404 Mr Dowie'^s Observations on Boots and Shoes, 



by a corresponding contraction of the muscles of the back part 

 of the leg. I'he full operation of the extensors is prevented, 

 and when this is much practised, the radius is diminished, and 

 the centre of gravity thrown forward, giving the person a ten- 

 dency to stoop, the knee-joint projecting out from its line, and 

 the muscles in the back of the leg becoming relaxed and con- 

 tracted ; and when the foot is changed suddenly from such 

 boots, into shoes with low heels, there is great danger of ruptur- 

 ing the tendons, which I have known to take place. The un- 

 equal pressure on the arch of the foot prevents the synovia 

 lubricating the articulating surfaces, thus impeding the free 

 motions of the joints of the toes, and preventing the wearer 

 from obtaining the advantage of the concave form of sole, so 

 requisite to give firmness of footing. 



To the military man, and those who exercise the muscular 

 system when standing, this firmness of footing is essential, espe- 

 cially if it be loaded with additional weight. 



The tendons and ligaments on the upper part of tlie arch are 

 frequently so compressed, that they become almost ossified : 

 this unequal pressure is produced by the altered positions of 

 the foot, Fig. 3. The muscles contract on the upper part, 

 while they are extended on the under part of the foot. As 

 this contraction in the length of the muscles increases their 

 thickness, and swells them outward, more space is required in 

 the upper part of the boot, than can be easily obtained, owing 

 to the stiffness of the sole. This stiffness prevents the change 

 of position in the foot, causing a vacant space between the sole 

 of the boot and the under part of the arch, while it allows less 

 space on the tipper part of the arch ; so that the foot is press- 

 ed against the upper leather of the boot, producing the injury 

 now mentioned. 



The shape, as well as texture of the present style, of ladies'* 

 shoes and gentlemen's dress-shoes, are inconvenient, owing to 

 the shortness of the forepart of the shoe, which reaches no 

 higher on the foot than the ball of the great toe ; with such a 

 small hold on the foot, the shoe requires to be made tight across, 

 and nearly as short as the foot from heel to toe. If the length 

 necessary to permit the elongation of the foot were allowed, the 

 shoe would fall off at every step ; as, what the foot gains in 



