A PEEP 
Into the House You Live In. 
A. 1ST ESSAY 
OX THE 
CAUSES OF SOME OF THE AILMENTS TO 
WHICH FLESH IS HEIR; 
AND ON THE VALUE OF 
rMcrhanicat ftppliatuts, in their treatment. 
PUBLl&HEb BY 
THE BANNING TRUSS AND BRACE COMPANY, 
No. 312 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1872, by The Banning Truss and 
Brace Company, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. CONTENTS. 
Fundamental Propositions 1 
Effects of Pressure on Parts Below : 
Effect upon the Nerves 4 
Effect upon the Arteries, cause of Cold and Clammy Feet and 
Limbs 4 
Effect in causing Varicose Veins and Dropsy 5 
Effect in causing Constipation, Hemorrhoids, etc 5 
Effeci upon the Urinary Bladder. (Incontinence, Retention, and 
Affection of Prostate Gland) 7 
Effects upon the Uterus. (Prolapsus Uteri, or Failing of the 
Womb.) 10 
Effect in Pregnancy 22 
Effect of Dragging upon the Parts Above : 
Effect in Producing Throat Ail, Bronchitis, Weak and Unnatural 
Voice 2P- 
Effect in Producing Affections of the Lungs 28 
Effect upon the Heart and Brain 31 
Effect upon the Stomach, Liver and Spleen. (Dyspepsia, Liver 
Comp’aint, Chronic Inflammation of the Spleen 3a 
Effect in the Production of Spinal Affections, Distortions of the 
Hips and Shoulders 39 
Who should Wear the Brace ?.....-. 48 
Causes of the Debility of Ladies, so Common at the Present Day .... 50 
How to Measure for the Selection of any One of the Braces 50 
How to Apply the Several Braces 50 
Particular Advantages of the Braces over other Supporters 50 
Notes 50 
Miscellaneous Cases 53 
PAGE T II E 
MECHANICAL NATURE 
A>TD 
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES. 
Bx E. P. BANNING, M. D., of New Yoek. 
It is apparent to even the most casual observer that 
there exists a large class of chronic diseases which have 
to this day steadily resisted every established method for 
their treatment and cure. 
Among these, spinal, digestive, nervous, vocal, pulmon- 
ary and female weakness stand prominent, and have a 
representative, to say the least, in a clear majority of fam- 
ilies. Startling as this proposition may seem, it is never- 
theless a fact, staring the practitioner in the face and 
defying contradiction. 
And with a view to elucidating the causes of the ill suc- 
cess in their management, and how it may be that me- 
chanical support when physiologically constructed or ap- 
plied may, by itself or in connection with proper medical 
treatment, cure the same by removing the mechanical cause, 
your attention is invited to the following common sense 
propositions in mechanical pathology—a pathology which 
has been much overlooked, but the importance of which 
cannot be overestimated, when we consider the large 
class of diseases that are acknowledged to be purely 
mechanical, to say nothing of that much larger class 
which, though mechanical, a defective pathology has 
not heretofore ranked as such. 
Proposition I.—That man, materially considered, is a 
machine—from the grossest fibre to the finest cell—of a 
primary, definite, and accurate character, and as such 
is under the control of mechanical law, a change in its 2 
actions always resulting from any local or general de- 
parture from the primary and accurate position as in 
other machines. Take, for instance, that complicated 
and beautiful combination of many parts, the lever 
watch. If the slightest change takes place in the bearing 
or position of the smallest spring or wheel, its action 
upon its neighbor is rendered imperfect, and this imper- 
fection is carried through" each succeeding part of the 
delicate machine, affecting the accuracy of the result as 
well as rapidly impairing the nice adjustment necessary 
to make it go at all. 
Proposition IT.—The internal organs or viscera are as 
much under the law of definite position as are the bones, 
and a functional derangement will follow a displacement 
in one case as well as in the other. 
Proposition III—This definite position and relation of 
the internal organs consists in a packed, braced, and sup- 
ported state from bebiv, and not in a suspended or pen- 
dent state from above. We take the broad ground that in 
the whole normal human body there is not a single sus- 
pended organ. That this must be so is self-evident. 
These organs are nervous, tender and fragile, easily torn, 
easily injured, and if allowed to simply swing to and fro 
from their moorings they would be as liable to damage 
(to use a homely metaphor) as a satchel of eggs hung up 
in a stage coach. 
The surrounding elastic abdominal walls are the con- 
summative agencies in maintaining this supported and 
primary state of the vital parts. The abdominal walls 
are elastic only in proportion as the abdominal and spinal 
muscles are tensed and energetic—and these can only be 
so when the body is thoroughly erect; and when these 
muscles are active and strong, and the median plane of 
the pelvis is thus rendered oblique instead of horizontal, 
the visceral weight is thereby thrown forward upon the 
lower abdominal wall, which, acting under the lowest of 
the viscera, causes it in its turn to become the aggressor 
of its superior neighbor, and so on to the top of the pile; 3 
bj which the lower abdomen becomes comparatively 
small, the waist and stomach plump, the chest short and 
broad, all by virtue of the consecutive series of supports 
from the base to the apex, resting upon the muscles be- 
low, which act much like the springs of a carriage, and 
give us the natural or supported state. See Fig. 1. 
. A A> Front line, showing that the big toe, pubis, and tip of the nose, are always in line when the body 
is erect. B B, Line, passing through the spine at the neck, and at the hip, knee, ankle joints; and 1), 
showing that these points are in line when the body is erect, and that D is the body’s centre of gravity. 
L C, Posterior line, showing that the back of the head, shoulders, hip, and heel, are also in line, and 
that when the body is erect. D is much in advance of this line. K Iv and L L, Lines running in the ex' 
act direction of the advancing and retreating directions of the Spine, crossing each other and B B at D, 
and proving mathematically that D is the body’s centre of gravity. 
1'liis figure shows that the big toe and the nose are in line; even when the hollow of the back has re- 
ceded from the tniddle line, beyond line C, and behind the shoulders; that drooping and round shoulders 
are produced by a retreating motion at D (for, if such were not the fact, the perpendicular lines, in both 
the figures, would hot toueh the head and feet at the .same points), and, that ho style of support, design- 
ed 1'or straightening the form, can accomplish its object, unless so constructed us to push forward the 
receded point at X>, and bring it again in contact with the line B. See Fig. 1. 
Fig. 1.—Side view of the Erect Posture, 
with natural upward and inward bearing of 
the internal organs. 
Fig. 2.—Side view of tlie Drooping Posture, 
with internal organs suspended and com- 
pressed. 4 
Proposition IV. That the effects of a departure from 
the natural or supported state to the unnatural or pen- 
dent state are two-fold: First, the effects of pressure 
upon the parts below, and second, the effects of the 
change from a supported to a pendent state upon the 
parts above. For this unnatural state, see Fig. 2. 
And first let us consider the 
Effects of Pressure on Parts Below. . 
EFFECT UPON THE NERVES. 
The nerves, which conduct the nerve fluid or force 
generated by the spinal marrow or brain, are thrown out 
from each of the vertebrae, and clinging close to the bony 
■walls, pass down into the limbs ; they tell us when wre 
tread on an injurious substance ; how far we have raised 
our feet;—in fact they are what makes us sentient beings. 
When, as in the unnatural state, there is a pressure placed 
on them they cannot conduct the fluid freely, the action 
of the limbs becomes clogged—a sense of weight seems 
to hang about them—even a straw will cause stumbling, 
and the ability to exercise becomes greatly diminished. 
Then follows that dreadful sensation of “ gnawing, aching, 
tearing pain ” in the back—for which blisters are applied, 
and often actual cautery and the moxa ; but the difficulty 
is not at that point, and the local treatment touches the 
effect, not the cause of the trouble, which is down in the 
sacral curve, where the nerves, burdened by the wTeight 
of the viscera, are crowded against the bony wralls, and 
are struggling to convey their subtle influences through 
the restricted passages which obstruct their energies. 
EFFECT UPON THE ARTERIES, CAUSE OF COLD AND CLAMMY 
FEET AND LIMBS. 
"We see the grand Iliac artery after its distribution in 
the pelvis, passing off to its remote ramifications ; it too 5 
is compressed, and the nourishing blood it conducts, and 
which gives warmth and fulness to the limbs, is ob- 
structed. The feet become cold and clammy. This ex- 
plains why it is that some people always have cold feet, 
even in July. 
EFEECT IN CAUSING VARICOSE VEINS AND DROPSY. 
The veins in carrying the blood back to the heart for 
purification against the force of gravity, meet with this 
mechanical obstruction in the pelvis, and the blood is 
thrown back, and varicose veins are the result. For this, 
elastic stockings and bandages are usually applied; but 
they do not meet the case, which consists, as before 
shown, in the pressure upon them in the pelvic cavity. 
Remove the cause by taking away the weight, and the 
effect will disappear of itself. The blood is composed 
of three-fourths water; its red appearance is due mainly 
to the presence in it of the red corpuscles; while this 
obstruction exists, the heart, like a stationary engine, is 
forcing the blood through the arteries, which convey it 
back through the veins, the result of which is that its 
watery portion oozes through their minute capillaries, 
and a dropsical condition ensues. 
EFFECT UPON THE RECTUM OR LARGE BOWEL—CONSTIPATION 
— PILES, AND PROLAPSUS ANI, OR PROTRU- 
SION OF THE BOWEL. 
The small bowels, instead of being properly elevated, 
now press with great force on that part of the backbone 
which juts forward, and where the large bowel (rectum) 
dips down into the pelvic or lower cavity, thus imposing 
a mechanical obstruction to the regular descent of tho 
faeces and producing an accumulation of alvine mat- 
ter. The natural secretions of the bowel are also ab- 
sorbed by the hard and heated condition of the mass within, which is constantly irritating the inner membrane 
and nerves. 
In a natural and healthy condition of the body; the 
contents of the abdomen, whenever we step or fall, de- 
scend upon the elastic muscles, which instantly distend, 
and then in like manner react, throwing themselves and 
the superincumbent bowels back to their former position. 
This any one can test by placing his hand upon the low- 
er abdomen, and stepping heavily. He will feel the vi- 
bration or reaction of which we speak. 
Now, two purposes are subserved by this arrangement. 
It tends to preserve the organs from injurious contact, by 
giving them, always, a gentle movement, and it stimulates 
the bowels to motion and secretion. But how different is 
the condition of the bowels, when they rest upon the 
lower abdomen and the bones in that vicinity ? Lying 
below the axis of muscular contraction, and being per- 
fectly inert and totally deprived of their usual facilities 
for action, they must often press downward with great 
force. The most obstinate cases of costiveness are thus 
produced. The whole intestinal tube becomes preter- 
naturally distended, causing bad breath, loss of appetite, 
and otherwise deranging the stomach. The circulation 
of the blood is also mechanically obstructed, inducing 
stupor, sleepiness, ennui, and a host of other symptoms. 
At length, nature rouses herself to throw off the foreign 
mass by which she is thus opposed. But she labors un- 
der great disadvantages in the performance of this extra- 
ordinary task. The bowel is very tender and its con- 
tents dry and hard; but by the exercise of unusual 
strength and force, the work is accomplished. Yet what 
is the effect ? Why, the inner membrane being naturally 
much larger than the outer, and lying in folds, the dry 
mass pushes these folds before it, and leaves them at the 
outlet, where they are held by the contraction of the 
sphincter muscle, which covers the aperture, until hard 
and very sore tumors are formed upon the parts. At 
first, the membrane may be drawn back before the 7 
sphincter muscle contracts upon it; but it soon loses its 
tone, becomes congested and relaxed, and prolapsed at 
every stool, by the slightest straining. This painful state is 
greatly promoted by the pressure from above upon the 
lower bowel, continually bearing it down and increasing 
the tendency to its inversion. These distressing stools 
are eventually succeeded by discharges of blood, wrhen we 
have as genuine a case of piles as can be imagined, which, 
by the way, is of itself a most distressing malady, though 
it seldom exists without constipation, as may readily be 
inferred from the preceding remark. Indeed, no less than 
eight out of every ten cases of piles, are induced by con- 
stipation of the bowels. 
Now, is it possible for medicine of any kind to effect 
anything more than temporary relief in such afflictions as 
these, without first restoring the mechanism of the disor- 
dered parts ? Surely not. Let us then see to it, that the 
only rational mode of treating these vexatious and dis- 
tressing maladies, namely, the elevation and support of 
the viscera by judicious mechanical means, is at once 
adopted. 
EFFECTS UPON THE URINARY BLADDER. (URINAL INCONTI- 
NENCE AND RETENTION—AFFECTION OF PROSTATE GLAND.) 
The Urinary Bladder, when compressed by the descent 
of the bowels, is of course unable to retain its contents 
a proper length of time, in which case there will be a 
frequent desire to void the same. This is termed incon- 
tinence. It is not very dangerous, but exceedingly trou- 
blesome and inconvenient.' Sometimes an angle is also 
produced in the neck of the bladder, thus mechanically 
obstructing the passage of the urine, and inducing often- 
times the most terrible and fatal disasters. It is true that 
there are other causes for this malady, requiring in- 
ternal treatment. But when the difficulty is purely 
mechanical, which is generally the case, how many pump- 
kin seeds, how much Harkem oil, or Spirits of Nitre, 8 
will it require to relieve the suppression ? Or, in cases 
of incontinence thus engendered, how much Tinct. 
