140 PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH. 



the same principle, and with their fastenings bound closely 

 to the body, so as to mould the form, they confine the ribs, 

 and prevent their movements upward and outward. 



329. In this confinement of garments, whenever the mus- 

 cles attempt to raise the ribs and extend them outward, they 

 meet with resistance. These muscles are not very strong ; 

 they are made for a definite purpose merely to raise the free 

 ribs, and to expand the unobstructed chest, but not to break 

 bands, force lacings, or stretch layers of compact cloth. 

 Hence, finding all labor ineffectual, they after a while cease 

 their attempts to move the ribs, or at least diminish their 

 exertions very materially, and leave the main business of 

 respiration to be done by the diaphragm. 



330. When the diaphragm descends out of the cheit, it 

 must press the digestive organs downward before it. But 

 these organs cannot be compressed ; they are not made to 

 occupy less room than before ; they are merely removed from 

 their upper position to a lower and a broader one. There- 

 fore they must find room for extension below and outward. 

 And if this is prevented, if the abdomen is so bound or 

 compressed that it cannot expand, the stomach and liver 

 cannot give way before the diaphragm, and then this muscle 

 cannot descend to make room for the lungs, nor can we 

 breathe by this part of the respiratory apparatus. 



231. The consequence is, whenever the fashion of the 

 female dress extends the pressure of the waist beyond the 

 ribs, and encloses a good portion of the abdomen, unless quite 

 loose, or whenever the costume of the male presses upon 

 this part of the body, it must interfere with the freedom of 

 motion of that part of the system, and so far prevent or 

 restrict respiration by the diaphragm. 



