500 clark's jointed shoe — anticipated, [bk. hi. 



sets up a bug-aboo, and then knocks it down, with 

 " I have often proved the truth of the preceding 

 observations." But the observations being unjust, 

 because applied to an unfounded suggestion, proof 

 was not necessary. 



The jointed shoe, — A form of shoe was pro- 

 pounded for cutting the shoe into three or more 

 several parts ; then lining the foot surface with 

 leather, and fastening on the shoe in the usual 

 manner, with nails that were inserted into each 

 part. But this contrivance, though plausible, did 

 not answer, inasmuch as the leather had not suf- 

 ficient strength to stand the wear and tear. Mr. 

 Rotch was the inventor of this notable affair, and 

 took out a patent that, we may venture to affirm, 

 will never be invaded. 



Mr. Bracy Clark may have been the real in- 

 ventor of the jointed shoe that bears his name, for 

 aught we can tell, but he labours under the disad- 

 vantage of being preceded by about a century, by 

 a French author ; so that his battered saying, that 

 his great discovery ! forms " a basis for the repose 

 of the profession," however elegant in expression, 

 becomes nonsense to our ears, who concede no- 

 thing to simple gentility, and less than that to self- 

 complaisant egotism. " Clark's shoe," in its various 

 modifications, differs nothing from the generality of 

 shoes, except in being divided at the toe, and 

 fastened again by means of a pin, screw, or rivet. 

 The toe would be required to be made thicker 

 than usual, let us suggest, to prevent the rivet's 



