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A Very smal Head is a proper Indication of a vici∣ous Brain, and yet a great Head doth not neces∣sarily declare a strong Brain; If there be no•• capacity enough in the Skull to hold the Brain, or a sufficient quantity of Brain, the Man must needs be a Fool, but
yet it no wise follows, that because the Brain is much therefore it should be good, that's an absolute non-se∣quitur.
We must then distinguish it thus,
First, From the form of the Head it self the rounder the Head is, and the more spherical, it only being a lit∣tle depressed on both sides (for of necessity the fore and hinder part must stick out a little) gives argument of a strong and healthful Brain.
I suppose Galen means strong in respect of Health not in respect of Wit or Understanding, he that hath such a round Head as Galen talks of, is not so subject to Diseases in the Head as another man is, but we see ma∣ny sickly men have better wits than many healthful; and so such as have long Heads to be as wise as such as have round.
If the hinder part of the Head that which sticks out be deminished, look upon the Nerves, the Neck, and the Bones, for if they be according to Natnre, the falt is in defect of Matter not of Vertue, but if they be not as they should be also, the very principal is debilitated, the Brain it self is weak and this you shall seldom find fail, indeed the Head neatly fashioned shews a strong Brain.
Also the part arising or sticking out on the Forehead, is to be heeded, and their bigness and smalness, and the sences there placed, Viz. Seeing, Tasting, Smel∣ling, these arising from the Principal, attest the Vertue or Vice of the Principal from which they arise, Viz. The Brain.
I am not altogether of Galens opinion in this, yet wil I not be Critical in it till I have more experience in the thing, the old Proverb is, and 'tis a good one, De mortuis nil nisi bonum, speak nothing but good of them that are dead.