Lyttea, Balsam Copaiva, Bitters, &c., will remove this 
thirty or forty lbs. of visceral weight and thus remedy the 
matter ? 
Fig. 3. 
Fig. 4. 
The bladder evidently needs 
no medicine. Let but the op- 
pressive and superincumbent 
weight be removed, and all will 
be well. The patient wrill then 
be saved from the annoyance of 
the catheter and the disgusting 
use of nostrums. Let no one 
think of internal dosing with- 
out understanding the form and habits of the patient. 
Let him see that the abdomen is not pendulous at its 
base, and relaxed in its upper region. Let him be fully 
assured that the difficulty does not require mechanical 
aid ; for many cases, both of incontinence and reten- 
tion, after resisting all other treatment, have yielded to 
the application of the Body-Brace or abdominal and 
Fig. 3 represents the simple Body-Brace, generally successful; but when not so, the cor- 
responding attachments are required. 
Fig. 4 represents Abdominal and Spinal Shoulder-Brace. A A, arches of the mainspring 
passing above each hip-bone, avoiding all pressure on the bones, nerves, or blood-vessels, 
and furnishing the power of the instrument. B B, pads supporting glutei muscles on either 
side. C C, aggressive supporting saddles, to either side ot the dorso-lumbar spine (in ordi- 
nary cases only the lower saddle to be used), holding that portion of the spine properly 
lorward. D D, spring support, resting anteriorly upon the heads of the humeri. F, front 
pad, elevating abdominal viscera. 
The combined action of all is, to elevate the lineal viscera, sustain the lumbar spine in its 
vertical position, and poise the superior truuk behind the spinal axis. 9 
spinal shoulder Brace. The most troublesome inconti- 
nence has often been relieved, by merely lifting up the 
bowels with the hands, so as to change the shape of the 
abdomen. In retention also, relief has often been 
afforded by simply turning the sufferer on his face. 
Although so dissimilar in their phenomena, both in- 
continence and retention may arise from one and the same 
cause, the disease frequently alternating from one condi- 
tion to the other; and it is particularly worthy of re- 
mark, that very many or most of these cases are either 
dyspeptics, hypochondriacs, or subjects of prolapsus uteri, 
showing the purely mechanical nature of all the derange- 
ment. 
Fig. 5. 
Fig. 6. 
Pregnancy often induces an af- 
fection of the bladder; but cases 
of incontinence or retention of 
urine thus produced, will almost 
invariably disappear at the ap- 
proach of the Pelvic Girdle. 
In various cases of affection of 
the prostate gland, the Body- 
Brace has relieved the tender- 
ness and pain of the irritated 
part, by simply removing the superincumbent weight. 
Fig. 5.—Non-Friction Self-Adjusting Brace-Truss, with Prolapsus Ani Spring. 
Fig. 6 represents No. 5 applied. 10 
EFFECTS UPON THE UTERUS AND ITS APPENDAGES. (PRO- 
LAPSUS UTERI, OR FALLING OF THE WOMB.) 
The uterus has five supports, namely, the cellular tissue 
with which it is surrounded, the vagina, the round, and 
the broad ligaments, and the peritoneum or lining mem- 
brane of the belly. 
These supports are designed to bear the weight of the 
small intestines, situated below the mesocolon. They 
also serve as a floor on which the abdominal organs may 
rest. Their primary object, however, is, to sustain the 
uterus in the first four or five months of pregnancy, 
before it has risen above the pelvis, and when it is several 
times heavier than in its ordinary state; else what would 
become of this organ ? for, surely, if it required all these 
supports in its quiescent state, there would be an un- 
avoidable falling and dragging, when borne down witli 
weight by the foetus ; a view of the matter, which no 
rational mind could be found to adopt, as it plainly im- 
plies that prolapsus uteri is a necessary accompaniment 
or consequence of gestation. Yet, still it is notorious, 
that a distinguished member of the medical profession in 
this city recently asserted on a public occasion, that “ this 
disease was extremely rare among unmarried ladiesAnd 
what is this but saying that it is peculiar to those who 
are married ? And if peculiar to married life, how far is 
this from the bare-faced conclusion, that prolapsus is 
consequent upon gestation ? 
Now, for the information and benefit of those who are 
easily led into such preposterous and perilous conclusions, 
we take the liberty, in passing, to mention, as the result 
of our own extensive observation and experience in this 
important matter, that not one-third of the cases of gravid 
uterus complain at all of prolapsus uteri; and also, that 
a large proportion of these have been repeatedly afflicted 
in this way, antecedent to the period of conception. Should 
any one, however, after reading this page, still be dis- 
posed to the opinion, that “ this disease ” is extremely 11 
rare among unmarried ladies,” we are enabled to state 
farther, that no less than three-fourths of ail the cases of 
prolapsus uteri occur to the womb in its ordinary state, 
the calamity being about equally divided between mar- 
ried and virgin life. 
But how happens it that this disease prevails to such 
an alarming extent, when the uterus is not in a gravid 
state, and therefore not sufficiently weighty to produce 
any uneasiness ; and when, too, it has the advantage of 
all the strength held in reserve for its enlargement ? 
Why, it is simply because the subjects of this malady, 
almost without exception, are persons in whom the habits 
of civilized life, favoring general organic derangement 
and muscular debility of the system, have induced that 
superincumbent pressure, which, from the very nature of 
the case, urges the uterus downward, straining its sus- 
pensory powers, irritating the nerves of organic life, and 
establishing the most excruciating pains in the surround- 
ing parts. Indeed, so distressing and terrible is the pro- 
lapsus thus induced, that sometimes the uterus is found 
protruded upon the outer surface of the body! 
The effect of muscular relaxation upon the womb and 
its appendages, is daily producing an almost incredible 
amount of anguish. Crushed beneath the weight of the 
fallen organs, as may be seen in Fig. 2, p. 3, the 
neck of the womb presses with great severity upon the 
vagina, inducing leucorrhea, and many other disagreeable 
and painful affections. Meanwhile, the body or middle 
portion of the organ is resting either upon the bones or 
upon the soft parts of the pelvis, causing severe “ bear- 
ing down pains ” in that locality. These pains are often 
rendered intolerable by the least physical exercise, and 
are generally attended with a sense of “ weight ” and 
“ dragging,” and oftentimes with a burning pain through- 
out the system. 
The constant pressure which is thus exerted upon the 
neck of the uterus, brings about a very hardened, irri- 
table, enlarged, painful, and often dangerous condition, 12 
which has not unfrcquently been supposed to indicate 
cancer of the womb. We have seldom failed, however, 
to cure all diseases of the neck of the uterus by the sim- 
ple application of external support to the abdominal or- 
gans, the cause of the irritation being thereby at once 
removed. 
When the round ligaments are put upon the stretch, a 
disagreeable “ drawing ” or “ pulling ” sensation will be 
experienced in the groins where these ligaments are fast- 
ened. The broad ligaments also, which are spread and fast- 
ened over the small of the back, are producing their own 
peculiar “ dragging,” “ grinding,” tormenting paius about 
the loins, so common to the afflicted female, and so well 
expressed in that descriptive phrase : “ Ifeel as though a 
joint or two of my back ivere gone." 
Prolapsus uteri, or falling of the womb, is a disease 
which has become fearfully prevalent in every commu- 
nity ; nor is it confined to married ladies, as has been er- 
roneously supposed by some, whose position, to say the 
least, should be a sufficient guarantee against all careless 
observation in medical practice, and whose assertions 
have received due attention in our preceding remarks. 
Only a few, comparatively, of the victims of prolapsus 
understand the true nature of their difficulty, or know 
anything about the value of proper mechanical support, 
to say nothing of the absolute necessity of its adoption for 
the eradication of disease mechanically induced. They 
know not that those who are supposed to have “ recov- 
ered ’’ from this malady, by the internal use of the pessary, 
and the tedious process of lying perfectly still, are only 
relieved, it being impossible to cure them by any such 
means; the predisposition to the malady fo'rever remain- 
ing as the legitimate offspring of the habitual drooping 
form, or the fashionable Grecian bend. 
This dreadful affliction generally comes on by degrees, 
or, in other words, it gradually taxes the subject’s powers of 
endurance; and, if promptly met in its incipient state, by 
judicious mechanical means, is easily subdued; for, not- 13 
withstanding the prevalent opinion, that 'prolapsus uteri 
is not induced by superincumbent pressure, but by pri- 
mary weakness of the ligaments, we shall hereafter de- 
monstrate (if we have not done so already), that as soon 
as the pressure, is removed, the womb will begin to rise 
by the returning strength of the uterine supports. In 
order to enable the reader to decide upon the existence 
of the malady, we give below a succinct description of 
the same. 
Almost simultaneously with the descent of the womb, 
the back begins to ache, the pains varying in their nature 
and intensity with the progress of the disease, until they 
assume the most terrible “ pulling,” “ twisting,” “ grind- 
ing,” “ wrangling,” and “ wringing ” forms. These 
pains are usually experienced in the region of the kid- 
neys and in the groins. The back is often represented 
as being “ broken,” or “ pounded,” or “ drawn.” Severe 
“ bearing down ” pains, like a ponderous weight at the 
base of the abdomen, are also felt in the sacrum, or rump- 
bone. The limbs of the patient become heavy and clum- 
sy, and subjected to cramps, numbness, and prickling 
sensations. The most unremitting and intolerable drag- 
ging at the breast, which the patient bends forward to 
avoid—a sense of “ goneness ” at the stomach, swelling of 
the feet and limbs, constipation and leucorrhea, together 
with “ a feeling as though the hips were loose,” are also 
to be reckoned among the ruinous effects or symp- 
toms of this appalling disease. Although the sufferer 
may be somewhat lively, and comparatively free from 
pain in the morning, yet ere noon arrives, she is greatly 
indisposed, and begins to move carefully, supporting 
with her hand the lower abdomen, as if she were afraid 
of jarring or jolting the internal organs ; and not unfre- 
quently does it happen, that before night approaches, 
her accumulated sufferings will extort cries of anguish 
and despair. 
The above is by no means an exaggeration of the 
symptoms of prolapsus uteri. The intensity of the suffer- 14 
ing, however, belongs to an advanced stage of the disease. 
But the modification of the symptoms, enabling the sub- 
ject, as is often the case, though always with more or less 
suffering, to attend to her ordinary duties, does not at all 
affect the signs by which the nature of the disease may 
be discerned. And let it not be forgotten, that in every 
variety and degree of prolapsus, the safest and most re- 
liable treatment is the immediate application of the 
Brace and Attachments. 
Before proceeding to demonstrate what has been said 
about the pathology of this disease, by the introduction 
of cases bearing on the point, we must notice one or two 
of the objections urged against the use of external sup- 
port by those whose opinion, in general, is not to be light- 
ly esteemed, and whose errors are therefore the more 
dangerous. These gentlemen confidently assert, that 
“ prolapsus uteri is not caused by a relaxation of the 
'muscles, but by a weakness of the ligaments ; that exter- 
nal support, however concordant with the natural action 
and bearing of the muscular forces its principles maybe, 
must necessarily press as much upon as it lifts from off 
the uterus, and therefore can do no good.” That such is 
not the fact, is shown by the invariable relief given to the 
sufferer by upward and backward pressure, even when 
this pressure is made by the mere application of the 
human hand, that is, by placing one hand upon the lower 
abdomen, and the other upon the small of the back, lift- 
ing and pressing firmly at the same time with the former, 
in an oblique direction up towards the latter ; this pecu- 
liar action being the same as that of the muscles which 
sustain the mechanical relations of the truncal mass. 
Again, if mechanical support, imitating the action of 
the muscles and judiciously applied, will not relieve a case 
of aggravated prolapsus, we are clearly in a dilemma; for 
it is admitted that the natural healthful action of the 
abdominal and dorsal muscles is upward and backward; 
and that these muscles are the actual organs which sup- 
port the viscera and preserve their determinate form and 15 
position. Of course, then, it follows, that, the more 
healthy and elastic are these organs, the more perfectly 
will they effect this perpetual elevation and protection 
of the pelvic viscera. But, says the objector, “ It 
matters not, how analogous the action and bearing of 
any mechanical device may be with the action and 
bearing of the muscles, such device must necessarily 
produce as much pressure downward as upward !” Now 
if this were the case we should think it fair to conclude, 
that, the more active and elastic, and altogether healthy, 
are the muscles in question, the more will they tend to 
produce prolapsus, by pressing down a part of the bowels 
more forcibly upon the uterus. We would also suggest, 
that such reasoning as this, is not exactly the kind our 
opponents should adopt, to induce the belief that mus- 
cular relaxation may not be a fruitful source of prolapsus 
and general mal-position of the abdominal and pectoral 
organs, or that external support, like that supplied by our 
mechanical devices,, will not relieve these effects. 
