IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE USED AS SPINAL, ABDOMINAL, AND PELVIC TRUSS SUPPORTS
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents,
60, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesca, Civil Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE USED AS SPINAL, ABDOMINAL, AND
PELVIC TRUSS SUPPORTS."-A communication from abroad by Edmund
Prior Banning, of New York City, in the United States of America.
TH CLI
Invention of "IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE USED AS SPINAL, ABDOMINAL, AND
PELVIC TRUSS SUPPORTS."-A communication from abroad by Edmund
Prior Banning, of New York City, in the United States of America.
Sealed the 6th August 1867, and dated the 28th February 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Newton
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th February 1867.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVED APPARATUS TO BE USED AS SPINAL,
ABDOMINAL, AND PELVIC TRUSS SUPPORTS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an apparatus to be employed by persons afflicted
with weakness of the chest or spine, derangements of the abdominal and pelvic
organs, for the cure of which either a brace or support may be applied.' The
apparatus is so constructed and arranged that relief may be received by a
patient for all these affections simultaneously in cases of complication, and on
the cure of each, portions of the apparatus may be dispensed with as the
need for a particular part ceases, or a special part of the apparatus may
be applied separately for a single complaint, such as spinal weakness or

page_text: curvature, abdominal and thoracic weakness, hernial lesions, hemorrhoids, or
uterine prolapsus and obliquities.
The apparatus consists of a strong back spring which represents the back
bone or spine of the body and carries all the other parts. At the upper end
is a bow or cross spring piece which carries two cups or plates corresponding
to the blade bones. At the lower end of the back spring is another cross
piece which carries two discs or plates which bear on the posterior region of
the body or rear part of the hips; there is also another pair of plates attached
to the back spring for the purpose of pressing on the lumbar region. By
means of two vertical bars or ports parallel or nearly so to the back spring,
and extending down from the bow spring or upper cross piece, the apparatus
is conveniently and comfortably supported by the hips, a pair of curved main
bow springs being fitted to the hip bones for the purpose; these bow springs
form the mainsprings of the apparatus, and support an adjustable horizontal
bar which carries the various parts which are intended to cure femoral,
umbilical, or other hernia, prolapsus uteri, and other diseases of the pelvic
organs.
The apparatus for preventing prolapsus uteri is secured to a spring
plate which is attached to the horizontal bar, and extends down over the
pelvic bone and passes between the limbs.
The pads for the cure of hernia are attached to springs connected to any
convenient part either of the adjustable horizontal bar or the cross bar, and
all these parts are attached and held in their places by screws so that they
may be detached when required. Thus this improved combined and universal
brace and truss supports constitute together a complete unitary mechanism
adapted to the human organism for the relief and cure of the several muscular
weaknesses and affections referred to either by a general or partial application
as may be necessary.
SPECIFICATION. in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office 3
on the 28th August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
EDWARD. NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters 3
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our

page_text: Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Edward Newton, Her special licence that I, the said William
Edward Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVED
APPARATUS TO BE USED AS SPINAL, ABDOMINAL, AND PELVIC TRUSS SUPPORTS," being
a communication from abroad, upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said William Edward Newton, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Edward Newton, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
:-
This Invention relates to an apparatus to be employed by persons afflicted
with weakness of the chest or spine, derangements of the abdominal and pelvic
organs, for the cure of which either a brace or support may be applied. The
apparatus is so constructed and arranged that relief may be received by a
patient for all these affections simultaneously in cases of complication, and on
the cure of each malady portions of the apparatus may be dispensed with as
the need for a particular part ceases; or a special part of the apparatus may
be applied separately for a single complaint, such as spinal weakness or
curvature, abdominal and thoracic weakness, hernial lesions, hemorrhoids, or
uterine prolapsus and obliquities. Thus this improved combined and universal
brace and truss supports constitute together a complete unitary mechanisn
adapted to the human organism for the relief and cure of the several muscular
weakness and affections referred to, either by a general or partial application
as may be necessary.
The Drawing represents the apparatus combined and connected for its
various applications and uses, the parts being so constructed that they may
be readily detached and applied to separate and distinct purposes.

