​Initially, the graphologist needs to identify what is going on in the writing with regards to Form, Space, Movement and Stroke, as well as Tension, Structure, Openness and Axis. 

For example, how does a writing move across the page (e.g. with ease, with impatience, with discipline)?  Graphology terms for 'type of Movement' include 'Obstructed', 'Propulsive' and 'Static', all of which are clearly defined and have specific meanings.

There are more than 150 technical graphology terms that are used in describing a handwriting e.g. 'Large', 'Prolonged Up and Down' or 'Flowing', and these must be sifted through, and carefully chosen in order to describe the handwriting properly.

Each of these graphology terms has a meaning that is described in classic graphology textbooks, used by the British Academy of Graphology (such as 'The International Manual of Graphology' by Herbert, Keefe, Riley & Stirling).  

The graphologist needs to collate the meanings for these graphology terms and synthesise them into a personality profile, which explains how the personality functions in terms of Thinking, Activity, Emotions and Adaptability.

It is a complicated process, and a handwriting analysis normally takes a minimum of 3 hours from start to finish.  

Emma Hamilton to me seems a highly complex personality.   What struck me first of all was the blur of movement that seems to overwhelm the page.  To use a car-driving analogy, she is driving without breaks, rushing headlong forward.  It is a highly ‘masculine’ writing, not the subservient type that (I imagine) society expected of her!

Another striking feature is that Emma’s script does not conform to the school model of writing that was taught at the time.  Emma makes scant attempt to present an image of order, grace and refinement.  This is highly surprising considering the rigid social conventions of the time, and considering the importance people placed at the time on the quality of one’s handwriting.

So, in my view, it is a highly modern writing for the above reasons.  The ‘kamikaze’ movement of the writing to me speaks of a need to express the emotions, instincts and feelings that she struggles to contain.  She is a passionate, impulsive and lively personality.  Life would never be dull with her around!

One can see the great skill she uses in connecting letters and simplifying the shape of letters.  She seemed to have a very agile and sharp mind, and a desire to throw herself into projects.   However, the structure of the writing is fragile, and there is not enough solidity in the Form.  The writing seems to be running away from itself.

​From my analysis, I believe Emma had huge insecurities that undermined her self-esteem.  As a result, I believe that she wanted to be highly involved with the outside world, as a way of escaping her own fragile sense of worth.  'Acting', performance, excitement and public admiration were a way of avoiding depression that I think she may have been at risk from, along with many actors & performers.