Another very grave objection is based upon the as- 
sumption, that even should the support of the Brace, in 
accordance with our promise, give immediate relief, that 
relief is not obtained on scientific principles; but in op- 
position to a known law of the vital economy. It is said, 
that “ if the natural function of supporting muscles bo 
artificially or mechanically performed, their torpor is in- 
creased ; and that, the natural stimulus on which they de- 
pend being thereby superseded, they must soon lose en- 
tirely their tone.” This is physiologically true ; but it is 
only so, when applied to muscles or organs in health—as 
for instance, if the farmer or the blacksmith should quit 
his vocation, and bandage up his muscles and take no 
exercise. But wc come to a sick person; to one who is 
laboring under both local and general muscular relaxation 
in its most distressing form ; where the effects are co- 
operating with the cause to enfeeble and depress — so 
much so, that even the most gentle carriage ex- 
ercise aggravates the symptoms and increases the misery 16 
of the patient; to one who is totally ineligible, for a time 
at least, to other than artificial curative means. We 
come to one, of whom common sens9 says, “ Bind her 
up, that she fall not to pieces. Hold her comfort- 
ably together by such mechanical devices as shall imi- 
tate the action and bearing of the muscular forces, and 
thus maintain the primitive relation of the parts, in order 
that she may be the sooner enabled to endure such physi- 
cal exercises as her medical adviser may deem necessary 
to re-establish the health of the system.” 
It is also erroneously objected, that those who may 
recover from prolapsus by the use of the Brace, will be 
unable, from habit, to lay the instrument aside. And 
this is deemed by some a sufficient reason for avoiding 
mechanical support! Only to think of it ! But after all, 
there is nothing like putting principles to the test, in 
searching after truth. Let us therefore make an appli- 
cation of the one before us. 
“ My friend, you have been for years laboring under 
great distress, owing to a displacement of some of your 
organs, and the consequent loss of their vital energy; and 
you well know that I have tried my utmost to alleviate 
this distress, by pessaries, tonics, anti-spasmodics, and 
other hopeful remedies ; but all in vain. To be sure, I 
know of a very simple and comfortable remedy, that would 
afford you efficient relief, and almost make you forget 
your troubles. But I must warn you not to thiukof using 
this remedy, as there is great danger of relying too 
much upon it for support; or, in other words, of substi- 
tuting the habit of being comfort able, for the habit of enduring 
pain.” 
But enough of such charitable reflections. Let it suf- 
'fice, that hereafter the invalid must use his cane or 
crutch, after lie has recovered the strength of his limbs ; 
that the child must creep and struggle from chair to chair, 
after it is able to walk and run; in short, that all assist- 
ance, of whatever kind and degree, must henceforth be 
rendered, after the emergency shall have passed away. 17 
It is also contended by tliose who oppose the use of 
judicious mechanical support, that prolapsus is a primary 
disease, existing in the uterus or its ligaments; that all 
the attendant affections of the stomach, side, heart, lungs 
and head, and in fact the whole nervous system, are the 
result of sympathy, and not of mechanical derangement; 
that inasmuch as prolapsus is a local disease, the reme- 
dies should be applied upon the organ itself. Of course, 
then, it is only necessary to elevate the uterus, so as to 
give its ligaments time to regain their strength. 
This exclusive treatment of the womb, comprising as 
it does, the simple elevation of the organ itself, involves 
the persevering use of the pessary, a practice which it is 
humiliating to observe has been adopted and extolled by 
the loftiest heads and proudest names of the profession ; 
and yet we boldly assert that the pessary, in a clear ma- 
jority of cases, only makes the case more complete, as it 
rests on parts that themselves need support, and fre- 
quently causes versions and flexions of the uterus.* 
It will be remembered that the objection to supporting 
the viscera by mechanical means, is, that it weakens the 
powers of life, by mechanically performing the functions 
of supporting muscles. Is it not also claimed for the pes- 
sary that it mechanically performs the functions of the liga- 
ments, in doing for the uterus what such ligaments ought 
to do ? And will it be said that this does not constantly tend 
to weaken the same, by doing away the necessity for their 
action ? Is not this especially the case, if, as is claimed, 
the original descent of the uterus is caused and perpetuated 
by the relaxed condition of these identical ligaments ? But we 
can readily perceive that the objection applies to the 
pessary ; and, with equal force does it apply to almost 
every kind of mechanical support. We claim for our 
own mechanical devices, and hereby challenge either 
private or public investigation, that no such objection can 
apply; and this challenge we would modestly base upon 
the physiological construction. 
* These strictures on the pessary flo not apply to judicious intra-pelvic appliances, used 
in connection with external support, and acting from an external base. 18 
Without stopping to consider, because embraced in our 
forthcoming review of his pathology of prolapsus uteri, the 
absurd conclusion of the celebrated Dr. Meigs, namely 
that “a contractile shortening of the vagina, is the pro- 
ducing and perpetuating cause of this disease,” we would 
Fig. 7. 
Fig. 8. 
simply ask, Wliat is the natural action of the pessary upon 
that relaxed and irritated state of the vagina, which has 
been so strangely mistaken for “ a contractile shorten- 
ing,” but which we hold to be a remote effect of the re- 
laxation of the muscular bandages of the trunk? Is it 
Fig. 7 represents Banning’s Improved Abdominal Supporter removing visceral weight 
and correcting the truncal bearings, while its attachment, Banning’s Improved Bifurcated 
Uterine Elevator, is supporting the cul-de-sac on either side. Titus, while elongating the 
vagina, restoring the diseased or overtaxed and displaced uterus (without touching it) toits 
normal position. 
Fig. 8 represents Banning’s Improved Abdominal and Spinal Shoulder-Brace and Uterine not the perpetuation of such relaxed and irritated condi- 
tion of the vagina, albiis and general debil- 
ity, and otherwise lessening the chances of success, in 
the subsequent application of other remedial means ? 
Seeing, then, that the objections urged against judicious 
external mechanical support, in the treatment of prolap- 
sus, are more applicable to the favorite internal support 
or 'pessary of our opponents, we now ask the public and 
the profession, which course of treatment holds out the 
greatest prospect of relief ? In other words, Which 
course is more likely to restore the normal condition of 
the uterus and its appendages? 
Fig. 9. 
Fio. 10. 
Iii cases of flexions and versions 
of tiie uterus, we frequently intro- 
duce a Banning Uterine Balance, but 
simply to correct the deflection, and 
as an adjunct to the Brace ; this 
Balance has none of the objections attached to the pes- 
sary, as it rests on an external base, and corrects the 
position of the uterus after the visceral weight lias been 
removed by the external brace. 
Fig. 9 represents Fig. 8 
Simultaneously poising the superior trunk behind the dorso-lumbar spine; expanding 
the chest; bracing the weak spine; restoring the normal obliquity of the pelvis, and ele- 
vating all the abdominal viscera, from the bladder, rectum, and uterus, the T piece of the 
uterine balance resting against the posterior cul de-sac, and compelling the retroverted or 
flexed uterus to be reposited, producing a lateral contraction of the expanded vagina, and 
avoiding impingement upon the uterus or rectum. 
Fig. 10, combined with Figs. 3 or 4, is adapted to severe cases of prolapsus. 20 
What we would not now speak of, we have already 
alluded to, namely, the depression of the mouth or neck 
of the womb, into the vagina ; by which means the latter 
becomes distended and irritated, and its fibres and pores 
or ducts relaxed, the secretions being thereby greatly 
provoked, and the vessels pouring out a fluid, the morbid 
discharge of which is termed leucorrhea. 
This malady does its full share in destroying female 
health and happiness. No specific internal remedy for 
it has hitherto been found, and no age is exempt from its 
attack. They who are subject to it, are almost always 
afflicted with prolapsus, pain in the back, nervous sus- 
ceptilibity and lack of energy. In short, they have more 
or less of the drooping form, and usually complain of most 
or all of the effects growing out of the same. These facts 
argue an identity of origin and progress in leucorrhea and 
prolapsus. But leucorrhea has more commonly been 
viewed and treated as a primary disease. Hence it is 
that in vain almost every va- 
riety of treatment has been 
adopted for its relief. Of 
course we are speaking of this 
affection as mechanically in- 
duced by general muscular 
laxity. Like other effects, this 
disease is the cause of other 
difficulties, which is especially 
the case, in its aggravation of 
prolapsus. 
In our professional career, 
we found that in making use of the Brace for prolap- 
sus, many were also cured of leucorrhea, the fre- 
quency of which occurrence drew our attention to the 
subject, and we are now able to say that, with the ex- 
Fig. 11. 
Fig. 11, Banning’s Improved Straight Uterine Balance, to he combined with No. 3 or 4, 
used for anteversion or flexion of the uterus. The straight and hollow shaft conceals a 
spiral spring. The T piece supports the anterior cul-de-sac. 21 
ception of two or three cases out of the many we have 
treated, all have been essentially, if not permanently 
relieved by the use of the Brace. And we submit, 
whether in three-fourths of the cases, the symptoms 
accompanying prolapsus and leucorrhea are not the 
same,—the increase or decline of the one disease being 
contemporary with that of the other. 
EFFECT IN CHEATING UTERINE HEMORRHAGE AND PROFUSE 
MENSTRUATION. 
The extent of these diseases would scarcely be credited 
by any one who has not been brought in contact with 
their destructive influences. They impair the digestive, 
nervous, and muscular systems, by deranging the me- 
chanical relations, and then obstinately, yet naturally 
enough, resisting the constitutional overtures of the ablest 
practitioners, until, at length, their ramified effects lead 
to the supposition, that the patient is absolutely afflicted 
with the entire Protean group of maladies, termed female 
weaknesses. 
Almost all of the cases of Uterine Hemorrhage and 
Profuse Menstruation are caused and perpetuated, to a 
greater or less extent, by a deranged condition of the 
truncal organs. And what, indeed, may we not expect 
by a change so great as that from support to suspension ? 
It is true that some of these cases are much emaciated, 
and seem not to have abdomen enough to gravitate; and 
therefore we may not observe in them that morbid shape 
of the trunk so apparent in our representation of the 
drooping posture on page 3, where the descent of the 
viscera may be seen at a glance. But it matters not how 
inconsiderable may be this descent, so long as there is 
an actual change throughout the trunk, from support to 
suspension ; for, when the most inconceivably morbid or 
unnatural change takes place in an arrangement whose 
susceptibilities are presided over by nerves, and ever so little descent be the consequence, there must always be 
some modification of the vital functions, either local or 
general; perhaps both. And when the uterine organs are 
depressed by the abdominal viscera, their functions must 
either be depressed, exalted, or otherwise modified, by 
the breach thus made, producing irritation and debility 
in the nerves of organic life, by continually pressing upon 
them, and stretching their connections with the surround- 
ing parts. 
These diseases are always benefited by the application 
of the Brace. It matters not whether they have a local, 
constitutional, or mechanical origin. But when they exist 
as the legitimate effects of muscular weakness, their 
speedy removal by the use of this instrument, is no longer 
a matter of conjecture. 
EFFECTS OF PRESSURE IN PREGNANCY—THE PEI/FIC GIRDLE. 
The period of pregnancy is beset with a full share of 
troubles. Among these are pain and weakness of the hips 
and limbs, occasioned by pressure on the sensitive and 
ligamentous tissues ; also great weakness and pain in the 
back, together with a darting sensation up the spine into 
the head, inducing confusion of mind, dizziness, ringing 
in the ears, and “ strange feelingscramps in the muscles 
of the abdomen; weight, distension, and costiveness ; 
urinary incontinence, or retention; varicose veins, and 
swelling of the limbs. Here, indeed, is a startling com- 
bination,—a sort of digest of human suffering. And is it 
any -wonder that all this should produce abortion V Is it 
any wonder that th.e life of the sufferer should be worn 
out before delivery ; or that her offspring should so often 
drop still-born into the world ? Now, we hold that al- 
most every pang peculiar to the period under considera- 
tion, is mechanically induced by distension, weight, and pres- 
sure, and that, therefore, instead of depending as hitherto 
upon cathartics, the lancet, and paregoric, for temporary 
relief, these distressing complaints, which have rendered 23 
this portion of female life a terror, may be entirely re* 
moved by such judicious mechanical support, as the girdle 
in question is every way fitted to impart. 
And here we cannot but bespeak in our own behalf, an 
inspection of this mechanical device, by our medical 
brethren; for, surely, every member of the profession 
must needs welcome an auxiliary of the kind,—one which, 
as soon as any of the above obstinate symptoms shall 
prove themselves to be non-cognizant of medicine, is abun- 
dantly able to step forth and make a mechanical adjust- 
ment of the matter. For our own part, we trust we are 
duly thankful for the light we now enjoy, and that we 
shall ever be ready to make our humble acknowledgments 
for each additional ray. It is gloomy enough to reflect 
on the amount of loss and suffering which the want of 
knowledge upon the subject is daily entailing upon thou- 
sands ; and, therefore, it is with no ordinary feelings that 
we have embarked in the dissemination of our views of 
mechanical support. Thousands of abortions, still-born 
children, bad labors, and deaths, might be prevented by 
the timely application of the Pelvic Girdle. 
EFFECT IN THE PRODUCTION OF VENTRAL, INGUINAL, AND UM- 
BILICAL HERNIA OR RUPTURE OF THE THIGH, GROIN AND 
NAVEL. 
On each side of the lower abdominal walls are two open- 
ings through which pass certain cords. These apertures 
are liable to relaxation or distension from various causes, 
the bowel often protruding like a sac, producing a hernia 
or rupture ; whilst this malady has many degrees of se- 
verity, it always renders life comfortless, and often proves 
fatal. In the relaxed or unsupported state, the 'pressure 
of the entire visceral mas3 against the inguinal rings is 
abundant cause for hernia, though it is frequently caused 
by running, lifting, coughing, and even by a mistep ; and 
if the encroachment of the internal organs upon the rings 24 
distend them and thus effect protrusions (for how can 
a passive bowel resist the pressure which is forcing it 
through the aperture ?), the protection of the rings against 
f urther encroachment, by the removal of the superincumbent 
weight, is certainly the common sense method of curing the 
rupture. This can only be accomplished by applying sup- 
port to the abdominal organs. To this end our appli- 
ances are admirably adapted; and if all feeble persons 
of lax habits, who are troubled with “prickling” pains 
and weakness in the lower abdomen, should adopt the 
precautionary measure of wearing them, many of the 
most disheartening cases of rupture would be avoided. 
