rmed spinal
columns?

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142. Eminent physicians, both in this country and France state that
not more than one female in ten, who has been fashionably educated, is
free from deformities of the shoulder or spinal column. Teachers, as
well as mothers, should notice the positions of the child in
performing the tasks allotted to it, whether studying or pursuing any
employment. The feebler the organization of the child, the more
frequently should there be a change of position.

143. When a slight projection of the shoulder, with a curvature of the
spine, exists, it can be improved by walking with a book, or something
heavier, upon the head; to balance which, the spinal column must be
nearly erect. Those people that carry burdens upon their heads seldom
have crooked spines.

_Observation._ Persons from the North, in travelling through the
Southern States, are surprised to see the heavy burdens that the
porters carry on their heads. It is not unusual to see them walking at
a rapid pace, with one or two trunks, weighing fifty or eighty pounds
each, upon their heads. Occasionally, we meet an itinerant toy-man,
with his tray of fragile merchandise upon his head, walking with as
much apparent security, as though his toys, or images, were in his
hands. This is the easiest method of carrying burdens, because the
position of the head and spinal column is erect.

144. _If the animal and earthy matter of the bones is not deposited in
proper proportions, they are deficient in strength._ If the gelatin
predominates, the bones are weak, and become distorted. When
nutrition is defective in the cylindrical bones, the heads are
generally enlarged, and the shafts crooked; if in the spinal column,
it may be curved; or in the cranium, it may be enlarged. This disease
is familiarly known by the name of rickets. It is most common among
these who have poor and insufficient food, live in dark, damp rooms,
and breathe a vitiated air. The prevention and remedies for this
disease are cleanliness, regular exercise, pure air, and nutritious
food.

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142. What statement by eminent physicians respecting deformities of
the spine? What caution to teachers and mothers? 143. Why should we
stand and sit erect? How may slight deformities of the spine be
prevented? What is frequently noticed in travelling South? 144. What
is the effect upon the bones when the gelatin preponderates?

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