The "supple-jointed" thumb also denotes generosity of mind both as regards thought and money.

In all ways these people are more extravagant than people who have the straight firm-jointed thumb.

In other words they "give more" even in what they think as well as in what they do.
The nearer the Thumb approaches the side of the hand, or the more it looks tied down or cramped to the palm, the more the subject is inclined to grasp or hold.

The true miser has always a thumb cramped towards the hand, and the nail phalange as a rule slightly turned in, as if the mind wanted to grab hold or retain.
The supple-jointed Thumb is more impulsive in its desire to give than is the stiff-jointed class, whereas the latter type demands reflection before he even gives an opinion.
If a favour should be asked of the man with the supple-jointed Thumb, one should remember that he is more inclined to give in on the impulse of the moment, and if one does not press one's point home at once, he is likely first to promise, and later, on reflection, change his mind.
The man with the stiff-jointed Thumb (Fig.

3, Plate III.) on the contrary, is more likely to refuse at first and on reflection to agree to the proposition; but it he does make up his mind, he will stick to his judgment or opinion, and the more he is opposed the more determined he will be to hold to his view.
[Illustration: FIG.