14 



to induce, even without a softened condition of the bones, an 

 evident distortion of the back, does not appear to have yet received 

 sufficient consideration, either from medical men, or from those, 

 whose interest it is, early to notice, and prevent, deformity in young 

 people. 



Slight curvatures are too often neglected, and hence, the wrong 

 direction being given to the spinal column of bones, a serious and 

 permanent distortion is apt to be subsequently established, during a 

 ])eriod of ill health, or by confinement to some one attitude from 

 peculiar studies or occupation. 



Slight curvatures of the spine are sometimes also disregarded, 

 under the erroneous supposition, that they will afterwards be con- 

 cealed by modes of dress. No means, however artful or ingenious, 

 will serve to disguise any distortion of the spine so well, that its 

 injurious effects on the whole figure will not be felt, although the 

 cause of the disagreeable appearance may not be known. A per- 

 lectly straight spine communicates to the motions, not only of the 

 trunk, but of the extremities, a facility and grace which secretly 

 and irresistibly influence our judgment of the figure, in the same 

 manner as the countenance, sooner or later, determines our opinion 

 of the face. 



Spinal curvature is so much more frequent in females than men, 

 that it might, with great reason, be considered as a complaint pe- 

 culiar to the sex. 



These circumstances render it highly necessary to watch and 

 prevent every deviation from the natural form of the back in 

 growing girls. 



Tiic progress of spinal curvature, where the other bones do not 

 exhibit an undue flexure from softness, is very insidious. Distor- 

 tioa may exist for a considerable time, without being known. 