page_text: In the accompanying Drawings B, B, represent springs which are arched
or curved in the manner shewn, and either formed in one piece with the
horizontal bar C or securely attached thereto by screws, or in any other suit-
able manner.
The bar C passes through a loop formed on the lower end of a
bar A, and is firmly fastened therein by a screw. The curved springs B, B,
may be made exactly conformable to or fitted to the arch of the innominata
or side bones of the hips, and when adjusted to the person and employed
in connection with the other parts of the apparatus to be described these
springs exert a regular and even pressure at the sides and upon the front and
hinder parts of the body throughout their entire extent, their position when
adjusted being just above and inside of the crest of the hip bones. At their front
ends or the ends opposite those conjoining the bar-C the springs B, B, may
be connected bars C¹, C³, which occupy about the same horizontal plane as
the bar C, and cross the body at a point, say, one and a half or two inches
above the pubes. The bars C', C3, may in like manner with the bar C be
formed in one piece with the springs B, B, or separately, as may be preferred,
and they are adapted to be turned open to any extent to admit of the appli-
cation of the springs B, B, to the body, and form what may be termed a slip
lock, the bar C¹ being provided with projecting catches c', which enter either
of a series of corresponding apertures or slots-c2 in the bar C, whereby the
springs B, B, may be securely retained in any position in which it is desired
to adjust them. To the rear bar Care attached hip pads C³, C³, by means of
short perpendicular springs C, C, which are so curved inward as to adapt
the pads C, C³, to press upon the gluter muscles in such manner as to
prevent the bar C from squeezing or chafing the hips; these pads C³, C³,
constitute the rear bearing points of the mainspring's power, and they not
only protect the bones, vessels, nerves, and muscles from the pressure of the
bar C, but by their firm pressure upon the belly of the gluter muscles they
greatly support and aid in walking precisely as a person when fatigued receives
support and rest by pressing the hands upon the hips. When the springs
B, B, are adjusted to the hips they are not liable to accidental displacement,
the hips constituting such firm bearings for them to rest upon that they will be
uninfluenced by any movement of the body whatever, and from their peculiar
construction and adaptation are capable of sustaining a great amount of
weight even the weight of the whole body without causing pain, strangulation,
or impediment in walking. As hitherto constructed the horizontal bands or
braces which pass around and outside of the hips are very defective, as they
are caused to assume lower positions under pressure or weight and constantly
compress the muscles, strangulate the vascular and nerve circulation, and are

page_text: perpetually slipping as the patient bends or shifts his weight from one foot to
the other, thereby depriving the wearer of any firm or reliable support, thus
producing uneasiness, numbness, and dissatisfaction generally. It is evident
that by this Invention these difficulties are altogether obviated. To the upper
end of the bar A and capable of vertical adjustment by means of a screw is
secured a shoulder bow or brace D, which may be made flat or round as
desired, and which is formed or curved in such manner as to exactly fit the
various planes of the shoulder blade, axillæ, and chest, over which it passes.
The end of the lever A. is passed through and secured in a loop affixed to
the back of the bow. D. The point. at which this brace crosses the back may
be either.over or upon the scapulæ near their inferior and prominent angles or
below them, and passing under the respective arm-pits ascends in front of the
breast at each side as high as the head of the humerus where the ends of the
brace are deflected in an outward and upward direction in such a manner
that the tuber of each humerus will be covered by the respective circular caps or
cups D; D¹; secured upon the extremities of the brace D; these caps D',. D',
may be constructed of born, or any other suitable substance, may be fastened by
screws, rivets, or otherwise to the ends of the brace D, and are each formed
with a delicate depression or. concavity corresponding to the convexity of the
tuber humeri,.which in connection with the peculiar elastic action of the
spring adapts the caps to maintain a firm yet easy and undisturbed position
during all motions of the arms or body; in manufacturing it. the bow or
spring D is so set before being tempered that when adjusted upon the patient
no uncomfortable pressure will be exerted. upon the scapular. or large pectoral
muscles, or upon any of the nerves or vessels, and instead of discommoding the
wearer or imparting a feeling of restraint the action of the bow D has a strong
tendency to relieve the wearer while retaining the members in their proper
natural positions, and enabling their functions- to be performed in a much
more facile and satisfactory manner. The points upon which the spring D
acts are at the inner edges of the inner scapula on the back, and the heads of
the humeri in front,. consequently when on the body its action is purely that
of a lever turning in and causing the respective outer faces of the scapula to
occupy about the same vertical plane and rolling out and back the humeri,.
thereby protruding the chest and tending to balance the body's, apex behind
its axis; in this it differs from all tissue shoulder braces, for as they have no
fulcrum or lever their action is merely circular and not distal and fulcral, and
in consequence they compress intermediate points, strangulate more or less the
nervous and vascular circulation, and more especially tend to restrain a free
action of the pectoral muscles. For the same reasons the brace also differs
.

