The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-12-01
MECHANICAL SUPPORTS.

desire to invite the attention Of the public 10
a few words in regard to these appliances in
the cure of various diseases in which drngs aud
medicines can be OF but little USE: and if the
common sense of the community will but exam-
inc thoroughly what | say, am disposed 10 be-
| lipve that they. as well as myself, will be bpne-
fitted The principal mechanical supports used
in the cure OF disease, are known by the names
of a5.iomiaGi supporters, body braces, and shopi-
der braces. The first of these are used to give
strength and support TO the lower part of the
body, when there is weakness and relaxation Of
/ the abdominal muscles and where this weak
ness and relaxed condition exist, it induces many
diseases, not Of the region affected only, but
also Of thr upper part Of the body, which dToops
and drags for want OF tone and power Of these
| nuscIes-Nhen these are weakened, and the
bowels press downwards, the diaphragm, the
| liver. stomach, longs, and other organs Of the
upper portion Of The trunk, must likewise drag
| from their places, and disease Of those organs
eDsue.
Ifthese organs are displaced, YOU have func-
| tonal disease already, which, if not arrested,
must end in organic LESSONS of the parts, that is
| beyond the power Of medicine TO cure--ior no
/ astPiRpents. either local or internal, can con-
/ tract them 10 their proper locality. a proper
v fitted supporter or body brace will do thus
| viii prop and sustain the pendant and dragging
yicera, until nature restores them: here medI-
cines TO aid and strengthen, will be proper, nn-
der the advice ofa physician. well htted
| brace or supporter not only supports and pres
qes upwards the contents ofthe trunk, but also
supports the back, presses inwardS toe spinal
| column at the small Of the back, and gives It
additional strength by lis braciAg, by its giving
| as it We're an assistant spiral Column l nave
/ know many cases Of disease cured by the sup
! porter alone, without any medicine; hnt do not
understand me 10 say that medicine should ney-
/ er be given--he majority OF cases require IT.
| hut the physician having charge OF the case Will
/ be the best Judge, as to the kind and when 1t
/ should Be given. The Shoulder Brace is used
not 50 much for support as to bring the body IN
to true positions the hollow-chested, the con-
tracted, narrow-chested persons, should never
use suspendrrs: their tendency is to pull the
shoulders forward and make the chest hollow,
and the back bumped. The suspender shoulder
shoulder brace, which / use, obviates all this, as
| il suspends the pantaloons by straps that pass
/ from under the arm-pits; and, when persons
once become used to them, are not al all IN
comfortable. Hundreds of persons, doubt not,
could be greatly improved in health and strength
by the USE Of my shoulder brace all who stoop
much, or bend writing at desks, would be great
ly benefited by them. Women who are bur
dpned with heavy skirts, tied around the spine,
would find great relief from my suspender shou-
der brace. / should like to extend this article
to a greater length, bat am fearful that | will
occupy too much OF your space. ! may, how
ever, resume the subject at another time.
GEORGE Fl. KEYSER,
No. 14O Wood st.