in reference to the Structure of the Human Foot. 407 



corns and distorted nails may not, in every case, be caused by 

 small shoes, yet there are more produced by this cause than by 

 any other. 



During all the while the wearer has not what may be con- 

 sidered neat shoes, as the foot thrusts them out at the side en- 

 deavouring to find room for itself, thus losing the original 

 shape of the shoe, which in all cases should correspond as 

 nearly to that of the foot as circumstances will admit. 



Many years ago, I was much impressed with the imperfec- 

 tions in the structure of the boots and shoes in general use. 

 After devoting much time and attention in endeavouring to 

 remedy their defects, I believe that I have at length succeed- 

 ed in attaining this object. This is effected by making those 

 parts of the boots or shoes immediately under, and on each 

 side of, the principal arch of the foot of an elastic material. 

 rig. 7. This material is composed of caoutchouc and animal 

 skin, so manufactured as to bestow on the fabric the elasticity 

 of the caoutchouc, while it retains the tenacity and durability 

 of leather. The introduction of this elastic substance allows 

 considerable changes to be made in the form of the boots and 

 shoes, and gives the wearers the free use of their feet and 

 ankle joints in walking to a much greater extent than any 

 hitherto in use. 



The patent elastic boots and shoes possess the following ad- 

 vantages: — They are light, elastic, and durable, and admit of 

 being made of the shape and form of the foot when at rest ; while 

 their capacity to alter their figure admits of their adaptation to 

 the ever-varying motions of the foot. They may be made 

 tighter than the ordinary kind, yet no unequal pressure is 

 felt : indeed, support is given to the foot, and this is particu- 

 larly beneficial when there is any weakness of the parts. 



They are rendered light by the absence of that weight of 

 rigid leather placed in the sole immediately under the arch of 

 the foot. 



short, the natural exercise of the parts, whether they be active or passive, 

 is the stimuhis to tlie circulation through them, exercise being as necessary 

 to the perfect constitution of a bone as it is to the perfection of the muscu- 

 Jar power." 



