in reference to the Structure of the Human Foot. 403 



being pointed towards the ground. Fig. 2, represents the foot, 

 nearly in the same position, !)ut bearing the weight of the body ; 

 the concave form is much less than in Fig. 1, being more in a 

 line with the heel and the toe, and the foot is elongated one- 

 third of an inch. Again, in Fig. 3, the sole has become convex, 

 the curve being nearly the reverse of that in Fig. 1, the radius 

 of the circle being better adapted for the act of rotation, than 

 the position of the foot when at rest, and the increase in length 

 is two-thirds of an inch. 



As ordinary tanned leather soles are unyielding, a form has 

 been in use to accommodate the foot in walking, that form be- 

 ing nearly the same as the one shewn in Fig. 3, but it is not 

 suitable for the positions Figs, 1 and 2. A certain degree of 

 elongation of sole from heel to toe is obtained, but the stiffness 

 of the leather prevents the action of the levator muscles ; indeed, 

 a thick sole, made equal from heel to toe, cannot be used without 

 great fatigue to the wearer. Thickness has therefore been added 

 to that part of the sole immediately under the heel, which in 

 some degree relieves the levator muscles, so as to prevent their 

 due exercise, Fig. 4. The height of the heel, and elevation of 

 one end of the arch, is attended with other inconveniences. 



Fig. 3 shews, that when the os calcis or heel-bone is raised, 

 the elastic arch is diminished, and a continuance of this position 

 soon gives the foot a flat form of sole. To prevent the arch from 

 flattening, when raised heels are used, that part of the boot im- 

 mediately under the arch is in general made much thicker 

 than the other portions of the sole, particularly in gentlemen's 

 boots. Fig. 4 : this was considered requisite to support the arch 

 when under the weight of the body : also, to admit of the boot 

 being taken off with any kind of boot-jack, or even without 

 one. This fashion of high heels, which is so generally in use 

 among the military, is by no means useful, for though it has 

 the apparent advantage of increasing the height of the wearer 

 an inch, or an inch and a half, and also of relieving the levator 

 muscles as before noticed, its disadvantages are very great ; 

 for, although an increase in the length of the leg, by having a 

 high-heeled boot, may appear to facilitate the operation of 

 walking, by furnishing a larger radius, yet it should not be 

 forgotten, that this artificial elongation of the leg is obtained 



