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Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Chapter LXXIX · The Praire

The Praire, section 1: To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken. Such an enterprise wou
Context Illustration Reading 1/9 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.
Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.
Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.
Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.
Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Chapter LXXIX · The Praire

Reading 1/9 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.
Line 2
Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.
Line 3
Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.
Line 4
Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.
Line 5
Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

scan verb US /skæn/

examine minutely or intensely

From this reading “To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.”

Collocations
To scanA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
scan theA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 103

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

almost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

also

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

application

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

attentively

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

beings

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

birds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

bumps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

characteristics

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

detail

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

discernible

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

disciple

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

Dome

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

dwells

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

endeavor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

enterprise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

expression

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

face

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

faces

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

failed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

famous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

feel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

fish

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

GallnounUS /ɡɔːl/

bitter feeling and anger; in the story, poison and bitterness

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

Gibraltar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

head

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

hints

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

hopeful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

horses

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

ill

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

ladder

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

Lavater

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

Leviathan

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

lines

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

manipulated

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

men

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

modifications

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

mounted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

NorconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

Pantheon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

phrenological

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

Phrenologist

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

Physiognomist

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

pioneer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

qualified

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

Rock

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

scanverbUS /skæn/

examine minutely or intensely

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

scrutinized

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

seem

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

semi-sciences

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

serpents

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

Spurzheim

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

StillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

studies

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

ThereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

therein

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

throw

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

ToparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

touching

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nor have Gall and his disciple Spurzheim failed to throw out some hints touching the phrenological characteristics of other beings than man.

treats

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

undertaken

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

various

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

whale

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Therefore, though I am but ill qualified for a pioneer, in the application of these two semi-sciences to the whale, I will do my endeavor.

work

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Still, in that famous work of his, Lavater not only treats of the various faces of men, but also attentively studies the faces of horses, birds, serpents, and fish; and dwells in detail upon the modifications of expression discernible therein.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

wrinkles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Such an enterprise would seem almost as hopeful as for Lavater to have scrutinized the wrinkles on the Rock of Gibraltar, or for Gall to have mounted a ladder and manipulated the Dome of the Pantheon.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading To scan the lines of his face, or feel the bumps on the head of this Leviathan; this is a thing which no Physiognomist or Phrenologist has as yet undertaken.