The movements are slow, tremulous, and uncertain. The erector muscles of the trunk can no longer support it in an erect posture; hence the body is bent forward, and the legs fail in giving their proper support. The intervertebral fibro-cartilages are compressed and reduced in size, and the stature consequently experiences a real diminution.
Such is the description given by physiologists of advanced age. It is our business to soften down those excrescences, to prop up the reclining figure, and retain to the last the appearance of middle life.
Before we advert to the nature of our adaptations for this period of life, we must draw a distinction between age and "premature old age." The former is the decline of nature, which must always take place, whilst the latter is the result of disease or improper habits. What we mean by improper habits is such, for instance, as tight lacing or the wearing of an ill-constructed corset. When this pernicious practice is persevered in for any length of time, decrepitude is sure to set in early. The unnatural pressure to which the internal viscera have been subject has cramped and reduced their energy; and the resources being exhausted, nothing remains but gloom and misery: when, however, proper care has been exercised in early and middle