page_text: from all metallic bows hitherto employed, for they act merely as a band or
hoop, having no particular points or fulcra from which to act, besides none of
them cover the tuber humeri and thus roll back the drooping and advancing
shoulders, but on the contrary press upon the pectoral muscles and upon the
ribs just under the collar bone, thus interfering with perfect fullness of inspi-
ration, their only service being that of a crutch for the body to settle upon.
If the springs or braces B, B, and D were employed alone the action of the
instrument would be very incomplete, inasmuch as the drooping of the
shoulders is more the result of the retreat of the spinal fulcrum or axis at
about the point against which the middle part A¹ of the bar A acts when the
instrument is adjusted to the body (thus compelling the upper part of the body
to hang forwards) than of any primary weakness above; hence the only way
in which the erect axial or centripetal hearing of the body may be restored
consists in pressing OF pushing up the part of the spine against which A¹ rests
to the position of the true axis, which operation compels the previously
injurious weight to become a remedy by hanging behind the axis; to this
end I construct the bar A of tempered steel, rubber, or any other elastic
material, and curve the same forward at A¹ to act upon the spine in tho
manner explained. This elastic bar A may be curved forward to a somewhat
greater extent than the most natural and erect spine, and at the curvature A¹
are attached plates or pads A³, As, adjustable by means of a slide A³ and
screw a, which slide A³ may be made elastic so as to permit the pads A2, A3,
to rock or turn in such manner as to exert an equal pressure upon the dorsal
muscles in all positions of the body. E represents a plate or pad attached to
the front bar C at a point equidistant between the front ends of the main-
springs B, B, by means of a short and curved vertical spring E', which is
looped over the bar C¹ and secured in position by a screw. The lower edge
of the plate E is of such length and shape as to fit just inside of the bony
boundary of the lower abdomen and through the medium of the curved
spring E¹ and the elliptical or semi-elliptical springs E, E, which are secured
to the bar C¹ by springs E, and are interposed between the lower end of said
spring E¹ and the plate or pad E; the inner face of the latter is presented in
such an upward and backward direction or position that when in contact
with the body it has an almost exclusive lifting or upward action, and does
not (as is the case with front plates of other supports) have to depend upon
traversing the periphery or sweep of the long mainspring, in which case the
upward movement exerted on the body by the plate is scarcely anything when
compared with its backward movement which causes only a squeezing or
pressing upon the bowels, In this apparatus the front plate E in turning

