22/08/2025
The oldest and most widely cited reference for a structured study of handwriting, from which modern graphology evolved, comes from ancient China, not India, with philosopher Confucius's warnings in 500 BC about judging a man by his writing. The earliest text to be considered a book on handwriting analysis was written in 1622 by Italian doctor Camillo Baldi, making the Indian claim in Legal Desire Media and Insights that Rishi Parashar founded handwriting science in India with his book "Greepha" appear to be a misunderstanding or misattribution.
Ancient Roots in China
Confucius (500 BC): Ancient Chinese philosophers, including Confucius, attempted to interpret personality from writing styles. One proverb states, "Beware of a man whose writing sways like a reed in the wind".
Development in Europe
Camillo Baldi (1622): The first book specifically on handwriting analysis, How To Judge the Nature and the Character of a Person from His Letter, was written by the Italian doctor Camillo Baldi.
Jean Michon (1871): The term "Graphology" was coined by French priest and writer Jean Michon.
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