"Physiognomy (from the Greek φύσις, ´physis´, meaning "nature", and ´gnomon´, meaning "judge" or "interpreter") is the practice of assessing a person´s character or personality from their ...
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outer appearance—especially the face. The term can also refer to the general appearance of a person, object, or terrain without reference to its implied characteristics—as in the physiognomy of an individual plant (see plant life-form) or of a plant community (see vegetation).
The historical study of physiognomy meets the contemporary definition of a pseudoscience; the credence of the study of physiognomy in the present day varies. The practice was well-accepted by the ancient Greek philosophers, but fell into disrepute in the Middle Ages while practised by vagabonds and mountebanks. It revived and was popularised by Johann Kaspar Lavater, before falling from favor in the late 19th century. Physiognomy in the 19th century is particularly noted as a basis for scientific racism." - (en.wikipedia.org 10.04.2022)