he space between the ribs is lessened.
All this may be effected by tight or "snug" clothing. Therefore the
apparel of a child should be loose, and supported over the shoulders,
to avoid the before-mentioned evils. The same may be said of the
clothing for adults.

137. _The erect position in sitting and standing should be assiduously
observed._ The spinal column, in its natural position, curves from
front to back, but not from side to side The admirable arrangement of
the bones, alternating with cartilages, permits a great variety of
motions and positions; and when the spine is inclined to either side,
the elasticity of its cartilages tends to restore it to its natural
position. For this reason we may incline the spinal column in any
direction for a short time, without danger of permanent curvature, if,
afterward, the erect position is assumed.[4]

[4] Compare 1, 1, Fig. 28, with 2, 2, 2, Fig. 48.

138. But if a stooping position, or a lateral curved posture, is
continued for a long time, the spinal column does not easily recover
its proper position, for the compressed edges of the cartilages lose
their power of reaction, and finally one side of the cartilage becomes
thinned, while the other is thickened; and these wedge-shaped
cartilages produce a permanent curvature of the spinal column. In a
similar way, the student, seamstress, artisan, and mechanic acquire a
stooping position, and become round shouldered, by inclining forward
to bring their books or work nearer the eyes.

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136. May simply "snug" clothing compress the cartilages? How should
the apparel of a child be worn? 137. In what direction does the spinal
column, in its natural position, curve? What restores it to its
natural position when curved laterally? 138. What is the effect if a
lateral curved position of the spinal column is continued for a long
time? 139. When one shoulder is elevated for a long time, what is the
effect upon the spinal column?

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139. Pupils, while writing, drawing, and sometimes while studying,
frequently incline the spinal column to one side, in order to
accommodate themselves to the desks at which they are seated. Often,
these are higher than the elbow as it hangs from the shoulder while at
rest. This attitude elevates one shoulder while it depresses the
other; consequently, the upper part of the spinal column is inclined
toward the elevated shoulder, and the lower part