There are but few contingencies more common and 
dangerous than rupture, it being estimated that at least 
one in seven of adults is so afflicted, and yet it is a mel- 
ancholy fact, that with all the inventive genius of this age, 
hitherto there has not been produced a hernial truss 
based upon proper principles, the trusses heretofore 
made being clumsy contrivances, without the least lifting 
power; the inventors or manufacturers thereof being 
apparently ignorant of the laws of anatomy and 
ogy. In all their trusses the principal object they have 
appeared to keep in view has been to “ plug up ” the 
Hernia by strong pressure upon the external inguinal ring, 
forgetting that by so doing they only caused the breach 
to be more extensive. Among the defects of the ordinary 
truss of to-day we would mention : 
l<?k Total absence of any power to remove the prox- 
imate cause, viz., visceral weight. 
2d. Owing to absence of lifting power, greater pressure 
upon the external ring. 
3d. A pad so large, with pressure so great as injuri- 
ously to compress the spermatic cord. Tor, in addi- 
tion to the absence of the lifting power, the large pad 
covering so much of the wall, calls for greater pressure to 
retain the Hernia. Who, for instance, would attempt to 
stop the leak from a gimlet hole by placing over it the 25 
entire hand r If they did they would have to use great 
force to accomplish it; but by putting the point of the 
finger over the aperture, a slight pressure would prevent 
the leak. So with Hernia, the smaller the space covered 
by the ball the more effective it becomes. Patients often 
remark, on seeing our Hernial apparatus: “ Oh ! Doctor, 
that wont do, because I have awful, awful big Hernia 
and they will take off the appliance they have been 
wearing, which will look as though 
large enough for two or three rup- 
tured men. They forget what the far- 
mer boy said, viz. : “ That a very large 
drove of cattle can come through a 
very small gate.” 
4th. Without any exception, all the 
trusses heretofore have pressed upon 
the back. This they can not do with- 
out injuring the sacral (spinal) nerves, 
and frequently paralysis results there- 
from . 
5th. The cushioned pads inevitably 
cause relaxation, which is a very great 
defect. 
6th. All other umbilical trusses crowd 
down the bowels, they procuring their 
retentive power by encircling the 
waist; while ours act from below. 
1th. Their friction and liability to 
displacement complete the category of 
our complaints against them. 
This essay has not borne thus hard upon trusses, their 
inventors and manufacturers, through any feeling of 
rivalry, but because the defects it has pointed out do exist, 
and have caused an immense amount of human suffering 
Fio. 12. 
Fig. 12 represents the Banning Non-Friction Self-Adjusting Brace-Truss, curing double 
inguinal, femoral, and umbilical Hernia. It acts upon the principle of elevating visceral 
weight from the Hernial openings, and gives but slight pressure, not on the Ring, but in 
the canal between the two rings, causing a consequent contraction of them, and in sixty- 
percent, of the cases a speedy radical cure. It can not become displaced. Is light, cool, 
self-adjustable, and an absolutely “ Non-Friction Truss.” and it seems strange that the profession should hava 
left the inventing of proper Hernial apparatus so much 
to mechanics who possessing no knowledge of physiology, 
or to charlatans, who, taking a piece of hoop-iron, con- 
struct a truss, and announcing ‘ ‘ Eureka,” offer it to 
the public—not only to the damage of the buyer's purse, 
but, what is of much more importance, to the serious 
detriment of his health. For illustrative cases and de- 
scription of Banning’s Hernial appliance, see pages 61, 62 ; 
Figs. 5 and 12. 
Effects of Dragging upon the Parts Above. 
MORBID EFFECTS OF EELAXATION UPON THE VOCAL ORGANS. 
(BRONCHITIS OF PUBLIC SPEAKERS AND SINGERS—THROAT 
AIL—WEAK AND UNNATURAL VOICE.) 
The possession of a clear, smooth, and melodious 
voice, depends upon the correct action of the abdominal 
muscles, which lie at the foundation of vocal philosophy, 
and are admirably adapted to force the well-packed in- 
ternal organs against the lungs, thus driving the air in 
a direct line along the natural course of the slightly 
curved vocal tube. 
Now that the body is drooped, the shoulders and chin 
depressed, and the internal organs deprived of support, 
how can the delicate texture of the vocal tube resist that 
concussion and abrasion which must inevitably be pro- 
duced by this condition ? For it is plain that the appli- 
cation of the expulsory power must now be made either 
obliquely or at right angles. In other words, by sinking 
or drooping the shoulders, and contracting or depressing 
the chest, the power must be applied at opposing points, 
which will, of course, produce a general concussion in 
the cells and bronchia, and cause the air so to press 
downward upon the diaphragm, that if a vocal appara- 27 
tus were located at this point, we should doubtless have 
its utterances in no uncertain tone to support our 
position. 
The air being thus scattered in all directions, a por- 
tion of it goes oscillating and rasping up the throat in 
confused and ragged currents, until it strikes the roof 
of the mouth, when, by the acrrte angle in the passage, 
it is again concussed and scattered, a part of it seeking 
ogress through the nose, that being the straightest and 
most convenient exit, whilst the whole operation is ac- 
companied" with a flat, jarring, and unpleasant voice. 
Another effect is, that the air-tube being curved, and 
the outlet contracted, the air moves in a ranged 
stream, in lieu of a pure smooth current, injuring the 
bronchial or lining membrane of the throat and wind- 
pipe, and of other smaller tubes, mechanically irritating 
their surfaces, and inducing at the same time a sense of 
dryness and aching, especially in speaking and singing. 
The surface is soon exposed, pimples appear, and 
the result is, a genuine specimen of bronchitis, or, 
as it is often erroneously termed, “ the throat dis- 
ease of public speakers.” These views are strongly 
corroborated by the fact, that almost all broken-down 
public speakers and singers complain much of weakness 
and goneness at the stomach, and pain in the back. We 
also find that the subjects of Bronchitis, or Throat-ail, 
are the relaxed and feeble; those who generally sit, 
stand, or walk in the curved or drooping posture, with 
the head bent forward, the chest compressed, and the 
abdomen relaxed; who are deprived of regular exer- 
cise in the open air. By far the greatest number of 
cases are found amongst mechanics, school-teachers, and 
ministers of the Gospel, who preach calmly by note from 
a low desk. (See Lecture on “ The Philosophy of the 
Human Voice,” published by B. T. & B. Co., 312 Broadway, 
N.Y. Price 25 cents.) MORBID EFFECTS OF RELAXATION IN PRODUCING AFFECTIONS 
OF THE LUNGS. 
The diaphragm, or floor of the lungs, being now de- 
prived of its usual support, by the withdrawal of the ab- 
dominal organs from their natural position, its fibres can 
no longer be put upon the stretch; in consequence of 
which, they soon lose their power to contract, and are 
accordingly dragged upon by the falling organs. This 
inevitable result of a relaxation of the abdominal belts, 
and consequent falling of the bowels, causes, in conjunc- 
tion with the influence of the surrounding atmosphere, a 
compression of the waist, and an elongation of the chest, 
as well as severe depression at the stomach; and, as the 
body is also of the drooping form, the weight of the 
trunk prevents the expansion of the short ribs, by crush- 
ing in the chest at its most movable part. 
The restriction thus imposed upon these ribs, destroys 
the power of the intercostal muscles in this part of tire 
chest, to say nothing about the separation of their front 
extremities. Inspiration must therefore be chiefly 
effected through the instrumentality of the superior in- 
tercostals; and hence it is that in all cases where the 
stomach is retracted, and the waist compressed, inspira- 
tory efforts will not expand either the sides or abdomen. 
Respiration, accordingly, becomes short and quick, being 
performed, as in the case of consumptives, who are trou- 
bled with shortness of breath, by a heaving of the upper 
portion of the chest, with the aid of the lobes in that 
locality. 
The philosophy and mechanism of breathing being 
thus interfered with, the most dreadful effects are en- 
tailed upon the sufferer, such as bleeding at the lungs, 
cough, shortness and tightness of breath, as if breathing 
through a sieve, dead, dull, fixed, or wandering pains in 
the breast, together with a sense of pulling in the centre 
of the chest, or drawing at the pit of the stomach, as 
though there was something in that locality resisting all efforts to inhale a full breath, and defeating every at- 
tempt to sit erect and develop the chest. This pulling 
sensation is explained by the fact, that when the dia- 
phragm is dragged down from its elevated position, as 
is now the case, the mediastinum, or partition between 
the right and left lungs, is put upon the stretch, and thus 
placed in a very unnatural situation, it being no part of 
its office to sustain the organ to which it is attached. It 
is this stretching of the mediastinum that makes all con- 
sumptive persons complain of a sense of pulling, or of 
tightness or stricture in the centre of the chest, the tense 
membrane becoming relaxed, and the sensations relieved 
whenever the diaphragm rests upon, or is firmly sup- 
ported by, the organs below. This deranged condition 
must permanently compress the lower, and throw a great 
burden upon the upper lungs, thus increasing the labor 
of respiration, and thereby establishing sundry local 
and constitutional difficulties, the mechanical origin o/tvhich 
accounts for the fact, that whilst they are always reliev- 
ed, and often eradicated by the judicious elevation of the 
visceral mass, and the consequent shortening and ex- 
panding of the chest, they never yield to exclusive inter- 
nal treatment. 
Affections of the Lungs, though varying greatly in de- 
grees of fatality, are at all times justly regarded with feel- 
ings of apprehension, for it cannot be expected that such 
delicate organs as the lungs can long remain uncured, 
without establishing tendencies which too often result in 
the termination of life. 
Whenever the usual symptoms of Consumption exist, 
the pathology of the disease is the first question to be 
settled, the prospect of recovery being materially affected 
thereby. Is the difficulty of an organic nature, or does it 
arise from simple mechanical derangement ? For, when 
the substance or structure of the lungs is invaded, the 
prospect of cure is almost in exact proportion to the ex- 
tent of the disorganization. 
W e now proceed upon the supposition, that morbid re- 30 
lations are existing in connection with the above-named 
symptoms of disease ; and where these do not exist, then, 
although all the symptoms are complete, our views do 
not apply to such cases. They must be treated in the 
best possible way, with other than physical or mechani- 
cal remedies. But such cases do not often exist; for, 
however certain it may be in au}r particular case, that 
this dreadful malady has not been caused by a morbid 
relaxation of the muscular bands of the system, it will 
almost invariably be manifest, that it has ravaged and 
deranged the machinery of the trunk to such an extent, 
that no treatment whatever can impart essential relief, 
without the aid of mechanical support. 
The general mechanical physiology of man in a healthy 
state, requires that the body should be erect, the should- 
ers high, the chest full, the short ribs playing freely, 
the lungs at perfect liberty, the abdomen round and firm, 
the stomach full, the back well curved inward, and the 
bowels elevated and supporting the diaphragm, as in 
Figure 1 and page 3. Whereas, in almost every individ- 
ual complaining of the above symptoms, we find the 
shoulders drooped and brought forward, the back strongly 
curved, and the whole trunk sunken and relaxed, the 
breast bone being forced inward, and the ribs and lungs 
compressed. 
The bowels having fallen, and the abdomen being hard 
and large at its base, and small and soft at the waist where 
it is much retracted, the stomach, liver, and spleen, and 
other superior organs, having lost their support, must 
accordingly descend; so that, in the standing posture, 
particularly, the patient will complain much of weakness 
of the back, weight in the abdomen, sinking at the 
stomach and tightness in the centre of the chest; and, in- 
deed, whenever he attempts to straighten up, draw back 
his shoulders, and throw out his .chest, he immediately 
relapses, saying that it pains him to stand erect; that 
it pulls at the pit of the stomach, increases the tightness 
in the breast, and shortens his breath; all of which is accounted for bj the fact, that, in raising himself he 
is also obliged to raise the bowels, the tension and 
gasping to which we have alluded being thereby pro- 
duced. 
This deplorable state of things can only be relieved by 
the due expansion of the chest and lungs. And how 
is this to be accomplished'? By internal and constitu- 
tional remedies, or by judicious mechanical means ? Evi- 
dently by the latter, as medicine can produce no change in 
the form, or remedy physical defects. First, the abdo- 
men must be properly elevated, so as to lift the super- 
incumbent mass upward and backward, by means of which 
the lungs will be supported, the chest enlarged at its 
lower region, and the tightness and stricture removed,— 
the author’s Body-Brace, and abdominal and spinal shoul- 
der Brace, as we shall presently show, being the onl}1, 
instruments adapted for this purpose. The patient can 
then stand erect, or place himself in any required position, 
without the usual pain and stricture in the’ breast and 
stomach, the diaphragm also being thereby elevated and 
made tense, and caused to contract more perfectly in 
respiration. 
