Page:Science ofDress239.png

CHAP. XIV.] in girls who have not done growing, or who are weak in the spine. The pelvis (see Plate 1, A) is also tilted forwards, and this leads to anti-flexion of the uterus, one form of displacement of the womb, as it is commonly called, with all its attendant evils. Towards the end of pregnancy also, when the upper part of the female frame is thrown back in order to maintain the centre of gravity, the heels are greatly borne upon in walking. At this time high heels are most dangerous, as they are not only likely to cause the wearer to fall forward, but they prepare for her a difficult labour by causing the lumbar vertebrae to push forward.

The high heel assists the pointed toe in deforming the foot by forcing the foot forward to the end of the boot.

A simple experiment will show any individual what the shape of his boots ought to be; for feet are as distinctive features of the human frame as hands or faces, and they ought to be studied accordingly. If the weight of the body is pressed forward on the naked foot as in walking, unless the foot has become thoroughly deformed, the toes will be seen to spread out, the great toe, which has only two joints, will spread somewhat inwards away from the others, and be firmly pressed upon the ground, while the other toes, which have three joints, will be slightly bent up at the middle, so that the soft cushions at their extremities exercise the grasping action before mentioned. The second toe is a trifle longer than the others, and naturally somewhat arched above them, exercising