S4 



Some situations are much more productive of a disposition to 

 cuned spine than others. In certain districts of England and 

 Holland, it is found to prevail. In the neighbourhood of Ley- 

 den I observed great deformity of the spine to be almost universal 

 with the women, and to exist even frequently in men. Damp 

 and low situations would seem to have a peculiar tendency to 

 induce a softened state of the bones. 



With respect to medicines, it is generally known that prepa- 

 rations of iron are the best tonics in this disease. In the em- 

 ployment of the cold bath, I have found great advantage from 

 having it used in the manner of affusion ; not only in cases of 

 weak spine, but whenever the object was to restore strength, 

 and increase the activity of the circulation. I have also employ- 

 ed the affusion of tepid water, with very marked benefit, in 

 cases, where, either on account of the season or other circum- 

 stances, the dashing of cold water over the body would have 

 produced too great a shock. 



If the person be young, and the curvature not of very long 

 standing, although it may have produced great deformity, there 

 is no reason to despair of a perfect recovery. As long as the 

 growth of the body is going on, there is a considerable ten- 

 dency in all the parts to return to their destined form and uses, 

 when placed in proper circumstances, and when the actions of 

 the vascular system are vigorous and healthy. Thus we find 

 even fractured and dislocated bones make great advances, in young- 

 people to their original figure or situation. The gradual reduc- 

 tion and shaping of the osseous case, in Necrosis, also belong to 

 the same law of the animal oeconomy. 



