THE SKELETON 



77 



become V-shaped, and the ligaments stretched. If shoulder 

 braces are so uncomfortable as to serve as a reminder every 

 time the wearer drops back into the old position, can they 

 do good ? If they comfortably support the trunk so as 

 to take the weight off the muscles, do they do good or 

 harm ? If it takes some months to compress the cartilages 



FIG. 73. 



Flat chest, protruding chin, and round 

 shoulders are produced by slipping 

 forward on the seat. 



FIG. 74. The Proper Position 

 in Sitting. 



This position is also the easiest be- 

 cause the weight is poised. 



and stretch the ligaments, thus deforming the spinal col- 

 umn, should one expect to recover natural grace of form 

 in a few days ? Exercise of the neglected muscles, that is, 

 opposite muscles, instead of those that were used exces- 

 sively while acquiring the deformity, is a great aid. 

 Posterior curvature has been overcome by sleeping on the 

 back on the floor, or on a hard mattress. 



129. The Rule for Correct Position in sitting is to sit back 

 in the chair with body and head erect (Fig. 74). The 

 correct position in standing or walking is : chest forward, 