page_text: inward on its axis gives an elevating and supporting action not only upon the
lower link of bowels but also upon the whole line of viscera; the value of
this peculiar lifting action of the front plate E in the cure of affections of the
spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis,, and extremities will be apparent..
Though relief rendered to the spine, by the devices already described is
great, the tenderness and ulceration. of the bodies of the virtebræ and their..
intervening cartilages (the result of undue and constant pressure upon them).
is relieved by the weight of the body being transferred to another and sound
point. The aching pain and weariness of the dorsal. muscles and spinal
ligaments from constant tension are relieved by the relaxation. of these parts.
caused by the shortening of the posterior face of the spine effected by the
pushing forward of the spine by the pads A2, A2. In a word, all the pressures.
on one part and all the tensions on the other are removed. by means precisely
similar to the individual and collective action of the abdominal muscles..
With regard to the treatment of the spine, the effect of the action of one.
member alone of the apparatus would be beneficial to but a very slight
degree, but by the combined action of the apparatus both the specific and the
general action are secured. But if the inflammation, curvature, or irritation.
be great in any portion of the spine, then this combination (though perfect
as far as it goes) will be too gentle and insufficient to accomplish all
that may be done, for besides the influences exerted by the apparatus
described the case may demand that a portion of the body's weight be
absolutely lifted and permanently retained from the irritated, inflamed, or
softened and curved point so as to place a quietus upon the excitants and,
For as soon as the
provocations (which are weight) of the affection.
pressure is diminished, if but to a small degree, the relief in many cases
to every part of the body, as well as to the tender portion of the spine,.
is very immediate and complete, for the reason that the remaining organic
forces are encouraged in the constant and inherent efforts to return to. a
normal state. To this end I next construct posts or bars K, K', K, K',,
which are looped over and secured respectively by screws. to the springs D
and B, B, in the position shewn in the Drawing, and which overlap each other
so as to admit of variation in length, each bar K¹ being provided with a pro-.
jection which hooks into either of a series of holes in the bar K; these
side posts or bars are attached in such a manner as to allow all motions of
the body to be performed freely. When these posts K, K', are applied, in
addition to the lifting of the vicera, the bracing or pushing forward of the.
curve and the drawing back of the shoulders simultaneously I obtain the'
advantage of a vigorous lifting of the body from the overtaxed muscles,

page_text: ligaments, and tender spine. It not only acts as a protection from pressure,
but also as a contingent protection or break in case of any jolting of the
body. The pads A2, A3, may be adapted for lateral adjustment, so as to
cause one to press with more force than the other in cases where the spine
has deviated in a lateral direction. The how D. is so cushioned as to render
its strong pressure on the axillæ devoid of discomfort. The springs B, B,
and the plate E may also be cushioned. In each of the lower corners of the
plate E is formed a scallop about long and deep enough to receive the disc of
a small egg, and at each end of the plate E is attached a short flat spring e,
the outer end of which projects over into the vacancy made by the scallop,
the outer end of the spring e¹ being adapted to be adjusted in contact with or
at any desired distance in advance of the plate E by means of a thumbscrew e².
To the outer end of each spring e¹ is attached a ball or pad e, which occupies
the corresponding recess or scallop in the end of the plate E, and is adapted
by the spring e¹ to receive a free rocking motion. The springs e¹ may be each
formed in two parts, secured together by a clamp inserted in suitable slots or
holes in the two parts of the spring, so as to permit the latter to be extended
or contracted in length to adjust the height and position of the plate Ę. By
these means either end of the plate may be set up or down independently of
the other to meet the requirements of a rupture on either side. The plate E
acts as an infallible retainer of inguinal hernia;, this is accomplished, first,
by the action of the plate in elevating and sustaining the weight of the viscera
from the inguinal rings, thereby removing a great amount of pressure from
the same; and, secondly, by the pressure of the balls upon the whole canal.
The advantage of this combination over all others for the cure of hernia is,
first, that it is self-adjusting, and must of necessity come to the right points
by the innominata pressing and supporting on each side; secondly, the arched
springs B, B, so fit the whole pelvis that they cannot move under the motions
of the body, and consequently are not liable like other trusses to let the
rupture down by its accidental displacement. A third, but radical advantage,
of this feature of this Invention consists in what may be termed its "break-
water" action upon the bowels when they are suddenly and violently
descending upon the weak abdominal rings in jalting, falling, coughing,
sneezing, or laughing, the whole plate E catching the descending bowels and
throwing them up again before they can reach and protrude through the
rings, the action being similar to that of springs under a vehicle, which break
the jolt before it bruises the passenger. By this arrangement not half the
steady pressure on the ring is necessary as a contingent power, and thus a
vast amount of irritation, excoriation, and even suppuration, the consequence

