A report in Science for August 20, regarding the possible association of finger length with depressive illness, gives me some cause for worry. Apparently, scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered indications that the relative length of the ring finger in a group of 52 men and 50 women is greater than that of the corresponding index finger in men, though not in women, who show a high index of depression in clinical testing.
The basis of this phenomenon is that the prenatal development of fingers and of gonads is controlled by the same gene. In men, relatively long fingers appear to be linked to high foetal levels of testosterone. These in turn may predispose men to depressive illness in later life. On the basis of this argument it is not surprising that relative finger lengths do not indicate later depression or otherwise in women. At the same time, long fourth fingers go hand in hand with a higher fertility rate and more chance of being left-handed.
One example quoted is in a portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson by John Singer Sargent, which shows a long ring finger compared with his index finger. We know that Stevenson had periodic mood swings, perhaps nothing unusual in an author who had troublesome family interactions and arguments with critics. He also suffered from tuberculosis, which cannot have helped his moods. Moreover, Stevenson seems to have had no shortage of testosterone. George S. Hellman in his 'The true Stevenson' (1925) remarks: "In the summer of 1876 Stevenson was a very unhappy and broken-up young fellow. The main circumstances causing this dejection have always been shrouded in mystery." And in 1879 the situation was worse when he fled to California to resolve family complications. He seriously considered suicide on at least three occasions. Later, in Samoa, he became severely depressed when coming under the capricious thumb of a tyrannical wife.
What gives me some qualms is that, when I look at my own hands, I find the ring finger decidedly longer than the index finger. I found some years ago, when studying to play the 'cello, that long fingers can be disadvantageous in stopping thick catgut strings. On the brighter side, they proved an advantage when faced with the keyboard of a piano, and certainly improved my compass of notes. I suppose I tend to suffer fits of depression, but when you indulge in literary creation there are always times when the brain goes as stodgy as porridge, and there is nothing for it but to take the dog for a trot.