In the first place, we find from a medical and scientific standpoint the digit seven to be a most important point of calculation. We find that the entire system undergoes a complete change every seven years; that there are seven stages of the prenatal existence; that the brain takes seven forms before it takes upon itself ‘the unique character of the human brain; and so forth. Again, we find that in all ages the number seven has played a most important part in the history of the world; as, for instance, the seven races of humanity, the seven wonders of the world, the seven altars to the seven gods of the seven planets, the seven days of the week, the seven colours, the seven minerals, the supposition of the seven senses, the three parts of the body each containing seven sections, and the seven divisions of the world. Again, in the Bible seven is the most important number; but it is superfluous to give further details.

The point that bears most largely on this subject is that of the entire system undergoing a change every seven years. It is easy to advance (simply for the consideration of the student) the theory that the alternate sevens are somewhat alike in their relation to the functional changes of the body. For example, a child very delicate at the age of seven is also likely to be delicate on passing the age of twenty-one. Whereas a child healthy and strong at the age of seven will again be healthy and strong at the age of twenty-one, no matter how delicate he or she may be through the intermediate years. This is an interesting point in predictions relating to health, and one, which Cheiro found not only interesting but also extremely reliable. Every line on the hand can be divided into sections giving dates with more or less accuracy.

The most important lines, however, and those usually consulted in reference to dates, are those of life and fate. It will be noticed that the line of fate is divided into three great divisions, namely, twenty-one, thirty-five, and forty-nine, and if you will keep this in mind you will more easily fill in the subdivisions on the human hand itself. The point, however, which I cannot impress too strongly, is that the student must notice the class or type of hand before proceeding or attempting to make the smallest calculation. It stands to reason that there must be the greatest difference between the dates given by the palm of the square or spatulate hand and that of the psychic. If the student will bear this in mind, he will reduce or increase his scale in accordance with the length of the palm. Mentally to divide the lines into sections as illustrated will be found the simplest and the most accurate plan that the student can pursue.

When, in the calculation of dates, the line of life and the line of fate are used together, it will be found that they corroborate one another and give accuracy as to the events. It is therefore not difficult, after a little practice, to give a date as to when an illness or an event took place, or when such and such a thing will happen. Practice gives perfection in all things; let not the student be discouraged, therefore, if at first he finds difficulty in dividing the lines into divisions and subdivisions.