page_text: of hard pressure, is avoided. An additional advantage of this combination is
that in case of a single inguinal hernia the plate E by extending over and
supporting the round side, and also holding or breaking weight from the ring,
acts as a preventive of a rupture on that side; whereas it is a well-known fact
that the very
best trusses, which act only on the plug principle, greatly tend
to produce a rupture on the opposite side by causing a crowding on the
opposite ring commensurate with the pressure it exerts upon the ruptured
side. By attaching the plate E to the bar C' by slotted and divided springs
secured by clamp screws the plate E is rendered capable of vertical adjust-.
ment to any necessary extent. To the outer end of each of the respective.
front bars C, C, I attach a pendent spring F, which is formed with a loop.
at one end to admit of its ready application or removal, and when looped
over its supporting bar the spring may be secured by a screw f; to the lower
end of each of the springs F is attached a ball or pad F¹ of any desired size,
form, or substance by means of a screw, whereby the position of the pad F¹
may be varied vertically, for which purpose the spring F may be provided
with a series of apertures, as shewn in the Drawing; these balls F press pre-
cisely upon the femoral rings below Poupart's ligament, and by so doing, aided
largely by the lifting or breakwater action upon the viscera by the plate E,
effectually retain and ultimately cure femoral hernia, which effect is attri-
butable to the fact that as the mainsprings B, B, cannot move by the motions
of the body the balls F¹ cannot become displaced, whereas there has never
heretofore been constructed a femoral truss which will keep its place in every
motion of the body. G represents a spring looped over and secured by means
of a screw upon the bar C, and is of sufficient length to extend from the
bar C¹ to the navel, and to its upper end is attached a plate G¹ of any required
size, and formed either flat, convex, or concave to suit the emergency in the
case of umbilical hernia. The spring G is curved in such a manner that when
applied its upper extremity has an inward tendency, and is adapted to press
the plate G firmly upon the navel. The effect of the employment of the
plate G upon the largest and most obstinate cases of hernia is complete,
because, first, the plate E sustains the bowels in such a manner as to give
firmness to the parts and remove the slipperiness and squashiness of the
ventral tumor, thereby enabling the plate G¹ to press firmly on the tumor;
secondly, by the lifting action upon the whole viscera the great moveableness
thereof is destroyed, and hard pressure upon the umbilicus is allowable
without the usual pain and sense of sinking at the stomarch-which is permitted
by the dragging action of other trusses which plug up the ring, but do not
support and compact from below; and, thirdly, the apparatus presses upon no

page_text: point but where it effects a good result; whereas other hoop trusses press.
lightly around the middle of the body, and not only squeeze downward. but
compress the whole abdomen at intermediate points, beside being always
liable to slip up or down from its position, and thus leave the patient
unprotected. The application of this improved combination of devices, has
been found to render the greatest relief in cases where the patient had, been
in a despairing condition for years.
In a modification of the spinal support the bar A is divided at the curved.
part A¹ so that two sections are thus formed. To the lower section is securel.
an adjustable curved plate, and to the upper section is secured a corresponding
plate; these plates may be secured to the upper and lower sections by means.
of screws, and upon their respective outer ends are attached sockets in which
work the ends of the screws, on each of which is secured a pad by means of a
threaded clasp which adapts the pads by being rotated to be adjusted vertically
to any desired extent; this form of spinal support is to be employed in cases
of external protrusion, and the manner in which it operates will be readily
understood. I represents a curved spring attached to the lower end of the
curved vertical spring E', and is adapted to pass down over the pubis and extend
back between the limbs to the posterior nares of the vulva. At the lower rear
end of the spring I is supported a double pad I' by means of a screw J which
may be secured in either of a series of apertures or slots in the spring I, and
retained in an immovable position by jam nuts i¹. This pad or block I' may
be likened in its shape to two fingers placed side by side, the two convexities
thereof when the pad is applied pressing on the outer edges of each labia,
and the depression between them or in the centre, protecting the inner edges
from any pressure or opening action, but, on the other hand, the block closes
the meatus extremities by pressing the labia together. It will be manifest
that there is a cardinal difference between this device and the perinium supports.
hitherto employed, as they are invariably convex, and have a separating or
opening effect upon the labia which is very prejudicial, as it increases the
very weakness and falling through the vulva which it is desired to avoid. The
pad I¹ has a deep niche cut out at both ends so as to allow of the passage of
both urine and fæces without its removal. The spring I and block I¹ are
designed to unite with the front pad E in relieving the prolapsus uteri, or of
the bladder and anti-version of the uterus. Thus while the plate E raises the
the spring I and block I¹ impart
weight from the sinking womb and bladder
the relief by gently lifting between the limbs and exciting the natural and
relaxed boundaries to activity and strength, thus supporting and resting and
stimulating by pressure. The screw or threaded stem J which supports the

