SI 



in itself producing pressure somewhere. This may be well illus- 

 trated by the use of monitors and bandages for drawing the 

 shoulders back, and, as it is ignorantly supposed, for opening 

 the chest. 



When these instruments leave any permanent effect, it is a 

 hurtful one. The muscles of the scapula are rendered weak by 

 disuse ; the convexity of the superior ribs, on which the breadth 

 and expansion of the chest depend, is diminished ; and the ante- 

 rior part of the ribs and sternum are thrown forwards, causing 

 that shape, which is known under the name of hen-breasted. 



I have known several instances in which worse consequence 

 followed this lateral compression of the chest in young women : 

 such as difficult breathing and altered function of the skin, 

 impaired powers of digestion and great emaciation, in persons, 

 who had previously enjoyed robust health. 



When it becomes necessary to relieve the spine from the 

 weight of the superior parts of the body and the head, until by 

 proper medical treatment the strength be sufficiently restored, 

 I prefer the mode of resting on a flat surface, or, what is more 

 comfortable, a gently inclined plane, to any species of machine 

 or bandage, that has yet been invented. I think, however, that 

 the effects of the recumbent posture are not always understood, 

 and are sometimes overrated. There appears to be no necessity 

 for enjoining rest, as is usually done. On the contrary, the 

 patient should rather be encouraged to exercise the spinal muscles 

 by rolling about, and moving the arms and legs at pleasure, for 

 which purpose a large platform, stufi'ed with wool, or a ma- 

 trass, on AAhich children can have their toys and plays Avith 



VOL. XIII. E 



