reely. The large blood-vessels are compressed, and when
the pressure is excessive the heart and lungs are also subjected to
restraint and thrown out of their proper positions. From the compression
of the liver and stomach, the functions of digestion are impeded, a
distaste for solid food, flatulency and pain after eating are the
unmistakable proofs of the injury which is being inflicted.

The evil effects of such pressure are not confined to actual periods of
time during which this pressure is applied. They continue after it has
been removed and when the chest and trunk of the body have thus been
subjected to long-continued pressure they become permanently deformed.
These deformities necessarily entail great suffering in child-bearing.

The evil effects of mechanical pressure on other parts of the body are
not uncommon. The leg is sometimes so indented by a tight garter that
the returning flow of blood through the veins is prevented, and a
varicose condition of these vessels is produced.

Irregular and excessive pressure on the foot by imperfectly fitting
shoes or boots produce deformities of the feet and cause much suffering.
The high heels which are so common on the shoes of women and children
inflict more than a local injury. Every time the body comes down upon
the raised heel with its full weight a slight shock or vibration is
communicated throughout the entire extent of the spinal column, and the
nervous mechanism is thereby injured. Furthermore, displacements of the
pelvic organs frequently result from these unnatural and absurd articles
of dress. Women of fashion are subjected to much annoyance from wearing
long, flowing skirts suspended from their waists to trail uselessly on
the floor and gather dust. It is impossible for the wearers of these
ridiculous garments to exercise their limbs properly or to breathe
naturally. Indigestion, palpitation, shortness of breath, and physical
degeneracy are the inevitable consequences of their folly. The skirts
should always be suspended from the shoulders and not from the hips. It
is especially important that the clothing of children should not fit too
tightly.

It is very important that the clothing should be kept clean. That which
is worn for a long time becomes saturated with the excretions and
exhalations of the body, which prevent free transpiration from the pores
of the skin, and thereby induce mental inactivity and depression of the
physical powers. Unclear clothin