NEW EDITION. 
UNITED STATES 
ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE,! 
FOR THE APPLICATION OF 
IMPROVED ANATOMICAL 
MACHINERY 
TO THE TREATMENT OP 
EVERY VARIETY OF DEFORMITY. 
OFFICE NO, 7 PHCENIX BLOCK, 
South-West Corner of Second and Dock Streets. 
PHILADELPHIA. 
GEORGE W. TERGER & JOHN F. ORD, 
PROPRIETORS. fSS" The new Postage Bill becoming a law on the 1st of July, 1851, requires all pamphlets, 
&c., to he prepaid. Persons writing us for pamphlets, will bear in m ind that in no case will 
they be sent unless a post of Ice stamp accompanies the request. 
ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. 
This pamphlet is most respectfully presented to surgeons, physicians, and all 
who have beeq so unfortunate as to lose a limb, or are laboring under any of the 
following variety of deformities, viz :—Weak or crushed ankle, resulting in the 
loss of the ankle joint, or inability to throw the weight of the body on the front 
part of the foot, club feet, contracted limbs, bow legs, knock-knees, curved, or pro- 
jecting spine, &c., &c. It is almost a daily complaint with surgeons that instru- 
ments made to meet the different varieties of deformity, are entirely insufficient 
to answer the purpose for which they are intended; this, connected with the fact 
that artificial limbs have heretofore existed only in the name, have induced 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord to establish a place for manufacturing and adapting 
their Metallic Skeleton Leg, and improved machinery for the treatment of defor- 
mities, all of which are constructed upon an entire new principle, in strict ac- 
cordance with sound surgical authorities, and will be warranted in every case to 
accomplish fully the objects for which they are intended. 
The first article to which we would invite particular attention, is our Patent 
Metallic Skeleton Leg—but before describing it, perhaps it would be well to say 
a few words on the defects of artificial legs as they have been and are now con- 
structed, both in this country and in Europe. It is not our intention to criticise 
any particular make, but merely to give an outline of the principal objections 
urged against the whole. The first is their weight—full length legs of the most 
approved make, weighing from six to eighteen pounds, rendering it extremely 
laborious for a man to carry one, independent of accomplishing a hard day’s 
work—which is, unfortunately, the lot of a majority who wear them. 
Second, the total want of natural motion at the knee and ankle joints, which 
almost entirely prevents them from performing any other part than that of sus- 
taining the weight of the body. 
Third, and last, the utter impossibility of adapting them to the various forms 
of amputation, so that they can be worn with comfort, the confinement of the 
stump in tight wooden sockets allows an accumulation of hot air and moisture, 
thereby inducing excoriation and consequent ulceration, which is in many cases 
attended with the most serious consequences. 
We will now proceed to notice and show the advantages possessed over all 
others, by 
YERGER AND ORD’S PATENT METALLIC SKELETON LEG. 
No stronger proof can be given of its superiority than the fact than it has been 
examined and approved of by a large number of scientific medical gentlemen, 
among whom we mention Dr. Paul B. Goddard, Professor of Anatomy in the 
Franklin Medical College, Philadelphia; Dr. J. Pancoast, Professor of Anatomy 
in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; and Dr. John H. B. M’Clellan, 
Surgeon to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Philadelphia. 
Dr. Valentine Mott, Professor of Surgery in the New York University; Dr. 
Willard Parker, Professor of Surgery in the New York College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons; Dr. Ab’m. L. Cox, Professor of Surgery in the New York 
Medical College; and Dr. J. Kearny Rodgers, Surgeon to the New York Hos- 
pital. The Metallic Skeleton Limb is light, neat, strong, and durable, all of the ob- 
jections before mentioned being- entirely overcome, it is constructed of steel 
ribs, and rings, or bands, united together upon the principle of a lattice bridge, 
or arch, one piece bracing and sustaining the other, rendering it capable of bear- 
ing any required weight; the socket or receptacle of the stump being open 
below, allows a free circulation of air, keeping it always cool and healthy, 
thereby preventing ulceration, which is almost invariably the consequence when 
the stump is confined in air tight sockets. 
The motions of the knee and ankle joints approach so near to nature as to 
render it almost impossible to distinguish it from the natural limb, and it can be 
adapted to every form of amputation, and worn without the least difficulty. 
We deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon the merits of our artificial limb, 
further than to say, that it is no longer an experiment; and the fact that wre have 
now the largest establishment of the kind in the United States devoted to manu- 
facturing purposes, is ol itsejf, sufficient evidence, that no substitute for a lost 
limb has ever before gained so much celebrity in so comparatively short a time. 
We sum up by boldly asserting, that it is the only scientifically constructed ar- 
tificial limb in existence, and in point of lightness, neatness, accuracy of motion, 
durability, ease and comfort to the wearer, and every good qualification that is re- 
quisite, it has no equal in the world. 
TESTIMONIALS. 
We are almost daily receiving communications similar to the following, which 
is sufficient proof that our PATENT METALLIC SKELETON LEG, is per- 
forming all that was so sanguinely expected of it in the beginning. 
The following is from a gentleman who had one of an approved make, pre- 
vious to obtaining the Metallic Skeleton,—he has about eight inches of thigh. Philadelphia, Nov. 12Ih, 1849. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gents :—The Metallic Skeleton Leg, which you made for me some time ago, 
I have worn almost constantly since its application, and am happy to say that it 
answers my utmost expectations. With it I am enabled to follow my occupa- 
tion, which is a very laborious one, without suffering the least; inconvenience; 
in fact, previous to obtaining it, I did not believe, (judging from experience in 
artificial limbs,) that one could be so completely adapted to my case. 
Yours, respectfully, 
JAMES HILL, East Kensington. 
Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1849. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gents :—The Metallic Skeleton Leg, which I obtained from you far exceeds 
my anticipatipns in every respect. My impression in reference to artificial limbs, 
previous to obtaining yours, was unfavorable. Had I been told that I would be 
able to accomplish what I now do, 1 could not have credited it. My business is 
a very laborious one—that of a machinist—but notwithstanding, I walk two miles 
every morning to my work, stand at the vice, and turn the lathe or grindstone 
with either foot all day, then walk home in the evening without suffering the 
least inconvenience from the wearing of it. 
Yours, respectfully, 
MASON W. MATLACK. 
Mr. Matlack’s limb is amputated about five inches below the knee, and he 
wore a peg leg for ten years previous to obtaining the Metallic Skeleton. 
Yellow Springs, Blair County, April Wth, 1850. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen:—It is with a heart-duly impressed with a sense of the obliga- 
tions which I am under to you, that I have taken up my pen to write you, which 
if I neglected, I would neither obey the dictates of a truly grateful heart, nor 
gratify the emotions with which it is so indelibly impressed. * * * * # 
The limb you made for me answers a most excellent purpose, far beyond my 
most sanguine expectations, the friend to whom the mission was intrusted to pro- 
cure me a limb, was, I believe, providentially directed to your office. I say, provi- 
dentially, because I do not believe I could walk with any other artificial limb but 
the metallic skeleton on account of the peculiar sensitiveness of the amputated 
limb which renders the end incapable of bearing the slightest pressure. * * * * 
I have worn it but a short time, and notwithstanding the debilitated state of 
my system, 1 can walk without the least assistance, and I feel confident that if 
ray strength becomes sufficiently restored, I can walk any where, with almost 
the same facility as if I had both my natural limbs. ******** 
In conclusion, I would state, that I truly believe that as far as art can go, there 
is nothing more fully calculated to supply the loss of the natural limb than 
the Patent Metallic Skeleton. 
Very respectfully yours, MARY RANKIN. 
No. 8 Union Place, New York, August 13ih, 1850. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—Agreeably to your request, I subjoin a few remarks in reference 
to the case of Master George Black, whose legs were both run over by a pas- 
senger car in November last; they both mortified extensively, and the left was 
so completely maimed that nothing but its amputation could save his life, the 
right ankle and leg were so extensively affected by sloughing that I was thought 
by some gentlemen not to be justified in attempting to save it at so great risk of 
life. 
I have now the gratification to see him walking with great comfort and ease 
through the facilities which your ingenious contrivance has furnished him. 
The artificial skeleton leg which you manufacture, is in lightness, durability, 
neatness, and comfort to the patient, altogether superior to any other form of false 
leg I have yet seen. The patient and his friends are all exceedingly gratified with the remarkable 
restoration which its adoption has effected. 
ABM. L. COX, M. D., 
Professor of Surgery in the New York Medical College. 