MORBID EFFECTS OF RELAXATION UPON THE HEART AND 
BRAIN. (PALPITATION OR FLUTTERING-, SINKING OR FALL- 
ING OF THE HEART, ; FULNESS, TIGHTNESS, AND DIZZINESS 
OF THE HEAD; CONFUSION OF IDEAS, AND LOSS OF MEMORY.) 
It will be recollected that the heart is retained in its 
natural state by ligaments, arteries, and veins, as well as 
by the diaphragm, from which it derives its chief sup- 
port. But now that the diaphragm is dragged down 
from its proper position, the heart also, with which it is 
firmly connected at its base, must necessarily descend, 
oppressing and irritating the nerves of organic life that 
preside over its involuntary action, and producing every 
form of palpitation, or “ fluttering,” as well as “ sinking ” or “ falling ” of tlie heart. Indeed it often happens that 
this increased action, or beating of the heart, is found 
sufficiently low down to indicate a positive change in its 
locality. Note, too, with what hasty and firm strokes the 
human heart beats at the invasion of individual rights, 
making the tired muscle ache with the exertion of its 
giant force, as it sends the blood to the very surface of 
the body. See also how at times it leaps for joy. Be- 
hold it, on the other hand, in sorrowful and almost pulse- 
less depression, and then say, whether, if such compar- 
atively trifling external circumstances may, through the 
mind, produce such modifications in its action, internal 
circumstances of a mechanical nature, bearing directly 
on the heart and putting all its fastenings or moorings 
upon the stretch, may not be expected to superinduce 
very important modifications in its position. 
When palpitation of the heart is once originated, no 
matter how, a multitude of effects or results will natural- 
ly follow. Prominent among these is an increase in the 
size and strength of the organ. This morbid condition 
of the heart is caused by the agitation of its fibres, and 
may be illustrated by the fact, that the limbs most used 
by the farmer, blacksmith and dancer, become, from the 
natural stimulus of exercise, very large and strong. This 
enlargement, though but a mere effect or symptom, will 
eventually become an active and perpetuating cause of 
disease. 
It may be well to remark in this place, that whenever 
palpitation of the heart is produced by an inflammatory 
affection of the spine, which may at all times bo ascer- 
tained by smart pressure on the spinal column, the ordi- 
nary routine of treatment, adopted by the profession, 
1 should at once be resorted to, though such treatment 
should not be too long continued. If the relief given is 
not radical, or likely to prove so in a very short time, it 
may be proper to use other means ; for, partial relief is 
not always to be regarded as evidence that the further 
prosecution of the treatment is advisable. It may not be possible for such treatment to do more than relieve 
the acute and aggravating symptoms. The remaining 
effects may be chronic ; and they may also require that 
the body should be supported by the elevation of the ab- 
dominal organs. 
Another serious difficulty arising from palpitation of 
the heart, has its bearing upon the lungs. The irregular 
and unnatural action of this state, may induce a derange- 
ment of the valves which admit the passage of the blood 
from one room of the heart to another. For instance, 
the arteries send the blood to the lungs from the right 
side of the heart, and the pulmonary veins carry it back 
to the left side, from whence it is sent over the whole 
system. Now, if the valve that defends the passage of 
the blood from the first to the second room in the left 
side of the heart does not act, or becomes bony or gristly, 
of course the blood will be obstructed in its passage from 
the lungs through the heart, and so on throughout the 
system. The blood will, therefore, accumulate in the 
pulmonary veins, and becoming gorged in the lungs, will 
inflame and produce in them a sense of suffocation, the 
complexion of the patient being blue, the lips livid, and 
the face flushed. To free themselves from this feverish 
state, the lungs secrete a thick, tough mucus, which, to- 
gether with a troublesome cough, leads the patient to 
conclude that the difficulty is a primary disease of the 
lungs. Hence the importance of being able to determine 
at the outset, whether the disease is symptomatic,—the 
mere effect of a remote mechanical cause, and calling only for 
mechanical aid. 
The vessels of the heart divide into those which run 
into the head and arms, and those which supply the lower 
trunk and extremities. The distance from the starting 
point to the head being shorter than the other, an in- 
crease of action in the heart must send an unusual quan- 
tity of blood to the brain; and, as the brain at all times 
so completely fills the cavity of the skull, that even the 
courses of the blood-vessels are imprinted upon it, this surd large of blood must be attended with pain ful'and in- 
jurious results. The cranium being formed of bone, and 
therefore inelastic, and the blood being thus forcibly 
ejected into the delicate organs that already fill the cav- 
ity, of course the nerves of seeing, hearing, tasting, 
smelling, and feeling, must undergo severe compresssion. 
A sense of fulness and tightness will also be experienced 
in the head. Persons of nervous temperament will in 
cases like these find a recumbent posture uniformly at- 
tended with headache. 
Such patients will often, after reaching or stooping, 
carrying a weight, or ascending a hill or flight of stairs, 
suddenly complain of dizziness, blindness, or confused 
vision, as well as unnatural and frightful objects. The 
patient will reel and stagger, and seize hold upon the 
nearest object for support, complaining at the same time 
of a sensation of water in the head, and of ringing in the 
ears, together with a confusion of ideas and loss of mem- 
ory, the attitude being fixed, and the head firmly clasp- 
ed with both hands. When these symptoms have passed 
over, the patient will speak of having felt a creeping sen- 
sation travelling up the spine, entering t ie brain, and 
spreading out in all directions, Sometimes this affection 
passes off quietly, the patient moving gently and 
looking around as if quite surprised at finding himself 
alive ; at other times, it is immediately succeeded by 
bursts of tears and sobs, the patient not being able to 
assign any reason therefor. On some occasions the 
patient will scream, seem delirious, and talk incoherently. 
Persons thus afflicted will be often telling that life is a 
burden, and that they have no comfort. They are ever 
looking for death, and yet are filled with terror at its ap- 
proach. 
From the foregoing facts, we may learn that the prob- 
able cause of nervous troubles is a general or local mus- 
cular relaxation, not an affection of the truncal organs; 
and, also, that such diseases do not exist in the imagina- 
tion or fancy, nor depend upon a strong or weak mind. 35 
They cannot be controlled by the most powerful intel- 
lectual influences. We might as well talk tactics to the 
wind, as expect the mind to curb or govern nervous 
affections brought on by mechanical causes. What 
then shall we say to those who address such cruel words 
as these to the sufferer : “ O, you are only hysterical! 
You will get better by and by;” unmindful of the fact, 
that when human nature is thus, borved down, it more 
especially needs the kind look, the sympathizing voice, 
and the supporting arm. 
MORBID EFFECTS OF RELAXATION HPONXTHE STOMACH, LITER, 
AND SPLEEN. (DYSPEPSIA—LIVER COMPLAINT—CHRONIC 
INFLAMMATION OF THE SPLEEN.) 
The dangling condition of the stomach, in the unnatu- 
ral state, also enables us to account for those peculiar 
sensations of “vacancy” and “ goneness,” so common to 
the dyspeptic. And hence it is, that persons afflicted 
with dyspepsia are so often compelled to lie down im- 
mediately after eating ; the relief afforded by the recum- 
bent posture, under such circumstances, being obvious to 
every one, and quite enough to throw considerable light 
upon that mysterious, yet oft-repeated declaration of 
those who have graduated, namely, that they are thus en- 
abled to “ enjoy a sort of comfortable misery.” 
The fact should not be overlooked, that persons afflict- 
ed with dyspepsia may complain either of a voracious 
appetite or of no appetite at all. Still, whatever is eaten 
lies heavily on the stomach, producing a sense of “ flat- 
ness,” or “ weight,” or “ load,” or “ burning pain,” which 
is often insufferable; These unpleasant sensations are 
accompanied with a belching of gas, or the throwing off 
of a hot acid fluid, that seems almost to skin the throat 
and melt Iffe teeth of the invalid. 
Seeing, then, the legitimate results of a relaxation of 
the abdominal muscles, or, in other words, of the habitual deviation from the erect posture, and the consequent 
changes in the mechanical relations of the vital organs, 
let us seriously reflect whether dyspepsia, or other mala- 
dies thus provoked, can be eradicated by other than 
mechanical means ? 
Dyspepsia may indeed result from causes requiring 
constitutional treatment. But when it arises from a me- 
chanical cause, which is almost invariably the case, as 
shown by the fact that every confirmed dyspeptic is of 
the drooping form, is it possible, we ask, for internal reme- 
dies to effect a cure? For cases see page —. 
The Liver.—The liver is pressed upon in all parts by 
the ribs, lungs, and bowels. Its function is to receive the 
returning blood, from which it draws out or secretes an 
element called bile. This secretion, by virtue of surround- 
ing pressure, which it relies upon instead of muscular 
tissue, is thrown into the first bowel to assist in diges- 
tion. But now that the stimulus of pressure is removed 
by morbid relaxation, the liver ceases to perform its na- 
tural functions; and, being very heavy, it must, in its 
present unsupported condition, make large demands upon 
the ligaments connecting it with the diaphragm ; which, 
by such unnatural pulling, becomes almost inverted. 
This dragging upon the diaphragm causes the sufferer to 
sit or stand with his hand upon his right side. It al o 
disposes him to lean in that direction. 
The effect upon the system, of so great a change in 
the mechanical relations of this organ—a change from 
support to suspension, has induced the bestowal of a fear- 
ful amount of medication upon so-called diseases of the 
liver. We would not, however, be understood to favor the 
view that these mechanical difficulties may not exist long 
enough to induce other symptoms, resulting in the estab- 
lishment of a compound ailment, requiring both constitu- 
tional and mechanical treatment. But even in such cases, 
common sense teaches us that the chief reliance for a rad- 
ical cure, is upon mechanical aid, that being best adapted 
to remove the cause of the complicated ailment. Invalids should be urgently pressed for a description of 
their feelings. The language of sensation is of infinite im- 
portance in determining the nature of chronic disease. 
Take, for instance, the following by way of illustration. Af- 
ter several unsuccessful attempts to ascertain the peculiar 
sensations of a distinguished lady in a case of supposed 
liver complaint, she replied : “ Why, Doctor, it feels just 
as though it was hanging from where it is hitched !” This 
was certainly quaint, but it told the story, and enabled us 
promptly to decide that the affection was purely mechan- 
ical. 
The Spleen.—Next in the order of remark comes the 
spleen. It will be remembered that it is situated in the 
left side, under the short ribs. Its displacement, as well 
as that of its suspended associates, causes a tension of 
the ligaments connecting it with the ,diaphragm. This 
organ is accordingly much disturbed, being thereby 
placed between two pulling forces—a position eminently 
calculated to produce chronic or acute inflammation in 
the several organs concerned. The spleen is the seat of 
many of those chronic difficulties which have been so 
long and unsuccessfully treated by the profession as 
primary diseases of the organ, under the name of affec- 
tions of the spleen. The more common of these affections 
are lameness and tenderness, with a “ dead,” “ dull,” 
“ deep ” and constant pain in the left side, for which cup- 
pings, leechings, issues, and every other conceivable 
counter-irritation have been unsuccessfully applied. But 
let us lift the abdomen of the patient and press on 
the small of the back, thus creating the natural state, 
and the patient will at once find relief. What more posi- 
tive proof can we have of the need in such cases of the 
Brace ? 38 
MORBID EFFECTS OF RELAXATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF 
CHRONIC DIARRHCEA AND DYSENTERY, AND CHRONIC PERI- 
TONITIS, OR GENERAL TENDERNESS OF THE ABDOMEN. 
The bowels now lie inactive upon the front bone at the 
base of the abdomen, below the influence of muscular 
contraction, causing a sense of “ deadness ” and “ weight ” 
to be experienced in that locality; and, if this descent 
does not pull clown the stomach, liver and spleen, it does, 
to say the least, leave them to the influence of their spe- 
cific gravity, in which condition they must necessarily 
produce a pulling or dragging upon the diaphragm and 
other organs above, affecting more or less the digestive 
powers, and destroying the tone of the bowels. Such a 
state of things is well calculated to result in diarrhoea or 
dysentery, which, wdien thus mechanically induced, wall 
undoubtedly resist the skill of the practitioner, and 
gradually assume a most distressing chronic form. 
Of course there are many things which affect the bow- 
els and suddenly produce diarrhoea and dysentery, with- 
out reference to any displacement of the organs. But 
if these affections are not checked, they also must assume 
a chronic form ;for, as soon as the bowels are diminished 
in volume by the frequency of the discharge, they will of 
course recede from the abdominal walls, and, being thus 
deprived of their usual support, must fall to the bottom 
of the pelvic cavity, thereby removing the stimulant or 
tonic influence of the muscles pressing on the viscera, 
and producing the same sensation as when these dis- 
eases are induced by muscular laxity. Indeed, we might 
as well, after all, consider this form, also, of chronic di- 
arrhoea and dysentery as having a mechanical origin; for, 
although it does not arise from mechanical derange- 
ment, yet nevertheless, it clearly appears that its duration 
actually induces muscular debility. For cases see page MORBID EFFECTS OF RELAXATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF 
SPINAL AFFECTIONS AND DISTORTIONS OF THE HIPS AND 
SHOULDERS. 
The bowels having moved forward, out of the axis of 
the bodjg are now producing a leverage on the spine ; 
and, notwithstanding the powerful antagonistic efforts of 
the dorsal muscles to resist this leverage, the chest, 
shoulders and l*3ad will be brought forward, the lungs 
compressed, and the abdomen enlarged. 
