260 
MR. COOPER ON THE CHINESE FEMALE FOOT. 
and at the expense of a muscular exertion, which in ordinary progression is not 
put forth. To what extent the general health of the unfortunate individual 
thus deprived of the natural means of exertion may be affected, is a curious 
subject of inquiry, and remains I believe to be ascertained. 
I may be permitted to add, that the existence of this extraordinary custom, 
though familiar to our ears, is presented in a forcible light to our imagination 
by such a specimen as I have the honour to present to the Royal Society. 
In offering to the Royal Society this brief sketch of the dissected foot, I do 
not pretend to attach to the subject any more importance than it deserves ; 
nevertheless I have thought it would be considered as curious, and calculated 
to interest scientific men. And farther, as its description has hitherto formed 
a desideratum in our accounts of anatomical curiosities, I have thought that 
my endeavour to supply it would not be unacceptable. 
