Heads of a horse shoe bat and a common bat. Drawing, c. 1789.

In applying the study of physiognomy to the animal world, Lavater asserts a "proportional difference of force and form. ... From the insect invisible to the naked eye, up to the elephant, is not the gradation of internal and external character perpetually in exact relation?" (vol. II.i. p. 99)

Lavater describes the bats as "expressive of violent passion, but confined to very narrow bounds, an ignoble passion which shuns the light"

[London], 1789?

1 drawing : pencil

Wellcome Collection 29165i