The reader -will remember that the body, when erect, 
rests on the processes, or central portion of the spinal 
column, as in Fig. 1, and that when it habitually bends 
forward, as in Fig. 2, the pressure is transferred to the 
body of the bone itself, the elastic gristle or cartilage be- 
tween the bones not being sufficient to protect them 
from the inj arious results of so gross a violation of the 
laws of health. This pressure being constant and un- 
natural, will, if long continued, be followed by great ten- 
derness and absorption. The rough surfaces of the 
bones will thus be brought together, when severe spinal 
irritation, ulceration, and ruinous spinal curvature will 
be the inevitable result. 
The fatigue and exhaustion consequent upon the sub- 
jection of the muscles to such constant and extraordi- 
nary exertion, may be compared to that which we expe- 
rience in ascending a hill. At first our limbs are able 
to double their exertions, but they soon flag; and as the 
top is neared, we are required to put forth the most 
powerful efforts to make even a small advance. When 
thus weakened, if compelled to struggle for a great 
length of time, they will become tender, tremulous, and 
unable to perform the simplest task. So with the mus- 
cles of the back. Strong and successful as they prove 
themselves in long continued efforts to keep the body 
erect, they must, like every other part of the human sys- 
tem, eventually yield to the destructive influences of a 
relaxation of the abdominal mpscles. 40 
It will not be denied that spinal curvatures and distor- 
tions of the hips and shoulders have becomo alarmingly 
prevalent. It is no uncommon thing to see spines 
curved like an Indian’s bow and the letter S, and others 
bulging out backwards or forwards, whilst irregularities 
of the shoulders and protrusions of the hips, present 
themselves at every step. These distortions are most 
numerous among females, so much so, indeed, that they 
are beginning to be estimated among diseases peculiar 
to the sex. 
Dr. Warren, of Boston, in his valuable little treatise 
on physical education and the preservation of health, 
says, “ I feel warranted in asserting, that, of the well-ed- 
ucated females, within my sphere of experience, about 
one-half are affected with some degree of distortion of the 
spine ! ” He also quotes a popular foreign writer in sup- 
port of this assertion, who, speaking of the lateral curva- 
ture of the spine, says, “ It is so common, that out of 
twentjr young girls, who have attained the age of fifteen 
years, there are not two who do not present very mani- 
fest traces of it.” 
The same writer correctly observes, that, “ Causes 
which affect the health and produce general weakness 
operate powerfully in producing affections of the spine, 
in consequence of the complexity of its structure and the 
great burden it supports. When weakened, it gradually 
yields under its weight, becomes bent and distorted, 
losing its natural curves, and acquiring others, in such 
directions as the operation of external causes tends to 
give it; and these curves will be proportioned, in their 
degree and in their permanence, to the producing causes. 
If the supporting part is removed from its true position, 
the parts supported necessarily follow, and thus a dis- 
tortion of the spine effects a distortion of the trunk of the 
body.” 
The prevalence of spinal affections among females, is 
owing somewhat to the fact, that ladies sit longer at the 
drawing-table, and live more upon romance than upon exercise and fresh air. But the chief responsibility rests 
upon the present system of education, which discourages 
in young ladies the development of muscular strength, 
and teaches them to look no one in the face, but rather 
to observe that perfect caricature of human dignity and 
symmetry, the Grecian bend; and until parents see the 
importance of educating the bodies as well as the minds 
of their children, physical weakness and spinal deformity 
must necessarily abound. 
The drooping or lounging attitudes which young ladies 
are thus allowed or instructed to assume, must, of course, 
relax the muscles of the abdomen, put those of the back 
upon the stretch, and bring more pressure upon one hip 
than upon the other ; so that, finally, to prevent falling, 
the individual loans towards the hip, where there is the 
greatest pressure. Of course, then, the axial line cannot 
run down the spine, but must cross the same; and if the 
person is sitting upon the right hip, it must run from this 
point to the left shoulder, passing diagonally through the 
body. This unusually great and peculiar pressure upon 
the spine will produce in it a curve between the shoul- 
ders, pushing one of them outward, making it seem larger 
than the other, and also causing it to appear diseased, 
when it only wants to be put in its proper place. (See 
Tigs. d3 and 15.) 
The muscular power being now unequal, and pulling 
unduly upon one side, the other shoulder must of course 
become depressed. The manner in which the antagoniz- 
ing power is lost may be illustrated by standing or rest- 
ing upon one foot. It will then be perceived that the 
muscles of the side on which we stand are unusually ac- 
tive ; and that in order to preserve the body in its new 
axis, they draw down the corresponding shoulder. Of 
course the muscles of the other side become relaxed, 
whilst the shoulder in turn is elevated above the other. 
This inequality, or elevation, this “ growing out ” of the 
shoulder, as it is often called, which is always accom- 
panied by a single or double curvature of the spine, is 42 
more common than any other spinal affection, and is 
often found without any visible forward drooping of the 
shoulders. 
Fig. 13. 
Fig. 14. 
It will be seen by referring 
to our side views of the erect 
posture, Figs. 1 and 2, that 
the axial or middle plumb line, 
from the crown of the head to 
the feet, passes through the 
spinal marrow at the nape of 
the neck, and in the hollow of 
the back; that it touches the 
spine only at these points. 
These points, therefore, must 
all be in line when the body is erect, The head only is 
allowed to move out of line, and not the shoulders. 
Fig. 13 represents the body supported mainly on right foot. A A, perpendicular line, 
from centre of head to right heel, showing the head to be st:U vertical to the basal point. 
B 11, angular lino, indicating the direction of gravity aga nst the lumbar spine and shoving 
it to one side. C, line showing the weight of the head and left shoulder to bo in the interest 
of a dorsal curve to the right. 
■1 ' i >mr for Double Sninal Curvatures. See Figs. 43 
Fig. 15. 
Fig. 16. 
Fig. 15 represents the Centripetal Spinal Lever accomplishing nothing, its lever powers 
not being brought into activity by being brought around the shoulders. 
Fig. 16 represents the Centripetal Spinal Lever in full activity, elevating and drawing out 
the left shoulder; supporting the lumbar curve to the right, and aggressively restoring the 
body to its axis, and t-o crushing out the curvature by means of the very gravity which 
caused it. 44 
Their drooping depends on a previous movement at the next 
point of motion below the nape of the neck, which is in the 
hollow of the hack, at D. So, also, when we bend forward 
or backward, it is through the agency of this part of the 
spinal column. This being the case, it follows that all de- 
formity and misshape about the chest and shoulders, 
where there is no tuberculous or other disorganization of 
the spinal column, must be referred to the hips and small 
of the hack. 
It should be remembered, therefore, that when we stoop 
or lounge, the chest does not advance or fall, as it seems 
to the eye ; the false impression in such cases being pro- 
duced by the simple fact that the point of motion, or ful- 
crum of the spine, recedes from beneath the chest. In 
other words, the middle of the body gets behind the 
shoulders, as clearly demonstrated by the circumstance, 
that in both the natural and drooping figures, the per- 
pendicular lines touch the same points about the head 
md feet. So that in order to straighten the drooping 
form on page 3 or to effectually cure round shoulders, 
it is only necessary to push the middle of the spine at 1) 
against the axial line 13 B, leaving the shoulders entirely 
undisturbed. This brings the portion of the spine which 
had receded, namely the middle, directly under the should- 
ers, as represented by the mathematical lines in Fig. 1. 
For example : Stand perfectly erect. Then let a friend 
place his thumb and forefinger against the spinal column, 
in the hollow of the back at D, and press firmly enough 
to resist the weight of your body. You will find it abso- 
lutely impossible to droop your shoulders in the least, or 
to bend your spine at any point. You may move your 
head forward, but how you cannot, and, if you persevere in 
this effort, your whole body will fall like a straight stake, 
over the ends of your toes. Your friend will then tell you 
that in your efforts to bend your body, the hollow of your 
spine pressed backward with great force against his thumb 
and finger. 
The reason why there can bo no natural and voluntary 45 
or involuntary motions of tlie shoulders, when the hollow 
of the back is held in axis, is that this point must always 
make an antecedent retreat. This is evident from the fact, 
that if your friend had held his fingers an inch from the 
spine at D, you would not only have been able to bow with 
ease, but your spine would have retreated to his thumb 
and finger, and the more you drooped your shoulders or 
bent your body, the harder would your back have pressed 
against his thumb and finger. 
Fig. 17. 
Fig. 18. 
To render the argument still more conclusive, suppose 
you assume the drooping posture. Your friend will then 
see that the hips and hollow of the back are not in range 
with the centre line B, but with the third and rear line. 
Let him now push you firmly at D, and you will either 
fall upon your face, or find your hack, hips, abdomen and 
stomach all coming forward, the hollow of the back, and 
Fig 17, t!io Spinal Prop, consists of Fig. 4, with the addition of f f, which are side-posts 
resting upon the arches of Fig. 4, and converting E E into unyielding crutches. 
By this the viscera are elevated, the shoulders drawn hack, and the proper forward spring 
of the lumbar spine preserved, and a tender or carious spine is relieved of pressure. The 
subject can exercise freely, and threatened disorganization and curvature are averted. 
Fig. 18. Revolving Spinal Prop. Its spinal lever accommodates the angle. A A, plates 
which revolve on screw posts, so as to (it the planes of the curve. These plates are curved 
to the form, and may bo run up and down on the screw posts, to suit theheight of tho tlie hips, again ranging with the head and joints below, 
causing you to be perfectly erect, the shoulders still being, 
as in other experiments, the same as they were before 
erecting the body. 
We think we have now shown to the satisfaction of the 
reader, that in order to straighten the form of a crooked 
person, or habitual drooper, the support should never he 
placed higher than the hollow of the hack. And we earnestly 
entreat all who are interested in the matter of artificial 
support, either for themselves or others, to make the fore- 
going experiments, and follow their leadings. 
We have said, that “ a growing out” of the shoulder 
always attends a lateral curvature of the spine. This is 
because their relation to each other is simply that of 
cause and effect; for, when the right shoulder is enlarged, 
and the left diminished, the spine between the shoulders 
is found bending to the right. This, at times, is so much 
the case, that it passes under the right shoulder blade, 
crowding it out of its place. The returning line of this 
curve, in its circular descent to the medial line of the back, 
forms a single spinal curvature. By following the course 
of this curve, it will be seen to cross the medial line of 
the back, describing as a natural consequence, a curve 
to the left, in the lower part of the spine, which, Avith the 
former curve near the right shoulder, forms what is called 
a double curvature. This lower curve crowds the left 
liip out of its place, in the same way that the upper curve 
resulted in an elevation of the right shoulder. By this 
means, also, the fulcrum is removed from the centre to 
the left side of the figure, Avhilst .the serpentine course 
which the spine has assumed, materially diminishes the 
height of the body. 
iSpinal and Muscular Weakness.—We come now to 
speak of another modification of Spinal Affections, which 
may emphatically be termed Spinal and Muscular Weak- 
ness. Tills state lias often been mistaken for inflammation, 
or genuine irritation of the spine ; a circumstance which 
is mainly attributable to the fact, that many of the sub- 47 
jects usually complain of symptoms peculiar to spinal ir- 
ritation. The error is natural enough, but not the treat- 
ment. Spinal weakness is distinguishable from spinal ir- 
ritation, by the absence of that intense tenderness which 
is usually felt m one or more of the 
spinal bones, and which causes the 
patient, on pressure, suddenly to 
cringe and shriek; whereas, in mere 
spinal weakness, this pressure simply 
calls forth such moderate expressions 
as “it is tender,” “it is sore,” or “it 
aches.” This distinction between 
spinal irritation and spinal and mus- 
cular weakness, is of the utmost im- 
portance in the treatment of spinal 
affections. 
The proper treatment for the relief 
of these painful maladies consists in 
restoring the deranged or disordered 
mechanism of the system to its primi- 
tive relations, which, we have demon- 
strated, is the legitimate work of the 
Body-Brace, Spinal Prop, Centripetal 
Lever, or Abdominal and Spinal 
Shoulder-Brace. And, if we are not 
greatly mistaken, the cases, cited by 
us on page —, will satisfy the reader, 
that whilst diseases of the spine must 
forever resist all efforts at compres- 
sion, they readily yield to the principle 
of support. 
Fig. 19. 
Fig. 19 represents tho Revolving Spinal Prop. Immediately strengthening the whole 
person, and arresting caries and curvature. First, by upward support which converts the 
abdominal viscera into an internal brace. Second, by its crutcli-like action, which holds 
the body’s weight from the spinal curve. Third, by a strong drawing back of the shoulders 
by the caps on the shoulder-bow in front of the heads of the humeri; and, Fourth, by the 
strong bracing and pushing forward action of the revolving dorsal plates on the vertical 
screw rods upon the curvature. By revolving action, these plates are self-adjustable to 
any slope of the spinal angle at either side, with no necessity for any impingement upon 
the spinous protuberance. As the case improves, thp vertical support may be successively 
increased by means of slides and screws in the side-posts. WHO SHOULD WEAE THE BEACE? 
1st. All public speakers and singers who have any irritabil- 
ity of the throat, or an and cracked voice, and 
whose vocal exertions are succeeded by languor and fatigue, 
with sense of flatness, faintness, or sinking at the stomach, and 
aching of the back. 