page_text: pad I is formed on the end of a rod J', which may be composed of hard
rubber, gutta percha, metal, or other suitable substance. It may be curved
in such a manner that when introduced into the vagina its convexity will just
fit the concavity of the sacrum and the curve of the rectum without touching
either of them, or the rod J¹ may be made straight or angular if desired; this
rod J¹ when inserted into the vagina should reach about as high as the posterior
fundus of the uterus, and in the top of the rod is attached a cross piece J³,
which may be either adapted to rotate upon the rod J¹ or fixed in a rigid
position thereon and formed in one piece therewith; this cross piece when the
rod J' is introduced passes behind the uterus and before the rectum, and
carries the intervening and relaxed fold of the vagina upward before it, and
in proportion as it does this so stretches it as. to compel the os uteri to be
drawn back from the axis of the inferior to that of the superior strait of the
pelvis, while the top or cross piece J crowds the fundus uteri forward from the
axis of the inferior to that of the superior strait, in short lateral obliquity, retro-
version, or anti-version is prevented, or a retroverted uterus is restored to its
altitude and proper axis without touching the uterus or rectum, but simply by
elevating the vaginal septum in the curve of the superior sacrum, and also
prolapsus of the urinary bladder is removed; but to avoid danger of irritation
or ulceration by a too steady pressure of the cross piece J³ on the vaginal tissue
I construct a stirrup cup J³ of shape and size adapted to receive and fit the
os uteri; this I attach to the curved rod J' by means of a sliding ring J* and
adjust it to any desired position upon the rod J¹ by a set screw which passes
through the ring J' and enters either of a series of small holes which may be
formed in the rod J'. The cup Js and ring J are attached together by a
hinge which is so formed as to allow the cup to fold up against the rod in
introducing the uterine balance Js into the vagina and then allow it to fall
to a horizontal position, or rather to a right angle with the rod, to cause
it to assume which position a cord may be employed. When introduced
the rod J, and cross piece J' restore the desired uterine axis and the cup
Ja lifts the whole uterine body, and hence the pressure is so divided
between the cross piece J' and cup Js that there is no danger of irritation
or ulceration, and the uterus is compelled to assume its position and
retain it so long as the piece J2 is supported to a proper height. To do this,
and to prevent the uterine balance J' rotating in the vagina, the threaded
protruding portion J of the rod J' is made flat at its sides like a tenon. The
slot in the curved spring I, through which this tenon J passes, is made like a
mortice, so that when inserted the rod J¹ is prevented from receiving any
undue rotating movement. The spring I both crowds up the balance J³ and