“ I see frequently the friend of mine you made a leg for a short time since, and 
cannot let the opportunity slip of letting you know how well it answers. When 
the limb was put on, the patient walked off just as if she had her natural feet, 
or nearly so; it is really astonishing how well it answers the purpose, and no 
person can conceive the situation of the lady, she being confined to her room for 
twelve years. Jt would take two sheets of foolscap to express how much she 
is pleased with it, and a large sura of money to purchase it from her, provided 
she could not get another one of the same kind. 
You will recollect I told you of the end of her stump being very tender, so 
much so that she could not bear to have any thing touch it; I asked her when I 
was there, how the stump was now, and she declared “ she could not tell she had 
one, she felt no sensation of pain in it, and had no uneasiness with it”—this is 
another good effect of your artificial limb. 
Extract of a letter recently received by us. 
The following case of Mr. Mann’s, is perhaps one of the most remarkable on 
record. The cut represents him as he appeared with the limbs applied. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—Deeming a statement of my case an act of justice to yourselves, 
Sorrell Horse P. 0., Pa., April Is/, 1S51 and to all who feel interested in relieving the sufferings of humanity, I herein 
subjoin a few remarks for the benefit of all whom it may concern. 
It having been my lot to be born without feet, my situation was such as to 
almost incapacitate me from walking or business awocations. Having heard of 
the Metallic Skeleton Leg manufactured by you, I concluded, after mature deli- 
beration, to order a pair of them, and since I have worn them, the results have 
been such as to almost exceed belief. I am firmly supported, and perfectly com- 
fortable ; and can walk and accomplish many things which I did not expect or 
suppose could have been done on artificial limbs. 
All who are acquainted with the nature of my occupation, (that of a farmer,) 
are well aware of the active exercise and hard manual labor required to follow it. 
I would merely say to such, that I am nowr near, if not quite, what they term a 
full hand. 
I can ascend or descend a flight of stairs of almost any height, one foot over 
the other, with incredible rapidity, and the indications are such, that in the course 
of a short period, few, if any, will ever discover that I am in part a mechanical 
made man. 
It would, perhaps, be well to mention that previous to my engaging your legs, 
I examined a variety of legs of other make, and conversed with gentlemen of 
considerable experience in the wearing of different kinds, and there was a unani- 
mity of opinion that the limbs manufactured by you possessed many advantages 
that could not be obtained by any other artificial leg in use. 
Yours, respectfully, 
AARON MANN. 
Danbury, Ct., September 13th, 1850. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—The Metallic Skeleton Leg which you made for me some time 
since, I have worn constantly, and can walk at least twice the distance with less 
exertion than with the willow leg I have been wearing. I am perfectly easy in 
it, something that I never expected of an artificial leg, from the fact that the one 
I formerly wore (which was recommended to be superior to all others) for nine 
years, the most part of the time in perfect agony. For the benefit of those who 
need an artificial leg, I can recommend the Metallic Skeleton to be far superior 
to any of the many I have examined within the last ten years, not only for com- 
fort and lightness, but for its natural motion, strength, and durability. 
Yours, respectfully, 
DAVID NORRIS. 
Staunton, Va., December 7th, 1850. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—I have deferred writing to you in order to give your Improved 
Artificial Leg a fair trial, and I am fully satisfied that it is the best artificial leg 
now in use, and without hesitation I recommend it to all those who may be so 
unfortunate as to lose their natural limb. I can attend to my business as well as 
ever, and I do assure you that I would not be without your Skeleton Leg for any 
amount of money. The country here is exceedingly hilly, and I can climb hills 
and descend mountains with considerable rapidity. My advice to all the legless 
is, procure Yerger and Ord’s Metallic, and walk. 
With much respect, &c., 
C. F. HUDSON. 
Philadelphia, April VZth, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—It gives me pleasure to be able to state to you that I am now 
wearing the full length limb which you made for me, and although my stump is 
but Jive inches in length and very weak, I can move along admirably, and with little 
or no fatigue. You cannot imagine how proud I felt when {after fifteen years without one) I 
mounted two legs again ; nor what were my feelings when, after a few trials, I 
walked—aye, walked a full mile with but an ordinary cane to aid me. 
You may wonder why I remained fifteen years without a leg. 1 will tell you. 
Ten years ago, I called on Mr. Thomas, to examine his artificial limb, and found 
it wanting. So also the “Anglesea,” and a leg made by a gentleman in Philadel- 
phia, all of which I found to be weighty and unweildly, and wanting in what I 
deemed an essential requisite—ventilation, and would not suit my paticular case. 