2d. Who have dull pains and sense of oppression about the 
chest, with limited or hurried breathing on slight exercise, ac- 
companied by short congh on attempting a full inspiration, and 
particularly where there is any predisposition to bleed at the 
lungs. Also, by confirmed pulmonics, as a very great tempor- 
ary relief to the last. (See “ Common Sense.”) 
8d. Who are troubled habitually with palpitation of the 
heart on slight exercise of excitement; and, also, a general 
nervousness, such as hysterics, lowness of spirits, gloom, cause- 
less crying, religious hallucinations, hypochondria, melancholia, 
and temptation to suicide. All such as the above usually ap- 
proximate the unnatural shape, and complain, more or less, of 
its general results. 
4th. Who have any degree of dyspepsia, and complain of 
dull dragging pains in the sides, irritating affections of the 
stomach, liver and spleen, accompanied by a sense of deathly 
sinking or “ goneness ” at the stomach, aggravated on exercis- 
ing, and on taking the erect posture ; together with a sense of 
shaking, heaviness, and pulling or dragging on walking or rid- 
ing. 
5th. Who are habitually costive, have chronic diarrhea, or 
are in the latter stage of dysentery, and particularly all who are 
habitually afflicted with colic, and who have either bleeding or 
blind piles. 
6th. Who are swag-bellied, have chronic peritonitis, and 
any variety of rupture of the bowels, or a predisposition to the 
same. 
7th. Having affections of the prostate gland, or who have 
any difficulty in either retaining or evacuating urine, and 
particularly all of that unfortunate class of both sexes, who from various causes (whether they be personal folly or accident), 
are laboring under that seminal or genital weakness which, de- 
spite the best moral principles and all constitutional treatment, 
goes on to sap both body and mind of its strength, and too often 
terminates in insanity or imbecility. It cannot be too eagerly 
sought by young and old of both sexes, where the draining 
waste, the weakness of the loins and nerves, and the mentai 
depression and weakness continue, after reforming from 
their follies. The effect is often wonderful on both body and 
mind. 
8th. All who have any variety of spinal affection, whether it 
be a double or single curvature, or spinal irritation, or only 
weakness, attended by dull pains between the shoulders, or 
continual wrangling or grinding pains in the small of the back 
and hips, with coldness, numbness, swelling pains and varicose 
veins, with weakness of the lower extremities, particularly in 
chronic milk leg, and the hardening of flesh and ulcerations so 
consequent upon it. 
9th. All pregnant ladies who are disposed to abortions, or 
suffer much in the last period of their journey, and particularly 
every lady immediately after delivery, and for weeks after (in 
such case should be applied over a wide linen bandage). 
10th. All who have any of the above symptoms, in connection 
with any bearing down (falling of the womb), whites, painful, 
interrupted or profuse menstruation. 
lith. All weak, lax-fibered, and rickety children, and youth 
who droop, lean and lounge, and who do not endure exercise 
well; and particularly young girls whose physical powers rather 
flag about the change to womanhood. If neglected then, they 
seldom fully recuperate afterward. 
12th. Particularly those recovering from long confinement, 
by fevers, or any other cause, should use it—it will enable them 
to begin to move earlier and more among the convalescing in- 
fluences ; for sea-sickness, it is most grateful. 
And lastly. All who are from habit or occupation disposed 
to droop, and are of a sedentary and rather delicate frame, 
should always own one, to use casually in walking, riding, or 
travelling, thus averting the consummation of their downward 
tendency. 
All of the above maladies may be caused by the descent of 50 
the internal organs, producing pressure from above on the one 
hand, and dragging on the other [re-read explanation], all of 
which the Brace may rationally relieve by supporting the back, 
and lifting the abdomen, thereby restoring a natural condition, 
and removing the physical power of discomfort. Reflect upon 
this before you say, “ It cures too many things.” 
Causes of the Hebility of Ladies, so Common at the Present 
Hay.—A neglect to support weak children. 2d. Neglecting to 
support fast-growing and Iax-fibered girls, at the change from 
girlhood to womanhood. 3d. The present length of whalebone 
dress waists, and the enormous number and weight of skirts at 
this day commonly worn pressing downward. 
HOW TO MEASURE EOR THE SELECTION OF ANT ONE OF TnE BRACES. 
1st. Number of inches around the body, two inches below 
the tips of the hip bones. 
2d. Do. straight around the chest close by the armpits. 
3d. Do. from each armpit to the tips of hip bones on each 
side. 
4th. Height of the person. 
HOW TO APTLY THE SEVERAL BRACES. 
1st. Let every part on tlie shoulder, back and abdomen, be 
twisted to set flat and even. 
2d. One tiling- always observe, viz.: Always have the front 
pad very low, and elevate the bowels with the hand, so as to 
have a lifting, and not a squeezing of the sunken organs. 
3d. Commence to wear them loosely, and at short intervals 
at first, in all cases whero they produce any pain or nervousness. 
A tempered perseverance will always overcome any physical or 
other inconvenience. 
Particular Advantages of the Braces over other Support- 
ers.—1st. They are cool. 2d. They are light. 3d. The pads 51 
can all be shifted up or down, right, or left as often as the 
spleen or necessity of the case may require. 4th. Their great 
and universal flexibility. 5th. They lift more than any other. 
6th. Their back pads are four, and press on the weak hips, and 
particularly on the weak back, balancing and not restraining 
the body. 7th. The pads being of naked horn, stimulate 
and harden the muscles, while soft and cushioned ones relax 
and weaken, through heat and perspiration, besides giving them 
a rancid smell. 8th. They are so constituted as to admit of 
attaching to it any proper spinal apparatus, and also the most 
perfect pile and hernial trusses. 9th. They may combine with 
their mechanical influence the virtues of the galvanic battery, 
locally or generally applied. 
NOTES. 
It is certain that a displaced or dragged condition of the vital 
organs may produce mechanical diseases, or greatly complicate 
and modify vital ones ; since it is certain that the vital organs 
are as much under the law of a proper position and bearing 
as the bones are ; hence why correct internal treatment too 
often stops short of a perfect cure, the Brace being requisite 
to mend the broken law of a natural bearing of the vital 
organs. 
Is it not clear, that if the functions of fractured bones, or of 
, dislocated joints, must be relieved by the nice readjustment of 
> the same by mechanical means, then loss of function and irri- 
tation may also follow a dislocation of the vital organs ; and 
that the latter must also be relieved by mechanical means, and 
not by medicine alone ? 
There are millions of votaries of fashion and pleasure, who, 
notwithstanding whalebones, corsets, and long bodices, are but 
poor languishing caricatures of good figures, and are unable to 
enjoy the very fashion they bow their nocks to. These might 
secure the splendid . form they desire, together with improved 52 
strength and grace, by the use of the Brace, which supports 
and braces the parts concerned; while the former only squeeze 
and compress them. 
It is now established by experiment as well as reason, that 
the Brace, when judiciously applied, in cases of typists fever, 
cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, and other conditions where there 
is a tendency to fainting and collapse, immediately improves 
the pulse and strength, and removes the deathly sense of sink- 
ing and faintness (or goneness), by acting as a substitute for the 
strong abdominal muscles which should have kept the whole 
line of vital organs constantly packed or braced upwards in their 
proper places. 
Thousands of invalids struggle with the proper symptoms of 
many acute and chronic diseases, but linger to fully recover, 
whom the Brace would immediately enable to rise and obtain 
the benefits of air, exercise, and society, as muscular debility, 
and a consequent loose and unsupported stato of the vital 
organs, have alone retarded their complete recovery. 
Said a distinguished clergyman of Vermont to the author : 
“ Doctor, I feel persuaded that you are a louder and more ex- 
tensive preacher of the gospel than any other man, for, judging 
from my renewed powers and faculties to preach, since wearing 
your Brace, and from what I have heard from other enfeebled 
clergymen who have experienced a similar relief, you will be 
instrumental in continuing many a successful messenger of 
peace in the pulpit, who otherwise must be silent.” 
The difference between Banning’s Non-Friction Self-Adjusting 
Brace Truss for the relief and cure of Hernia is, that while the 
latter retains the Hernia by pressing upon the external ring 
and thus enlarging it; also giving undue pressure upon the 
spinal nerves and spermatic cord;—the former by its lifting 53 
action and non-friction movement calls for but slight pressure, 
not upon the ring, but the inguinal canal, causing a consequent 
contraction of the rings, and in many cases a Speedy Radical 
Cure. 
Extract from a Patient's fetter. 
“ Description of Complaint.—Backache, terrible wrangling, 
twisting, pressing, bearing down or dragging in the groins ; back 
and limbs very weak; dull, heavy pains in the lower part of 
my body; numbness and constant inward heat at the lower 
part of my abdomen ; with prickling in my hips and down my 
limbs; inward heat and bearing down constantly very great; 
all of my disease lies in my back and lower abdomen. Oh ! 
hoio I long to see Dr. Panning's Braces 
Thousands might use the same language.—Banning. 
Miscellaneous Cases. 
The subjoined few cases are selected from many thousands 
of others, on account of their brevity, comprehensiveness, and 
expressiveness ; several of an older date are among them, in 
lieu of others of a late date, purely because they occupy a 
smaller space, and are so tersely expressed. 
From Sam11 Moss of New York. 
Dr. E. P. Banning: 
Dear Fkiend,—Some five years since, I ftade a brief state- 
ment of the great improvement of my son’s case of spinal cur- 
vature, under thy treatment. I now have the pleasure to add 
that his health i3 perfect. His form is so much improved as 
not to attract particular notice ; and his strength and activity such, as to enable him to run, jump, or wrestle, with impunity. 
So signal has been thy success with my son, as to compel me 
to advise all interested to resort to thee without delay. 
Samuel Ross, Dentist. 
From A. Tanner of TYarren, Fa. 
For twenty-five years I was sorely afflicted with obstinate 
costiveness, piles, terrible sick headache, and melancholy, to 
such an extent that about one-third cf my time I was unfit for 
corporeal or mental labor. I was soon perfectly relieved of 
them all, by the use of Dr. Banning’s Brace. Two years have 
now olapsed, and no return of my former troubles. I have 
also seen hundreds of similar cases equally relieved by the same 
means. I believe it would be invaluable, at least to all who 
are similarly afflicted. 
Ak.cuiba.ld Tanneb. 
From the Louisville Journal. 
Dr. Banning, National Hotel: 
Beak Sik,—I feel it to be due you as well as the community, 
to say, that although I have worn your Brace for relief of piles, 
ouly a short time, I have already experienced more complete 
and speedy relief from the most painful suffering of twenty 
years than I had ever anticipated or hopedand with great 
pleasure, I would recommend your agreeable and effective 
Brace to those similarly affected.. 
Mrs. J. N. McMichael. 
From the Louisville Journal. 
Mr. Peesto-CT : 
I wish through you to say to the suffering public, that after 
but a few days trial of Dr. Banning’s Pile Brace, I have ex- 
perienced inexpressible relief from most painful and exhaustive 
bleeding piles and general debility. My improvement in pos- 
ture, inward strength, and ability to preach, is very great. The 
relief is perfect. 
W. \V. Sellers. 55 
Extract from a Letter of a Lady to her Brother, 
a Physician. 
Dear Brother,—* * * * * After trying various other 
supporters to no avail, I was induced by a friend to try one of 
Dr. Banning’s Body Braces ; have worn it some time, and can 
testify that language is inadequate to express the relief I have 
experienced from it. That constant dull pain in the right side 
is wholly removed by its use; likewise the pressing, bearing 
down of the abdomen ; the piles and constipation of the bowels 
are all relieved. You well know how difficult it has been for 
me for years to walk any distance ; but since I have worn the 
Brace I have walked miles daily with slight inconvenience. I 
could not believe anything could have been devised that would 
so perfectly support the body. And now, by deaf brother, I 
want you to recommend this most useful instrument to all your 
patients afflicted as I have been. 
M. K. Everets, New York. 
From N. McConaughty, Millville, 1ST. J. 
Dear Sir,—I have worn your Brace fourteen months, and 
am a rescued man. Seven years of constipation, piles, nervous 
derangement, and general debility, are forgotten as a dream. 
I own my life to your Brace. No money would induce me to 
part with it. God surely sent you to me in my utter extremity. 
May He send you everywhere, the apostle of humanity and 
health. 
Yours gratefully, 
N. McConaughty, 
Pastor Presbyterian Church, Millville, N. J. 
Edmund P. Banning, M. D. 
F, 'om J. W. Wiley, Pennington, N~. J. 
I have worn Dr. E. P. Banning’s Brace for several months, 
on account of abdominal weakness, admitting of a drooping of 
the internal organs, and have found much benefit from it. It is 
especially a relief and support in public speaking, and in this 
respect I have derived so much comfort from it, that I now deem 56 
it indispensable to preachers and public speakers who are labor- 
ing under abdominal weakness, or a loss of expulsive force in 
speaking. To all such I cordially recommend this instrument. 
J. W. Wiley. 
From Lucretia Lambert, Allow ay st own, N. J. 
Dear Sir,—After wearing your Brace for one year, the most 
extreme and painful female (or uterine) weaknesses have van- 
ished. Bor ten years I was unable to walk or ride without in- 
tense suffering. Thousands had been spent upon the best 
physicians and supporters, without avail. But for your Brace 
1 would not accept of this world full of money in exchange. 
I pray you devote your whole life to the treatment of similar 
sufferers. 
Lucretia Lambert. 
To E. P. Baxxixg, M. D. 