page_text: holds its convexity to the concavity of the sacrum. To prevent the too forcible
ascent of the balance J the block 1 is slipped upon the tenon J previously to
the insertion of the balance, and thus beside covering and supporting the vulva
acts as a guard to regulate the desired depth of insertion.. Thus by the joint
lifting action of the plate E.elevating the visceral weight up from. the womb
and cross piece J. and cup J is accomplished the easy and comfortable removal
of uterine retroversion,. lateral obliquity, or anti-version,, without injurious
pressure on the bladder, rectum, or uterus, and without the least. debilitating
distension of the vagina, as is always produced by the usual globe ring, horse-
shoe, and other pessaries.. Hence it is manifest that neither the balance alone
nor the plate E could accomplish the object in view, but the combined.action
of the two effect it perfectly.. H represents a spring attached to the lower
end of the spinal lever A, and is provided with a transverse slot at its upper
end through which the lever A passes, and which adapts the upper end of the
spring H to admit of a free vertical play upon the lever A.; this spring H. is
curved to conform to the perpendicular or vertical curve of the sacrum, and
extends forward between the nares and limbs to a point a little beyond the
anus. To the forward end of this spring H is attached a round or oblong ball
or pad H¹, the attachment being made by means of a screw which may be
inserted in either of a series of apertures in order to vary the position of the
ball H. This ball fits and supports the anus and. invariably keeps its proper
position during all movements of the body, the slot in the upper end of the
spring H permitting the spring to play up and down without moving the
ball II. By this device as employed in connection with the other parts of
the apparatus the two powers which act in the treatment of piles and pro-
lapsus ani are, first, the elevating action of the plate E, whereby visceral
pressure is held off from the hemorrhoidal veins (the first and perpetual
cause of the affection); and, secondly, by the local pressure or support of the
ball H¹.
· An important use for which the combined brace is admirably adapted is the
treatment of a fracture of the clavicle, for which purpose the bow D may be
so constructed as to exert a greater degree of elastic force than when intended
for the treatment of the ordinary cases or affections for which it may be
employed. The supporting of the body by the elevation of the pelvis and the
fixing of the body's centre perpendicularly to the base in the manner described
permits the shoulders to be rolled back by the pads D, D', and the parts of the
clavicle to be effectually held in opposition until the desired reunion takes place.
The apparatus above described may be likened to an imitation of the whole
human trunk, and when it is applied to the body. not only are all the local

page_text: supports given about the pelvis, but by the pushing force of the portion A' of
the spring A on the retreated spine and the opening and drawing back action
of the bow D upon the cups D₁, D, the weight of the upper body upon the
pelvis will be removed and actually made to help to raise the internal organs
by swinging behind the body's axis. This completes the whole arrangement
as suggested by the combination and action of the three natural forces (that
is to say), the abdominal muscles, the dorsal muscles, and the scapular
muscles, all constituting in their combination a complete and single
apparatus.
Having now described the Invention which has been communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent as aforesaid, and having explained the manner
of carrying the same into effect, I claim as the Invention secured to me by
Letters Patent as aforesaid,-
First, the use and application of the shoulder bow D and pads D¹ to flatten
the scapulae and roll back the shoulders, as above explained.
Second, in combination with the aforesaid shoulder bow, constructed and
operating as specified, and with the mainsprings B, B, I claim the lever A
for attaching and supporting the shoulder bow D and pressing forward the
spine, as explained.
Third, in combination with the aforesaid shoulder bow D, and with the main-
springs B, B, I claim one or more side posts K, K', for relieving tender
diseased spines, as explained.
Fourth, the uterine balance J, J', J, J, constructed and operating as
described.
Fifth, the cap or block I constructed with two convexities and operating
to support the vulva in the manner described.
Sixth, in combination with the spring B, B, and uterine balance J, J¹, J², J³,
I claim the curved spring I, adapted as explained to permit the ready attach-
ment, removal, and adjustment of the balance.
Seventh, the scalloped front pad or plate E, E, E³, in the described
combination with inguinal pads e³, e³, attached by separate springs to the
main springs B, B, and occupying the scallops in the plate E, as herein
described.
Eighth, in combination with the scalloped front pad or plate E and
inguinal pads e³, e³, I claim extensible springs constituting adjustable
attachments for the inguinal pads independent of the attachments of the
plate E.
Ninth, the combination of the mainsprings B, B, front pad or plate E, and
femoral hernia pads F, F1, constructed and adapted as herein specified.

page_text: Tenth, attaching the respective ends of the front pad or plate E by inde-
pendent springs so as to admit of changing the height of either end of the
plate without affecting the other end.
Eleventh, making the extension springs, which are attached by loops to the
mainsprings, with slots working easily on guide pins or otherwise, so as to
automatically extend and contract by the motion of the body and become
adjusted in length with the surface on which the impact conforming in length
to the linear extension due to the flexure of the body and rendering the instru-
ment relatively permanent while the attachment is adjustable.
Twelfth, the apparatus herein described collectively in all its combinations
and connections, constructed and arranged as and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Newton, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the Twenty-seventh day of August, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight bundred and sixty-seven.
Witness,
J. W. MOFFATT,
66, Chancery Lane.
W. E. NEWTON. (L.S.)