1 therefore made up my mind that I would have to “ halt upon crutches" for life, 
or invent a leg myself. I was (if you remember I told you) thus engaged when 
hearing of your invention. I called upon you, and no sooner did I see your Patent 
Metallic Skeleton Leg, than I pronounced it the very “ Ultima Thule" of my hopes. 
There was combined lightness, neatness, and, most of all, ventilation, in a scien- 
tific and artistical manner. 
What could I do but order one 1—I did so—and am happy in being able to say 
to the afflicted—“ Go thou and do likewise." 
Yours, truly, 
E. JARED MEGONEGAL. 
. Philadelphia, April 8ih, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—It affords me pleasure to' add my testimony in favor of your 
Patent Metallic Skeleton Leg. I have used the one made for me, now about seven 
months. I find it perfectly comfortable, and am able to walk all day without any 
inconvenience. My amputation is on the thigh, and the length of the stump 
seven inches. 
Yours, respectfully, 
FRANCIS AIKENS 
Philadelphia, April Ylth, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen:—It affords me pleasure in being able to state that the Patent 
Skeleton Leg you made for my little son, answers so well, that he scarcely seems 
to feel the loss of his natural leg. He is perfectly comfortable, and does not need 
or use a cane or support of any description to assist him in walking; awd I have 
no hesitation in saying that I believe the Metallic Skeleton to be the best artificial 
leg I have ever seen. 
Yours, respectfully, 
LEWIS G. BULL. 
Philadelphia, Jlpril 18/A, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen:—I take pleasure in expressing my satisfaction with your artificial 
“ Skeleton Leg," which 1 now have in use. Having worn it since December last, 
I am competent to judge of its merits, and would recommend it to persons who, 
like myself, have had the misfortune to lose a limb. 
My case was considered by my friends beyond the aid of human ingenuity, in 
consequence of the extreme shortness of my stump, it being only three and a 
half inches in length. In three weeks I dispensed with the use of crutches, and 
have since been walking comfortably and safely, with no other aid than that of 
a cane. 
You are at liberty to refer any person to me, who may desire to witness its 
operation. 
I remain yours, &c., 
SAMUEL W. BUDD. Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, April 21st, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—No doubt you feel anxious to know my opinion of the Patent 
Metallic Ske'eton Leg you made for me. I will tell you that I consider it the 
lightest, neatest, most durable, and by far the most superior artificial leg I have 
ever seen. The life-like motion and simplicity of construction, cannot fail to 
strike the beholder with admiration. 
From the sincerity of a grateful heart, for the benefit I have derived from its 
use, I recommend it to my fellow-sufferers, many of whom have been humbugged 
by the color, instead of examining the mechanical operation of artificial legs. It 
will afford me pleasure to impart any information in my power, by addressing as 
above. 
Yours, truly, 
S. W. NEELY. 
Hill Grove, Pa., May 12th, 1851 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen:—Nothing could any longer cause me to keep from the afflicted 
what I am in possession of, in relation to your Skeleton Artificial Leg, and Ana- 
tomical Machinery. 
It affords me pleasure to be able to state that during a visit to Philadelphia, I 
saw to my great gratification a number benefited by the use of your apparatus, 
and also gentlemen wearing your Patent Skeleton Leg, with from four inches 
of stump on the thigh down to four inches below the knee, all of whom were 
doing well. 
The leg you made for me I have been wearing constantly since the fifth of No- 
vember last, to the utter astonishment of all who knew me, and numerous acquaint- 
ances, who had not seen me from the time I lost my natural leg until they again 
saw me walking on one of your manufacture. In fact I have to exhibit it to 
many to satisfy them lhat it is artificial in reality. 
I would further state that I visited the Exhibition of the Franklin Institute, 
and after a thorough and impartial examination of the limbs there deposited, came 
to the full conclusion that the one exhibited by yourselves was far superior to 
anything in the way of artificial limbs I had ever seen, and experimentally will 
say that I am getting on with almost entire ease and comfort—fully realizing 
all I expected. 
