imagine that there is something interesting in illness; but they forget that it is the melancholy interest which is bestowed upon the withered rose, and not the joyful pride which always accompanies cheerfulness and success.
What should be required in the inventors and manufacturers of clothing is in the first place a good knowledge of the body which they intend to envelop in their productions, and skill, art, and taste to display the natural beauties of the human frame. Other matters will be treated of in future chapters: we conclude this with the following axioms, which are worthy of being emblazoned in gold and diamonds on the most conspicuous pillar of the Temple of Fashion, from the Gentlemen's Magazine for 1738:—
"Everything which alters or disguises Nature proceeds from a false taste.
"Everything which forces Nature beyond its due bounds proceeds from a bad taste.
"Everything which eclipses the beauties or exposes the defects of Nature proceeds from want of taste.
"Everything that constrains Nature, or hinders the freedom of action, proceeds from a depraved taste.