From Geo. llachins, Millville. 
Dear Sir,—I am happy to say that the Brace you applied 
to my daughter has not only restored her strength, but also 
removed every vestige of her double lateral curvature of the 
spine and ungraceful inequalities of her hips and shoulders. 
I think all parents of weak and fast growing or deformed 
children should consult you at once. 
Your obedient servant, 
George Hitchins, 
Pastor First M. E. Church, in Millville. 
Dr. E. P. Banning. 
From that old Veteran, Commodore Charles Ap C. Jones. 
Near Prospect Hill, Va., Oct. 8, 1846. 
Dear Sir,—Ever since 1814, when I received a gun-shot, 
wound (the ball still remaining in my body), I have suffered 
intensely from pain in my back; so, at times, as to prevent rid- 
ing or walking without destroying all comfort. I have tried 
the various belts and supports, but found the remedy worse 
thon Ilia rli&onaA 57 
Since wearing your Spinal and Abdominal Brace, I have 
gone through some severe and protracted exercise without rest. 
On one occasion, I was for eleven hours either on my feet or 
in the saddle, without the least inconvenience then or after- 
wards. But for the Brace I could not have accomplished a 
tithe of this without intense suffering then and for days after- 
wards. 
I am certain that my general health also has been greatly 
renovated by your Braces, and I wish you great success in your 
pilgrimage for the relief of suffering humanity. 
Gratefully yours, 
Tiros. Ap 0. Joxes, 
U. S. Navy. 
Dr. E. P. Baxxixg. 
Extract of a Letter from the Rev. David Caldwell, 
Rector of St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, Va. 
I am now truly rejoiced to hear you are coming South. I 
hope you will find the trip one of profit to yourself, for I am 
sure it will be one of benevolence to others. If you wish, I 
would write you out an accurate description of how great ser- 
vice your Brace has been to me, especially as a stag and sup- 
port in speaking. If I could not procure another, I would not 
Eart with it for ten times its iceight in gold. I hope you will, 
y all means, visit Norfolk. I know many who need your 
Brace, and if they only knew its excellence, would furnish 
themselves with it. I am determined to keep a second Brace 
always on hand, provided against any accident to the first. I 
have been repeatedly urged to write to you for several of your 
Braces—and although wholly adverse to engage in secular 
matters, yet I regard your “ Body Brace ” such a blessing to 
individuals, that if you will send me one dozen by Mr. ■, 
or by the weekly packets between this port and New York, I 
will be responsible for them. 
David Caldwell. 
From Chas. S. Pope of Washington, D. C. 
Dr. Banning,—Before I commenced to wear your Abdominal 
and Spinal Shoulder Braces, I was helpless from bleeding piles, 58 
bleeding at the lungs, indigestion, constipation, and great sore- 
ness, “ goneness ” at the stomach. Between bodily pain and 
mental distress, my hope was “ forlorn.” 
But, from the same day on which I applied your Braces, both 
mental and physical distress were diminished, and in a few days 
every one of my sufferings had vanished, and I have now in- 
creased many pounds in weight, and am able, irrespective of 
weather, to attend to the most laborious duties. It is with a 
transport of desire that I wish multitudes to apply your agree- 
able Braces for similar weaknesses. 
Charles Sv Pope. 
CUKE OF TOTAL TAKALTSIS. 
From Wm. Spring sled of Rochester, JF.Y. 
Sik,—When my wife came under your treatment and applied 
your Spinal Prop, she, besides the severest uterine weaknesses, 
had lor six months endured total paralysis of both limbs, with- 
out power to make the slightest movement, even of her toes; 
but immediately after, her uterine symptoms were relieved, and 
within four weeks she could move her limbs and stand; and 
now, in three months, she does her own housework. So won- 
derful is the result, and so great my desire to have all spinal 
aiid uterine cases apply to you, that it seems as if the stones 
would cry out were I to hold my peace. 
Ever your ob’t serv’t, 
Wn. Speingsied. 
E. P. Banking, M. D. 
From Mrs. Abbie Potter of Warren, Trumbull Co., O. 
E. P. Banning, M. D. : 
For ten years I liave been confined to my bed with spinal 
curvature, falling of the womb, incontinence of uterine, terrible 
constipation, and extreme indigestion and emaciation, and loss 
of taste in my mouth. For seven years I was unable to hold a 
pen, and at no hour of this time was I kept from attracting the 
attention of passei'3 in the street by my constant moans, without 59 
heavy doses of morphine. But, Doctor, I am redeemed, and 
restored to both strength and health, by your simple abdominal 
and spinal brace. People come many miles to be “certain” 
that the miracle really has been performed. Could weak ladies 
know half of what your Brace has done for me, each one would 
hasten to possess it. 
Ever gratefully yours, etc. 
Abbie Potteb. 
From Mr. Jlobt. Montgomery of Youngstown, 
Mahoning Co., 0. 
Dr. Banning : 
My wife, who was for four years the subject of paralysis, of 
one leg and arm, and of great uterine trouble, never being able 
to sit up or to allow her feet to hang down, is most strangely 
restored to health and the free use of her limbs, by the simple 
application of your Brace, and this, after ail doctors and reme- 
dies had left us forlorn. And when I see that the result has 
been as philosophical as it is grand, I yearn to get your work 
on Mechanical Support into the hands of every family, and your 
Brace upon their weak or deformed bodies. 
Ever your obedient servant, etc. 
Hobt. Montgoiheet. 
From Mrs. II. Miller of Pittsburg. 
Sib,—Under God, I oive you or your Brace everything, it 
having utterly cured me of the most terrible instance of milk 
leg, with varicose veins and enormous swelling and ulceration I 
ever heard of. It had been of seventeen years’ duration, and 
amputation had been advised; shortly after the Brace lifted 
the weight of my bowels from the veins of my limbs, the swell- 
ing, hardness, and blackness, left, and in six weeks the ulcera- 
tion was gone. I, now, just for the pleasure of the thing, visit 
the market every morning. 
God bless you, dear Doctor, 
. Mrs. Hakbiet Miller. 
Dr. E. P. Banking. II. M. Brooklyn, October 24, 1865. 
Dr. Banning : 
Erom happy experience in my family, I cannot doubt that 
your Uterine Balance will, in your own hands, cure the most 
protracted and extreme Retroversion of the Uterus. 
C. McKeax, 158 Fulton avenue. 
Wiscassett, Me., October 24, 1865. 
Sir,—Your Uterine Balance having cured in my family an 
extreme case of Uterine Anteversion of eleven years’ duration, 
which resisted the best skill in Europe and America, I desir« 
to inf(*n all feeble ladies of the fact, and encourage them to 
make application to you. 
Dr. Banning. Samuel D. Doane. 
Brooklyn, N. Y., October 20, 18G5. 
Dear Sir,—Your Uterine Balance has given unsurpassed 
relief to a case of U terine Retroversion in my family, after thir- 
teen years of failure under the most distinguished Physicians. 
Chas. H. Ztjgaxle, 
Dr. Banning. Clinton ace., near Gates. 
From Medical Profession of Pittsburg. 
We, the undersigned, having used in our practice “ Banning’s 
Patent Brace,” for the relief' of cases of similar prolapsus uteri, 
cheerfully testify to its being the best instrument we have met 
with to fulfil all the indications required in the case, which can 
be required from an external support. 
A. N. McDowell, M. D. 
T. F. Dale, M. D. . 
Jos. P. Gazzam, M. D. 61 
From 12cv. Jos. JSIcElroy, 1). T)., Pastor Scotch Presbyterian 
Church, New York. 
Mt Deae Sie,—I have been accustomed to public speaking 
as a Minister of the Gospel for half a century, and in the earlier 
part of my ministry I suffered considerably in the lower part 
of the abdomen after every time I preached. I tried various 
remedies, thinking that my suffering proceeded from weakness 
in that portion of my system. I used for a time the Russian 
Belt (as it is termed), but with no good result. Some twenty- 
two years ago, happening to see a report of one of your lectures 
in the “ Tribune,” I called on you, procured one of your 
“ Braces,” and from that day to this I have not been an hour 
without it, except when in bed. It has been of unsurpassable 
advantage to me—advantage, not only in speaking, but in 
walking. In both it imparts a buoyancy to the system. It 
produces, however, one peculiar effect which I wish to mention 
to you: I have found by experience again and again, that when 
I have put it on slack and loosely, not only has a disposition to 
void urine more frequently than usual followed, but diarrhoea 
has set in, and by simply tightening the brace, both these effects 
have been checked. The philosophy of this I know not, but 1 
do know the fact. 
You are perfectly at liberty, my dear sir, to make what use 
you please of this communication. 
Truly, 
J. McEleoy. 
Dr. Banxixg. 
From Ex- Governor Wright of Indiana, formerly American 
Minister to Berlin. 
I most fully agree with the statements of Doctor McElroy, 
from a personal trial in public speaking for years, and believe 
all the Doctor has stated, as I have suffered for years with 
Diarrhea. 
J. A. Weight. From Professor Mott, of New York, and others. 
The undersigned have examined Dr. Banning’s novel views 
on the mechanical pathology of many affections of the viscera, 
and believe them to be highly interesting and worthy the seri- 
ous attention of the Medical profession. 
Valentine Mott, M. D., 
N Alex. B. Whiting, M. D., 
J. Keaeney M. D. 
St. George's Rectory, Jan. 26, 1854. 
E. P. Banning, M. D.: 
Dear Sir,—I have read with ranch interest your whole book, 
but especially your Lecture on the human voice. I consider 
your principles, in reference to the latter, entirely sound and 
practical, and should rejoice to have all our public speakers put 
them in thorough practice, both for their own health, and for 
the efficacy of their labors upon others. 
Your friend and servant, 
Stephen II. Tyng. 
Dr. Banning’s views on spinal curvatures and their deriva- 
tive affections, appear incontrovertible, and his various instru- 
ments and appliances for the cure of these maladies are unsur- 
passed for their elegance, lightness, mechanical ingenuity, and 
scientific adaptation to the ends contemplated in their employ- 
ment. 
J. T. Curtis,-M. D., 
28 West Fifteenth street. 
New York, June 10, 1854. 63 
New Orleans, La., July, 1870. 
E. P. Banning, M. D.: 
Dear Sir,—Though I hare worn your Truss only thirteen 
months, I am able to say that I am radically cured of a Double 
Bupture of immense size. 
Truly yours, 
Geo. McGifein. 
Cor. Camp and Canal sts., 
New Orleans, La. 
Columbus, Ga., Jan. 15, 1870. 
E. P. Banning,^.: 
It gives me pleasure to testify as to the remarkable efficacy 
of your Truss in the case of my little boy Eddie. Some twenty 
days ago, when, by the advice of my physician, I brought him 
to you he wras afflicted with a Hernia of considerable size, and 
with which for the last two years he had suffered considerably. 
Erom the day your Truss was applied he has been able to ex- 
ercise with comfort, and yesterday, when the Truss was re- 
moved, the Rupture did not descend. Please write me as to 
whether he shall continue wearing the Truss, and if so, for how 
long a period. 
Yours gratefully, 
A. G. Hendeicks. 
Savannah, Ga., Novi. 30, 1869. 
Dr. E. P. Banning, 9r 
Dear Doctor,—It gives me pleasure to be able to bear wit- 
ness as to your skill as a physician, as also to the intrinsic merit 
of your Umbilical Kupture Truss. My boy, aged seven, had 
an Umbilical Itupture of enormous size. It affected his health 
so seriously that we had no hopes of his living the year out. 
You not only dexterously reduced the Kupture, but under your 
treatment he has so far recovered as to give us no fear as to his Mfe, and the Rupture itself, to use liis own language, “ hardly 
comes out.” I examined it the other day and found that I 
could not put the point of my finger in the rent. Before he 
came under your treatment, the sack and contents would have 
filled a peck measure and the entire fist could have been thrust 
into the rent. I told Willie that I had received a letter from 
Dr. Banning, and he said “Dr. Banning is a nice man and 
shall cure all my babies.” Precocious rather. Mrs. B. joins 
me in grateful regards. 
Yours truly, 
C. C. C. Biujex. 
The above was certainly the worst case of Umbilical Hernia 
that ever came under my observation. 
Baxxixg, Jr. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
FIG. PAGE 
Side View of the Erect and Drooping Postures 1 & 2 3 
Body Brace 3 8 
Abdominal and Spinal Shoulder Brace 3 8 
Non-Friction Self-Adjusting Brace-Truss, with Prolapsus Ani 
Spring 5 9 
The Same Applied 6 9 
Body Brace and Bifurcated Elevator Applied 7 18 
Abdominal aud Spinal Shoulder-Brace and Uterine Balance 
Combined 8 18 
The Same Applied 9 19 
The Hinge King Elevator 10 19 
The Straight Uterine Balance 11 20 
The Non-Friction SeV-Adjustmg Brace-Truss, curing Double 
Inguinal, Femoral, and Umbilical Hernia 12 25 
Lateral Curvature of Spine 13 42 
Centripetal Spinal Lever 14 42 
Centiipetal Lever half Applied 15 43 
Centripetal Lever in Full Activity 16 43 
Spinal Prop 17 45 
Revolving Spinal Prop 18 45 
Revolving Spinal Prop Applied 19 47 Address all Communications to THE BANNING TRUSS 
AND BRACE COMPANY, 312 Broadway, New York.