Yours, truly, 
CHAS. W. ADAMS 
Trout Run, Lycoming county, Pa., May 13th, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—I deem it almost unnecessary to add my testimony to the already 
accumulated evidence in favor of your Patent Metallic Skeleton Artificial Leg, but 
thinking it may be the means of directing a fellow-sufferer to the right place, 
would say I have worn the full length leg obtained from you more than a year 
since with entire satisfaction, being enabled to walk and attend to business in a 
manner that I am compelled to say it not only far exceeds my hopes, but it is life 
itself compared to other artificial legs I have examined. 
Yours, very respectfully, 
JESSE L. HAMILTON. 
Marlton, New Jersey, May 2Qth, 1851. 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
Gentlemen :—From the entire satisfaction which your Patent Metallic Skeleton 
Leg has given me, I have no hesitation in recommending it to those who, like 
myself, have had the misfortune to lose a limb. I have examined limbs of other 
make, but do not think any so completely adapted to supply the loss of the 
natural limb as the one manufactured by you. 
Very respectfully yours, 
THOMAS M. HARRISON EDITORIAL NOTICES. 
From the New York Era, 
What, ho! ye afflicted individuals—run your eyes over the advertisment of 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, of Philadelphia, manufacturers of the Metallic Skeleton 
Artificial Leg, Graduating Spring-Ankle Supporter, and Surgical Machinery for 
the Treatment of Deformities of every description. Yerger and Ord are the inven- 
tors and patentees of these instruments, and every article they manufacture is of 
the most superior kind of workmanship, and never failing in its purpose. Dur- 
ing a recent visit to Philadelphia, we were politely conducted through the manu- 
factory, by the enterprising proprietors, and were both surprised and gratified to 
witness the number of casts of deformed limbs, and the explanations afforded 
of their successful treatment by machinery. The success of their legs is almost 
beyond belief, being the most perfect things of the kind ever invented, approach- 
ing very nearly to nature. We take pleasure in inviting the attention of the 
afflicted to their establishment. 
From the New York Times. 
Mr. G. W. Yerger of the firm of Yerger and Ord, recently exhibited to us 
one of his Metallic Skeleton Artificial Legs, and we do not hesitate to say that 
the invention is one of the most useful of the present age—also, one of his Ankle- 
Supporters, which Mr. Yerger himself wears, having the misfortune to have one 
of his ankles crushed in such a manner as to entirely deprive him of the use of 
it. These legs have all the action of the natural limb, are made entirely of steel, 
light, durable, and answering in almost every respect all the uses of the best 
conditioned legs—a glance will do more to recommend this invention than 
volumes of words. 
We have been shown an Artificial Leg, manufactured by Messrs. Yerger and 
Ord, of Philadelphia, that surpasses any thing we have ever seen; it is made of 
a series of cast steel ribs, with flexible spring joints, that imitate nature with 
wonderful perfection. 
A gentleman wearing one of these beautiful articles, called on us, and the way 
he succeeded in getting about would do honor to many a lifuU limbed biped.” 
We do the afflicted and legless a special favor by calling attention to this article. 
From the New York American Artisan. 
From the Philadelphia American Mechanics' Advocate. 
Every Day Brings Something New.—The inventive genius of the present 
age is truly remarkable. Every day brings to us some new improvement over the 
old way of doing things, developing the unlimited capacities of the human in- 
tellect. Among the many remarkable inventions of our time, is Yerger & Ord’s 
patent leg, the uses and description of which will be found in an article from the 
Philadelphia Lancet, which we have placed in our paper this week, to which we 
weuld in a special manner call the attention of our readers. We do not write 
this, with any idea of puffing Messrs. Yerger & Ord, expecting, as many do, to 
realize a profit for their pains ; on the contrary, we notice the invention as one 
unfolding the genius of our own people, as an invention that belongs exclusively 
to America, designed and carried into successful operation by an American me- 
chanic. It is the opinion of the best, most learned, and experienced of our 
medical faculty, that this leg has no equal or superior in the world. Messrs. 
Yerger & Ord have done what the medical faculty have never done,—have car- 
ried into successful operation, what all other leg-makers tried in vain to accom- 
plish,—that is, make a person, who has been deprived of both legs, walk perfectly 
natural and easy. Heretofore wooden legs, cork legs, and a variety of new in- 
ventions have been tried and used, but this leg, owing to its lightness, its princi- 
ples of ventilation, and its natural application to supply, in all respects, the loss 
of the real limb, will beyond doubt succeed all others. If anything should de- 
prive us of our legs, we should go to Yerger & Ord’s at once, and have a pair 
buckled on, and then we could as ever try to collect our unpaid bills. The Metallic Skeleton Leg, made by Messrs. Yerger and Ord, is attracting 
much attention. It is certainly a meritorious invention, and has the favorite 
opinion of all the scientific men who have examined it in all its workings. The 
motion of the foot and toes is almost as easy as nature ; the strength and grace- 
ful form of the whole affair, excite the astonishment of every body. 
