Where these
two lines come together, if one is of equal strength to the other, will
be the date of death, even though the Line of Life should pass this point
and appear to be a much greater length (2, Plate XIX.).

The Line of Mercury, or of Health, relating as it does to the nervous
system, and also to the mind (Mercury), lends itself to the supposition
that the all-knowing subconscious brain is cognisant, even at an early
age, of the force of resistance in the nervous system. It may know how
long this force will last, when it will be exhausted, and consequently
may mark the hand long years in advance.

[Illustration: PLATE XIX.

THE LINE OF HEALTH.]

The Line of Health is one of the lines of the hand most subject to
changes. It is the thermometer of the life showing its "rise and fall" as
the case may be. I have seen this mysterious line look deep and
threatening during the early years of a life, and completely fade away
as greater health and strength took possession of the body.

Again, I have often seen it look deeper and more ominous as the wear and
tear, especially of the nervous system, began to make itself manifest, or
when the subject over-taxed his mental strength.

Further, it is an excellent sign to be without this line altogether. Its
absence denotes an extremely robust, strong constitution, and a healthy
state of the nervous system.

If a hand has the Line of Health, the best position for it is to lie
straight down the hand, and not approach or touch the Line of Life (3-3,
Plate XIX.). When found crossing the hand, and touching or throwing
branches across to the Line of Life, it foretells that there is some
illness at work which is undermining the health.

If it rises and seems like a branch from the Heart Line, especially if
both these lines are broad in appearance and with the Health Line running
down the palm coming in contact with the Line of Life, it is a certain
indication of weakness or disease of the heart.

The student should always observe the kind of nails there are on the hand
when thinking out the diseases indicated by the Line of Health.[6]

[6] _See_ Chapter on Nails, page 136.

When the finger nails are short, without moons, and round, and the Line
of Health is strongly marked, he may be sure that nervous weak action of
the heart is decidedly threatened.

When the nails are long and almond-shaped, there is danger of weakness
and delicacy of the lungs. With the same shape of na