THE SKELETON 235 



assumed, or continued through long periods of time, the 

 skeleton gradually becomes deformed (Fig. 104). For ex- 

 ample, the habit of always sleeping on the same side with a 

 high pillow may develop a bad crook in the neck; and the 

 ugly curves, assumed so frequently in writing 1 (Fig. 105), 

 and also in standing, when the weight is shifted too 

 much on one foot, may become permanent. Then the 

 habit of reclining in a chair with the hips resting on the 

 front of the seat often deforms the back and causes a 

 drooping of the shoulders. In fact, slight displacements 

 of the vertebrae come about so easily through incorrect 

 positions, that they may almost be said to " occur of them- 

 selves " where active measures are not taken to preserve 

 the natural form of the body. The very few people who 

 have perfectly formed bodies show to what an extent has 

 been overlooked an essential law of hygiene. 



Prevention of Skeletal Deformities. Those deformities 

 of the skeleton that are acquired through improper posi- 

 tions are prevented by giving sufficient attention to the 

 positions assumed in sitting, standing, and sleeping, and 

 also to the posture in various kinds of work. In sitting 

 the trunk should be erect and the hips should touch the 

 back of the chair. One should not lounge in the ordinary 

 chair. In standing the body should be erect, the shoulders 

 back and down, the chest pushed slightly up and forward, 

 and the chin slightly depressed, while the weight should, 

 as a rule, rest about equally on the two feet. The habit of 

 leaning against some object when standing (the pupil in 



1 It has been claimed that the introduction of vertical writing has reduced the 

 number of cases of spinal curvature originating in the schoolroom, and statistics 

 appear to prove the claim. It is shown, on the other hand, that unnatural positions 

 also are unnecessary in the slanting system of writing, and that in either system the 

 pupil who is permitted to do so is liable to assume an improper position. 



