for curing a Stoop. 241 



chin strap. In this way, the muscles on the fore-part neces- 

 sarily become stronger, while those of the back, being deprived 

 of their natural stimulus to action, in consequence of the rod 

 superseding their office, become diminished in power. Even 

 were there no change in the degree of strength in the muscles 

 on the fore-part^ the head would naturally fall, if the support 

 afforded by the chin strap were removed ; but as these muscles 

 are increased in power, while those of the back are diminished, 

 the head must not only fall, but even be pulled down. 



However, although the collars and the lead weight, as they' 

 are generally used, are not only inefficacious, but even hurtful, 

 they may occasionally be useful in keeping the head in a cer- 

 tain position, after it has been brought to it by such exer- 

 cises as tend to strengthen those muscles of the back which 

 support the shoulders and head. But the opinions commonly 

 entertained, as to the means of counteracting an habitual 

 stoop, are so erroneous, that even the position of a tailor sitting 

 on his shopboard is better than the plans generally recom- 

 mended. This at first appears ridiculous; but the manner 

 a tailor holds his body when he walks, proves that there is 

 something in his habits which tends to the correction of a 

 stoop; for he is quite a caricature of a strutting erect figure, 

 especially in the way he bends in his loins and carries his head. 



The peculiarity of the tailor's gait proceeds, in a certain degree, 

 from the bent position in which he sits : but this explanation 

 is not at first satisfactory, since it may be observed that other 

 tradesmen, who also stoop while at work, generally have their 

 head inclined forwards, and have also a distinct and habitual 

 bend in the neck ; such, especially, is the condition of persons 

 who sit at a table and stoop forwards, as watchmakers, engrav- 

 ers,' &c. It is not difficult to explain the cause of the differ- 

 ence, and the inquiry will assist in directing us to the prin- 

 ciples which we ought to recollect in our operations upon the 

 spine. lyiii''?- i > 



In the sitting position of the tailor, the head hangs so low, 

 and so complete an arch is formed between it and the pelvis, 

 that the muscles of the spine are called into strong action to 

 support the head ; the necessary consequence of this is, that 

 these muscles become even unnaturally strong, or at least so 

 strong as to predominate over those by which the spine is 