From the Philadelphia Daily Sun. 
From the Commercial Emporium. 
We would invite attention to the establishment of Messrs. Yerger and Ord, 
the inventors and patentees of the Metallic Skeleton Leg. We called upon 
Messrs. Yerger and Ord, a short time since, to view a specimen, and although 
we have seen a number that were meritorious, we must acknowledge that for 
simplicity of formation, lightness, durability, and ornamental finish, it is far su- 
perior. 
From the Philadelphia Sun.—Notice of the Franklin Institute. 
The Metallic Skeleton Leg, and Ankle Supporter, by Mr. George W. Yerger 
and Co., of this city, which may be seen in a case in the northern recess, upper 
saloon, proves to be, on inspection, one of the prettiest specimens of workman- 
ship that we have yet seen. The springs are neatly adjusted—and so admirably 
arranged as to produce the most astonishing effect. Such a leg is a fine thing— 
a person might dance a hornpipe with a pair of them, or dash off into a mazurka 
or a polka, with all the ease in the world. Had Achilles himself had the honor 
of this great invention, the father of song might have tuned his lyre to the praises 
of another victor. 
The Metallic Skeleton Artificial Leg, invented by George W. Yerger, is light, 
neat, and durable, and approaches as near as can be to the natural motion, parti- 
cularly that of the ankle joint. It is highly recommended by the medical faculty 
and scientific men of this city, who have given the subject their attention. 
From the Public Ledger.—Notice of the Franklin Institute. 
From the Pennsylvania Inquirer, Nov. 24, 1849. 
A Useful Article.—We invite attention to the advertisement of Messrs. 
Yerger and Ord, manufacturers of the celebrated Metallic Skeleton Artificial 
Leg. We have seen specimens of this invention. It is really one of the most 
ingenious and useful that has ever been brought to public notice. It has been 
examined by some of our most distinguished physicians and surgeons, whose tes- 
timony in its favor, is of the most conclusive character. 
From the Pennsylvania Inquirer. 
Yerger and Ord’s Artificial Leg, and Ankle Supporter.—Two gentlemen 
called at our office yesterday, for the purpose of enabling us to examine the ope- 
ration of these truly useful and ingenious contrivances. One of them, about 
eleven years since, had his left leg torn off just below the knee, wffiile engaged 
in a machine shop. He was incapacitated from walking for about three months, 
and then resorted to crutches. He found them very inconveniertf, and then was 
induced to use what is called a straight peg leg, and he hobbled through the 
streets after a fashion. A short time since, he heard of the above invention, and 
immediately obtained one of the Metallic Skeleton Artificial Legs, which he has 
ever since used with complete satisfaction. He is now able to stand and work 
at a lathe all day, and to use either foot while so engaged. The other gentle- 
man, about five years since, had his left ankle crushed by an immense piece of 
iron falling upon it. The accident was a shocking one; he was compelled to 
use crutches for about two years. He then resorted to Mr. Yerger’s ankle sup- 
porter, and is now able to walk so well by means of this instrument, that a spec- 
tator, unacquainted, would not discover the slightest imperfection in his gait 10 
We could publish a volume of letters and notices similar to the foregoing, but our space 
is limited, and we must pass to the notice of other articles, willing to let the leg rest upon 
its merits, feeling assured that a fair and impartial examination is only necessary to con- 
vince all that need a limb, that it can be adapted to their case, and worn with a comfort 
heretofore unknown in the history of artificial limbs. 
Persons at a distance can obtain a blank card for taking measure, by writing to us (post 
paid;) but it would be preferable, at all times, to have them present when the limb is 
completed. 
The next article to which we would invite particular attention is— 
Yerger and Ord’s Patent Ankle Supporter. 
