When short and stubby looking, the subject is inclined to animalism and gross materialism.
When the fingers lean towards one another, they take after the qualities expressed by the finger towards which they lean.
[Illustration: _THE SQUARE WITH SMOOTH JOINTS_ _THE POINTED_ _THE KNOTTY_ PLATE IV .-- PART II.
DIFFERENT SHAPES OF FINGERS.] A wide space between the thumb and first finger denotes independence of will and fearlessness.
When wide between the first and second fingers, independence of thought; between the second and third fingers, independence of circumstances; and wide between the third and fourth fingers, independence of action.
When the fingers are found loose and inclined to curve backwards, the subject is "open-minded" and quick to grasp ideas or suggestions.

They will not, however, have the more methodical stick-at-it quality of those whose fingers are found firm and stiff.
When the fingers are curved inwards, the subject is slower to grasp new ideas, very cautious, and inclined to hold on to what he knows or what he has.
Smooth-jointed fingers are more impulsive than those with "knotty joints".

The "knotty joints" arrest the impetuousness of the disposition and give reflection, love of detail in all their work and are more frequently found in the hands of all great organisers and those who require thought and reflection in carrying out their plans..