Gao Gong agreed with this discussion and praised it, saying that a person with a thin, pale, and short tongue is likely to cause trouble, and someone with withered and dry hair at the temples lacks learning; if one wants to hold an official position, unless the tongue has a purple color and the hair at the temples is fine and dense, it is unlikely to succeed.

小便如珠官拜三齊之位。凡小便如濺珠者，高學多榮。賦曰：人同天地，相合五行，要分南北東西，要定形容格局，欲知貴賤，先觀眉目，次觀唇，要定榮枯，先察形神，後察色，神發於形，色壯於色，可知富壽，血浮先，色滯於面，是以貧夭而定。

If one's urine flows like pearls spilling out, he may attain a high official position like the Three Qis. Those whose urine splashes like pearls are usually learned and prosperous. A literary passage says: humans correspond with heaven and earth, their appearances align with the Five Phases. One must distinguish regional differences in north, south, east, and west, and determine the structure of their appearance. To know if someone is noble or lowly, first look at their eyebrows and eyes, then at their lips. To determine prosperity or decline, first examine their body and spirit, then their complexion. The spirit arises from the body, and complexion appears due to strong blood and qi. From this one can know if a person is wealthy and long-lived. If the blood and qi rise to the surface first, and the complexion is dull and stagnant, then poverty and short life are already determined.

氣來粗大，何須苦去求名？聲音急短，不必窗前努力。骨粗指短，終是愚頑。骨少肉浮，須知壽夭。眼若含星，自有成名之曰。眉稀眼暗，迷遭困苦一生。入洋登科，四學三陽明潤。書難文滯，合庭邊地昏暗。四窮生毫，必然高壽。三尖神露，即貧且夭。名利無成，獨恨天庭一削，暮年出壯，蓋因地閣豐隆。

A person with heavy breathing need not strive desperately for official rank. One with a short, rapid voice should not study hard by the window. A person with large bones but short fingers will ultimately be dull-witted. Someone with little bone and flabby flesh is likely to have a short life. If one's eyes are bright as if containing stars, there will be a time for fame and success. Those with sparse eyebrows and dim eyes will live a life of confusion and hardship. To start school and pass exams, one should look at the "Four Academies" and the current "Three Yang" areas being bright and moist. Difficulty in reading and blocked thoughts come from the dullness of the "Yinting" (forehead area) and the "Bian Di" (side of the forehead). If long hairs grow at the eyebrows, mustache, ears, and nose, longevity is certain. If the head, face, and lower jaw are sharp and the spirit light is exposed, poverty and early death are likely. A life without success in fame and fortune is due to the "Tianting" (forehead) being cut off. However, in old age, strength and prosperity come from the "Dige" (lower jaw) being full and strong.