406 Mr Dowie's Observations on Boots and Shoes, 



their toes frost-bitten. Such individuals always come down to 

 the ground with a sudden jolt at every step. This conforma- 

 tion of foot is apt to be produced at that period of life when 

 the foot is forming, or, as it is termed by anatomists, during 

 the " Moulding Process.'' This generally takes place between 

 the years of ten and sixteen. The bones of the foot, Fig. 6, 

 at this period arrive at their full growth ; indeed, they are larger 

 and softer than in after life ; the ligaments and muscles are soft 

 and feeble ; and, as the muscles act upon the bones in forming 

 the arch, if they are not called into active exercise, the arch 

 will become flat and the foot feeble. This is more common 

 among girls than boys, from the development of the body in- 

 ducing the ankles to incline inwards ; to prevent which, recourse 

 is sometimes had to steel supports to the foot and ankle, but as 

 these do not permit the natural action of the muscles, they pre- 

 vent the elevation of the arch. 



It may not be out of place here to notice the fact, that when 

 the muscular system becomes relaxed by age, we find those in- 

 dividuals unable to lift their feet with ease, and obliged to drag 

 them along without calling the muscles into action ; at this 

 time of life we find the arch begin to flatten, and the feet not 

 unfrequently subject to swelling. 



Instances have occurred, where, without the use of steel sup- 

 ports, but by the use of elastic boots, properly constructed, this 

 deformity has been prevented or entirely removed,* Although 



* Sir Charles Bell remarks, " That the whole apparatus of bones and 

 joints being constituted in accurate relation to the muscular powers, it is 

 preservedjperfect by exercise; the tendons, the sheaths by which they are re- 

 strained, and the mucous bursus containing the lubricating fluid, can be seen 

 in perfection only, when the animal machinery has been kept in full actitity. 

 In inflammation, and pain, and necessary restraint, they become weak ; and 

 even confinement and want of exercise without disease, will produce im- 

 perfections. Exercise unfolds the muscular system, producing a full bold 

 outline of the limbs, at the same time that the joints are knit small and 

 clean. Look to the legs of a poor Irishman travelling to the harvest with 

 bare feet ; the thickness and roundness of the calf shew, that the foot and 

 toes are free to permit the exercise of the muscles of the leg. Look again 

 to the leg of our English peasant, whose foot and ankle are tightly laced in 

 a shoe with a wooden sole, and you will perceive from the manner in which 

 he lifts his legs, that the play of the ankle, foot, and toes, is lost, as much 

 as if he went on stilts, and therefore are his legs small and shapeless : In 



