242 On the Means generally used 



pulled forward. But the bent position is not the only cause 

 of increase in the strength of the muscles, for it depends also 

 on the exercise given by frequently jerking the head back- 

 wards. In those who stoop from the middle of the body, as in 

 writing or working at a table, the muscles of the spine are not 

 called into action ; for, while the head is in this position, it 

 rests or is supported by the ligament of the neck. The liga- 

 ment, being thus kept constantly on the stretch, becomes 

 lengthened, instead of being made more contractile, as muscles 

 would be; and hence the stoop is increased. When this is 

 combined with the consequences of the want of muscular 

 action, the deeper ligaments, which bind the upper vertebrae, 

 gradually yield ; if the operation of these causes continues for 

 a Certain time, the bones and cartilages themselves become 

 altered in shape, and consequently an almost irremediable 

 stoop is produced '^. 



This view derives confirmation, from what may be ob- 

 served in the shape of the tailors in some parts of Germany, 

 who, instead of having the erect figures of London tailors, are 

 quite bent. On inquiring into the cause, we find that, instead 

 of sitting as tailors do in this country, a hole is cut in the 

 table, and a seat is placed within it; so that their position, 

 while working, becomes nearly the same as that of persons who 

 stoop while sitting at a table. 



It may, perhaps, be objected, that labourers, and especially 

 the vine-dressers in France, are remarkable for the complete 

 arch which their body forms, although they bend while at 

 work as much as the tailor does. This may also be explained ; 

 for in the labourer the bend is produced by the pelvis rolling on 

 the head of the thigh bones, while in a person sitting as a 

 tailor the pelvis continues nearly fixed, and the bend is in the 

 vertebrae on the pelvis. 



The erect figure of the Turk perhaps comes from the manner 

 of sitting which is common among Eastern nations ; but the 

 heavy turban, and the spice box slimg from the back of the 

 neck, may account in a great measure for the fine figures of 

 the Turkish Jews who frequent the streets of London. 



* Elderly persons may recollect how often the girls who worked at 

 tambouring were crooked : the present fashionable amusement of em- 

 broidCTiDg seems to have, in some instances, the same effect. 



