Johann Kaspar Lavater (Lavater Johann Kaspar)

(1741-1801)
Born November 15, 1741 in Zurich, where he also received education. From 1769 until his death was a pastor in Zurich. Enjoyed fame as a mentor and adviser, as well as the author of poetic works and essays. A member of the movement 'Sturm und Drang'. The main merit of Lafater is his richly illustrated book in 4 volumes - Physiognomy (Physiognomische Fragmente zur Befrderung der Menschenkenntnis und Menschenliebe, . 1775-1778), . in which one of the chapters written by Goethe, . one time a close friend Lafater,
. The book is held for the main idea of the physiognomy of internal communication nature of man with the muscles, especially facial, in which it finds expression. This work is hardly scientific, but it provided a very popular subject. Lavater was wounded in the capture of the French in Zurich in 1799. Died Lavater in Zurich on Jan. 2, 1801.