ITS SURGICAL AND MECHANICAL TREATMENT. 91 



the body there projected obliquely backwards and 

 outwards a flange, which rested on the posterior 

 surface of the sides of the fissure. In this way the 

 wing and the flange of the same side together 

 formed a groove fitted to receive the movable sides 

 of the fissure, and, therefore, when the fleshy 

 columns of both sides tended to approximate, as in the 

 act of deglutition, the three parts of the body being 

 pressed upon laterally, glided one over the other, 

 and thus the extent of the surface of the body was 

 diminished. This apparatus succeeded in perfectly 

 restoring to the gentleman for whom it was made, 

 the power of distinct articulation, and thus the fact 

 was at once established that congenital deficiency of 

 both the hard and soft palate could be eflectually 

 relieved by mechanical means. It now only re- 

 mained to simplify the apparatus, to render the 

 mechanical treatment of this lesion successful, even 

 in the hands of men less ingenious than Mr. Steam. 

 This, I may venture to hope, I have accomplished, 

 though I knew nothing at the time, nor, indeed, until 

 I commenced writing this paper, of Mr. Steam's 

 invention. It must be evident that when such a 

 velum as the one I have just described required to 

 be renewed, it would have to be renewed by the 

 original designer of it. This would be a grave 

 objection, as from the material of which it was 

 made, it would be required frequently; on the 

 other hand, the velum to which I now draw your 

 attention, can be renewed by the wearer, however 



