WHO CREATED GRAPHOANALYSIS?

In 1910, a master of 17 methods of shorthand, M.N. Bunker, began studying graphology, the general study of handwriting. In 1915, he realized that strokes, and not letter formations were the key to understanding handwriting. The Science of Graphoanalysis began with Bunker, and was continued by the organization that he helped found the International Graphoanalysis Society. Tens of thousands of students have gone through the Society's basic course and received certification. They and the Society continue to work on research projects to refine and expand the knowledge of Graphoanalysis.

GRAPHOANALYSIS vs. GRAPHOLOGY

An old expression (if you'll pardon the pun) applies here: different strokes for different folks. Graphology is the science of handwriting. Graphoanalysis is a specialized study of strokes. Graphologists tend to use holistic methods, and the shapes of letters, while Graphoanalysts use the strokes. Fritz was certified first as a graphologist, and later as a Graphoanalyst.

Surprisingly, the two techniques of analysis, which approach a sample of handwriting from two distinct analytical methods, usually end up with similar results. The two methods could be compared to studying a car by its overall shape (graphology), or studying it piece by piece (Graphoanalysis). Another difference between the two methods is the language (semantics) they employ to describe traits and attributes. The Graphoanalysts use a more precise method to measure letter slant, and then they employ number designations to describe the various slants. Graphologists employ a number of different nomenclatures and criteria for determining the meaning of slant.

While occasionally the people practicing the two methods have sometimes held the other in low regard, there is no real reason for this. It is possible for practitioners of the two methods to respect each other. Just as some high jumpers use a 'Flosberry' flop while others use the traditional scissors and legs. One additional difference is that Graphoanalysts are held to certain standards (such as non-involvement with the occult). While there are standards for graphologists, in general, they are not supervised, and some are quite willing to mix the occult in with their handwriting analysis. Graphology, which is the science that encouraged Bunker, predated his work.

Handwriting analysis has been going on practically since mankind began to write, and others were quick to notice that different scribes wrote differently. A careful meticulous scribe would have careful meticulous handwriting. Quite a few scholars in the ancient world made comments showing that they were picking up some clues about writers from their style of handwriting. Consequently, the ancient study of handwriting became a systematic tool used to determine character.