nowledge of the pliant character of the cartilages and ribs
in infants, too many mothers, unintentionally, contract their chests,
and thus sow the seeds of disease by the close dressing of their
offspring.

518. If slight but steady pressure be continued from day to day and
from week to week, the ribs will continue to yield more and more, and
after the expiration of a few months, the chest will become diminished
in size. This will be effected without any suffering of a marked
character; but the general health and strength will be impaired. It is
not the violent and ephemeral pressure, but the moderate and
protracted, that produces the miscalled, "genteel," contracted
chests.

519. The style of dress which at the present day is almost universal,
is a prolific cause of this deformity. These baneful fashions are
copied from the periodicals, so widely circulated, containing a
"fashion plate of the latest fashions, from Paris." In every instance;
the contracted, deformed, and, as it is called, lady-like waist, is
portrayed in all its fascinating loveliness. These periodicals are
found on almost every centre-table, and exercise an influence almost
omnipotent. If the plates which corrupt the morals are excluded by
civil legislation, with the same propriety ought not those to be
suppressed that have a tendency so adverse to health?

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516. What varies the amount of air received into the lungs? 517. How
can the size of the chest be diminished? When is this most easily
effected? 518. How are the miscalled, "genteel," contracted chests
usually produced? 519. What is said of the style of the dress at the
present day?

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[Illustration: Fig. 100. A correct outline of the Venus de Medici, the
beau ideal of female symmetry.]

[Illustration: Fig. 101. An outline of a well-corseted modern beauty.

One has an artificial, insect waist; the other, a natural
waist. One has sloping shoulders, while the shoulders of the other are
comparatively elevated, square, and angular. The proportion of the
corseted female below the waist, is also a departure from the symmetry of
nature.]

_Observations._ 1st. The Chinese, by compressing the feet of female
children, prevent their growth; so that the foot of a _Chinese belle_
is not larger than the foot of an American girl of five years.

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What does fig. 100 represent? Fig. 101? Give observation 1st.

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