170 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



RUSSIAN BELTS. 



These are a well-known article, made as heretofore, of various 

 materials, with the substitution of perforated stayed compound, 

 or knit goods for the springs, instead of the native gum 

 webbing formerly used. See plate xviii., fig. 2. 



ABDOMINAL SUPPORTERS. 



These are made of different patterns, but the one which is 

 represented plate xviii., fig. 1, has been the most generally ap- 

 proved, so far as the writer is informed. It is the invention of 

 a professional gentleman.* Wherever it has been used it is 

 spoken of in the highest terms. The only objection to it, here- 

 tofore, was a tendency to sweat the person, but since the ap- 

 plication of perforated stayed compound, and other perforated 

 gum-elastic goods to this use, this objection is entirely removed. 

 There is now no question, but this and other gum-elastic sup- 

 porters of a similar kind, will prove a lasting benefit to many 

 persons. A plain piece of perforated knit goods or stayed 

 compound, such as is sold at the shops, may also be made to 

 answer this purpose very well. 



TRUSSES. 



The springs of some kinds of trusses are advantageously made 

 either of the perforated stayed compound, or shirred goods. It 

 is also proposed to use vellum, or plated muslin, for covering 

 the steel or metal part of the truss, instead of morocco, buckskin, 

 and silk, which have heretofore been used ; and, at the same 

 time, to cover the parts which require to be made soft, with 

 elastic sponge. 



* Dr. Frank Meers, of Naugatuck. 



