The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-11-17
Small Waists.

How is this deformity produced? I
answer, that in some instances when
the mother is ignorant in such matters
the child is scarcely born before some
one seems almost insane in her anxiety
at thc mothers suggestion-to get at
that child's chest to give it form"
the first instrument of torture being the
band or ''swathe." on the supposition.
it may be, that the Creator either for
got this important part of the plan, or
that his IDEAS were erroneous-at vari-
ance with those of the Empress of
Fashion" This chest, increasing in
size downward. is very soon contracted
somewhat, the internal organs crowded,
the yielding. prospective b6nes-but
little more than cartilage at this time
soon allowing an entire change in form
This first step lays fine foundation
for the superstructure, the next in
order being the belt worn as soon as the
girl begins to wear regular dresses, or
tight dress viii accomplish the same
deformity. Let it be borne in mind
that but slight dsaly pressure is needed
to effect quite a change in form, not
more than the equivalent of two ounces
IN weight being suflicient--if contin-
ued during early girlhood, when the
bones are the most yielding-to effect
an entire change, sufficient to satisfy
the most devoted fashion-worshiper.
Then, when the more improved instru-
ments are used, the corsets, etc. with
strong cords to aid in the work of de-
struction. tightening up a little each
day, the work is soon completed the
waist is as waspish as one may desire.
If this is continued for few years in
this way, and the bones become fixed
in that position, it will require MANY
years TO undo this fatal work, though
by the removal of these shackles, and
by full inspiration, with an effort to re-
tain the air in the lungs as long as pos
sible, they may be expanded, the bones
yielding to some extent. All observers
may have noticed that the girls form
changes-is reversed; while in after
life, when the pressure is removed. the
woman in more advanced life, she has
larger chest, more capacity of lungs.
and consequently more publication of
the blood, more freedom from disease
and more real power of endurance
since II is afact that the largest chested
animals have the most power.
If mothers would avoid that fearful
curse of fashion-governed, enlightened
society, the pulmonary consumption.
Jet them see that the chests of their
girls are not contracted deformed bv
tight bands, belts, dresses, corsets, etc. ;
at the same time allowing them more
freedom, more exercise in the pure air
of heaven, more sunlight with no fear
OF honest tan or of precise and self
opinionated single aunts, remembering
that IN some respects these girls do not
differ from their brothers, and certain
iy that in the future of life, as mothers
and as housekeepers, they will equally
need sound health. And let them re-
member also, that the health, the con
stitlon and the destiny of these GIRLS are
moro in their hands than in those of all
Others combined; that these girls, to n
greater extent than they may now sup
pose, will be what the mothers make
them, healthy if the mother so DEGREES.
and often unhealthy if neglected. Let
them remember that health and sick
ness are no more the results of accident
than well or poorly made dresses,
bread, buildings and food in general. -
Dr.. HoRR0fOrd, IN Golden RITE