£*•

THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 273
the insensible perspiration. The compression of the
female waist, by which the action of the diaphragm is
destroyed, all the muscles of respiration weakened, and
the lungs, heart, liver, stomach, spleen, and pancreas
compressed into one-half the space designed for them,
is too evident, a source of disease to require a word of
comment. The form made by this means is a hideous
distortion, offensive to every person of correct taste.
The fashion plates of our are causes magazines of dis
ease to all who can be influenced by such distortions.
Ligatures on any part of the body interfere with the
boots and shoes
freedom of the circulation; and tight
are a great evil, from this cause, aud from the compres
sion of the nerves.
Any article of dress that excludes air and light from
the skin, that prevents the free circulation of the blood,
the matter of
that keeps in, or retains for reabsorption,
perspiration, is a cause of disease. Great mischiefs,
therefore, are occasioned by the use of water-proof
hats, caps, and boots, and of oil-cloth or india-rubber,
worn upon the person.
Changes of dress, from thick to thin, and in females,
from the to
high-necked morning-dress the bare arms,
neck, and bosom of the are causes evening, of disease.
Either, worn habitually, might answer. The lighter
dress may be really the best ; but when the skin has
been weakened, and made sensitive, it will not bear
these sudden changes.
Chill, from any cause, unless it is succeeded by im
mediate reaction and warmth, is a cause of disease.
The sudden constriction of the skin by cold suspends
its action ; the matter it was throwing off is thrown