which compress, in the least degree, any part of the trunk or limbs, and which in that manner cramp the free motion of the muscles, and reduce their size and plumpness. Tight lacing, by means of corsets or bands, and laces of all descriptions, as well as tight sleeves and garters, invariably produce, more or less, these effects; and so long as their use is continued there is no means of obviating the injury which results from them: and let it be recollected that this injury is always greater, the earlier in life they are adopted.
We have not yet enumerated all the evils produced by firmly compressing the chest. Independently of the uneasiness which this compression inflicts upon the female, from the constrained position she is forced by it constantly to assume, indicated by the frequent shrugging and writhing of her shoulders, and constant restlessness when in full dress, and which, of itself, often gives the back an ungraceful twist, and throws the shoulders out of their natural position, other serious and permanent inroads upon health and beauty are effected. The pressure of the corset depriving, in a great measure, the muscles of the back, by which the upright position of the body is maintained, of their natural action, and the blood being prevented from circulating freely through their vessels, they become relaxed, and allow the body to bend ungracefully either to one side or forwards: in time, the curvature of the spine which results, becomes permanent, and the individual is often in this manner deformed for life. But this is not all: the health and vigour of the system, the freshness and brilliancy of the complexion, the very activity and cheerfulness of the mind, depend in a very great degree upon the blood undergoing a perfect purification in the lungs. This is effected by its being brought in contact, in these organs, with a sufficient amount of pure atmospheric air: whatever impedes the free expansion of the chest in breathing, and diminishes the amount of air inhaled into the lungs, prevents this purification of the blood from taking place. Now, the corset, by firmly compressing the chest and loins, does this to a very great extent; so much so, that in all females who have been in the habit of wearing it from their youth, the chest has absolutely a diminished capacity, and loses that fine arched form which constitutes the beauty of the female bust. By numerous experiments it has been found that females thus circumstanced take into the lungs a much less amount of air than those who have never worn a corset. The vigour of the whole system becomes in consequence prostrated; the skin assumes a sallow hue, and all the functions of life are performed imperfectly. The lungs and heart especially suffer, in many cases become sooner or later the seal of incurable disease. The pressure by the corset upon the stomach and liver, is also highly prejudicial to health, by impeding digestion and the free secretion of bile; in this manner, independent of the injury inflicted upon the lungs, it causes discoloration of the skin, and a haggard, wrinkled appearance of the countenance. We urge, therefore, upon all, the disuse of this ridiculous and pernicious portion of female dress, which, so far from adding any real grace or beauty to the form, is the cause of disease, suffering, and deformity. We laugh at the folly of the Chinese belles, who compress their feet until they are no longer fitted for walking; and at the African, who flatten their noses as an indispensable requisite of beauty; and yet our own females are equally ridiculous, and even more criminal, when they imagine that they improve the beauty of their chests and waists by distorting them from that form which nature has wisely imparted to them; and thus, by a perverted taste, entail disease and pain upon their daughters, or hurry them into an early grave.
TIGHT LACING.
A physician in Albany gives a heart sickening account of the decease of a fine and amiable young lady who fell a victim to fashion: she laced herself to death! Apart from the prevailing infatuation which leads females to commit elegant and refined suicide, she is said to have been an uncommonly intelligent and promising girl. The body presented a dreadful sight. The ribs were contracted, the chest was narrowed, and not half the natural room was left for the action of the heart and the inspiration of air into the lungs. The consequence was death!
CAUSES OF DEATH AMONGST WOMEN.
The Registrar-General of England reports that thirty-one thousand and ninety English women died in one year of that incurable malady, Consumption. Will not this impressive fact induce persons of rank and influence to set their countrywomen right in the article of dress, and lead them to abandon a practice which disfigures the body, strangles the chest, produces nervous or other disorders, and has an unquestionable tendency to implant an incurable hectic malady in the frame? Girls have no more need of artificial bones and bandages than boys.
CONSUMPTION.
This disease is, doubtless truly, considered more than in former years. There are reasons for this.
Half a century ago, people lived on common, simple, healthful food and drink, and were healthy. In those days the dress of men and women was plain, and suited to the climate in which they lived, and to the various seasons of the year. At this time, how different! The fashions of the pleasure-seekers of Europe are brought to this country, and females of all classes endeavour to imitate them, until Consumption follows, and death ends the short race.
In addition to a thin dress, their clothes are tight, the natural shape is crowded upon, and it is sometimes hard for them to stoop or breathe easy. A violent cold is taken, and a bad cough follows; symptoms of consumption are feared and mentioned, and at last it is seated, and the poor fashionable daughter or wife is taken away by what is called the Quick Consumption.
THIN SHOES.
The practice of wearing thin shoes is too common among American women, and cannot be too strongly animadverted upon. Let those who thus throw themselves in the suicide’s path reflect upon what they are doing.
We say to every one, wear good strong thick shoes, and overshoes whenever there is water or snow in the street. Never mind if your feet do look a little large; even if they should appear clumsy. A little-looking foot is not of so much importance to health and happiness as a good pair of lungs; and those who act the part of wisdom will dress to insure health, and let Fashion and Fashion’s fools go to destruction in the way that they love to travel.
Fasting, distinct from religious ordinances, has been frequently recommended and practised, as a means of removing incipient disease, and of restoring the body to its customary healthy sensations. Howard, the celebrated philanthropist, used to fast one day in every week. Franklin, for a period, did the same. Napoleon, when he felt his system unstrung, suspended his wonted repasts, and took his exercise on horse-back. This list of distinguished names might, if necessary, be increased.
Baglivi, the celebrated Roman physician, mentions, that during Lent, an unusually large proportion of the sick in Italy recover their health. It is indisputable, that the fashionable classes in England and this country suffer from the effects of high living and the want of proper occupation. It is one of the greatest misfortunes that can befall human beings, to live without an aim; to have no noble object constantly to draw forth the powers of the mind and the exertions of the body.
