or works of any kind with the high degree of excellence of which the hand
is capable.

But aside from its mechanical functions, this wonderful organ is a
revelation of the secrets of human nature. Graphology enables us to read
the character of a person in the hand-writing which he produces. Ages and
ages ago the Hindus read the hand itself as the physical expression of the
inner man; they read character by the science of palmistry as we read it
by that of physiognomy; and some profess to translate the delicate tracery
today into language that speaks clearly of both past and future. The hand
is the expression of dishonesty when it steals, of charity when it gives,
of anger when it smites, of love when it caresses. And one has called it
the key to that cabinet of character in which Nature conceals, not only
the motive power of every-day life, but those latent talents and energies
that, by the knowledge of self, we can bring to bear upon our lives.

So that this member of our physical organization holds an office of
supreme dignity and importance in the issues of our lives. It is this
marvel of mechanism, overruled and directed by the higher power of
intellect, which elevates man to his high position. And, whether it be the
hand of the galley slave, or the hand that sways the scepter over an
empire, the supreme purpose is revealed-they are alike designed to be the
instruments of usefulness and power.

Even the brain cannot ignore the relative importance of the hand. It
cannot say to the hand: "I have no need of thee." The captain cannot man
his ship without the aid of subordinates. Neither can the brain pilot us
through the activities of life without the aid of hands. A brilliant mind
is a priceless possession; but all the mental acumen of the universe is
not availing unless supplemented by those inferior officers--the hands.