Southern Medical and Surgical Journal - Georgia Regents University

62 Editorial. [January,the position from which nature has deviated it, and therefore overthe axis of the pelvis, into which the viscera are impelled in proportionto the tightness with which the belt is applied. Is it not evident,that any pressure exerted upon the abdominal contents by means ofcorsets or belts of any kind must necessarily tend to force them upwardsagainst the diaphragm and downwards into the pelvis? Andis it not equally manifest, that the addition to the belt of a plate orsupporter in front cannot alter this mechanical effect? It would really,in our humble opinion, be difficult to imagine a better contrivancefor the purpose of inducing prolapsus uteri, if it were desired to do so bydirecting and applying the weight of the abdominal contents to thispurpose. How could you more effectually force the viscera into thepelvis than by elevating the pendulous abdomen and forcibly compressingits contents?But, since the simplest reference to mechanical principles wouldseem to forbid the use of these instruments, let us invoke the aid ofexperience, and ask professional men of observation and of candor,how many females they have ever known who could tolerate suchbandages for any length of time. We are free to testify that we havenever known one of these supporters to be worn without inconvenienceand detriment to the patient's condition. If any one else has beenmore fortunate we are not aware of it. A few years ago a peripateticlecturer and patentee of the articles honored this city with a visit, and,it was said, realized some two thousand dollars from the sale of his44woman's relief." A number of our fair but frail friends patronizedthe stranger, but with no other relief than that of the weight of theirpurse.The only kind of ''supporter" that can be beneficial in prolapsusuteri, is that in which the perineum is forced upwards bymeans of a pad attached to a belt. The vaginal outlet is thus compressedand the uterus prevented from descending ; but in suchcases the belt should hang upon the pelvis orhips in such manner asnot to compress the abdomen materially. Otherwise, the downwardand upward pressure would neutralize each other.With regard to body braces, shoulder braces, &c, destined toaid or to supersede the action of the muscles, we cannot butlook uponthem as ultimately injurious. The sedentary and delicate femalewho is easily fatigued by exercise on foot, will doubtless feel relievedfor a while by such mechanical support ; but it is at the expense of astill greater increase of the existing muscular debility. There is noprinciple in physiology better established than lhat the power of the