The only instrument known that will give support to a fractured or weak ankle, and 
allow a flexible motion of from a sixty-fourth part of an inch to the full sweep of the ankle 
joint. The broad lacing represented throws the weight of the body upon the calf of the 
leg, leaving the joint entirely free from pressure. The front and back springs, connected 
with stops, work upon the ankle ring; by which means the wearer can regulate it to 
suit his comfort. The following circumstance, which gave rise to the invention, will show 
its operation:—Mr. George W. Yerger, the senior partner of this concern, in April, 1845, 
had his leg and ankle crushed by a water-wheel shaft, weighing over fifteen hundred 
pounds, rolling out of a lathe ; by which accident he was confined to his bed for three 
months, and then was obliged to walk with crutches for nearly three years ; during which 
time he applied to every known source for an instrument that would enable him to dis- 
pense with them, but in vain. Finally he was compelled to resort to his own in- 
genuity, which, after various experiments, produced the above. Previous to the application 
of which, the joint was stiff, and the foot was so disabled as to be incapable of sustaining 
the least weight without causing him the most excrutiating pain. He has worn it now about 
three years during all of which time it has created an artificial joint of about one inch 
motion, and brought into active use a limb which was before entirely useless—without his 
suffering the least inconvenience. 
It would be almost impossible to describe the different varieties of injuries, resulting in 
the loss of the ankle joint, and disabling the foot, where this instrument can be applied 
with the most astonishing results. We will now notise, briefly, our— 11 
Patent Club Foot Apparatus. 
With which we will guarantee to straighten any case of club foot, not over six 
years of age. The apparatus we never dispose of, except to surgeons or physi- 
cians. In all cases where they are applied by us, we reserve the right of regu- 
lating them daily, when necessary, as strict attention is required to ensure a 
successful result. The time required in bringing the feet to the natural position, 
is about forty days, after which a simple side support only will be required. The 
following cuts represent the most common forms to which children are liable. 
Fig. 1 is a case where the child walks on the outer ankle ; the soul of the foot being 
vertical, and the toes turn inward. This is the variety children are mostly bom with. 
Fig. 2 represents where the child walks on the inner margin of the foot. They are 
seldom born with this variety; it is mostly induced by an injury of the ankle joint, or a 
bad habit of walking. 
Fig. 3 represents a radical cure, which is easily accomplished with our improved 
apparatus. 
Below we give a representation of knock-knees and bowlegs, for which we have an im- 
proved apparatus. 
Fig. 4 is a case of knock-knees. Among the numerous causes of this variety of de- 
formity, general debility is the most prominent. It is also produced by dancing when the 
child is young or weak, jumping from a height, &c., &c. 
Fig. 5 is a case of bowlegs, occasioned, generally, by the contraction of one set of 
muscles. It is also frequently hereditary. Both of this variety of deformity is easily cured 
by the use of our instruments. 12 
Fig. 6 is a contraction of the knee; the causeo of which are almost too numerous to 
mention. It‘is curable in all cases where there is not a bony union of the joint. 
Fig. 7 represents a contraction of the arm, which is also curable by the use of our im 
proved extension apparatus. 
Figs. 8 and 9 represent two cases of lateral curvature of the spine; one commencing 
just above the hips, presenting a fulness on one side, and causing an awkward shuffling 
gait; the other, a projecting shoulder blade, and fulness of one side of the breast; both 
of which are much benefited by properly constructed instruments. 
In conclusion we would say that we are fully prepared to invent and adapt machinery 
to every variety of deformity, and will, whenever we undertake a case, guarantee the in- 
struments to answer fully the purpose for which they are intended. 
The mechanical department will be under the exclusive charge of Mr. George W. 
Yerger, whose well known success as inventor of surgical apparatus, is sufficient guaranty 
that he will be able to meet any case of deformity, no matter how difficult or complicated. 
Every information in reference to the metallic leg, ankle supporter, and instruments 
for deformity, will be given, on application personally, or by letter (post paid) to No. 7 
Phoenix Block, South-West corner of Second and Dock Sts., Philadelphia. 
GEORGE W. YERGER, 
JOHN F. QRD, 
„ 
ProPrietors- YERGER & ORD, 
PATENTEES AND MANUFACTURERS 
OF THE 
IETMLIC SKELETON ARTIFICIAL lit. 
ANKLE SUPPORTER, 
AND 
IMPROVED SURGICAL MACHINERY, 
FOB THE TREATMENT OP 
EVERY VARIETY OF DEFORMITY. 
Office Ho. 7 Phoenix Block, 
South-West corner of Second and Dock Sts., 
PHILADELPHIA,