Passioni folli e illusioni scientifiche in The expression of the Emotions di CharlesDarwin

Charles Darwin used, in his "science" of the expression of the emotions, various means and sources, chasing above all, in the research on the human expressions, spontaneity and no conditioning. Therefore he opted for publishing photographs of the human expressions instead of drawings: in them the emotional conditioning of observer could more probably be transferred. Among the means helpful in seizing the spontaneity of expression, Darwin indicated the observation of the insane, because they have strongest passions and no control over them. But in the very rich route of Darwin's research, photography seldom gives genuine fruits. The observation of insane reveals in the end unforeseen faces, and even the limited ability of photography to seize emotions and insanity.