In recent years, readers have shown interest in many theories that became widespread in the last century, but works on which, due to the inconsistency of their conclusions with the prevailing ideological attitudes in society, were practically not published in the USSR. This Guide, first published in pre-revolutionary Russia in 1864 and containing initial information about phrenology, physiognomy, palmistry, chirognomy and graphology, has undergone minor editorial changes and preserves the stylistic and lexical features of the Russian language of the last century. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.