AN ABSURD PRACTICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1383, 1 June 1878, Page 17

AN ABSURD PRACTICE.

The absurd and ungainly practice of mounting the hinder part of the feet on stilts while the toes press the ground and bear the weight, as in the use of high heels, is one, says the Lancet, against which it is not easy to write with temper. The device of strangling; the waist with tightly-laced corsets was contemptible for its ignorance \ that to which we now allude is outrageous in its defiance of the laws of gravity. It does not neod a knowledge of anatomy to convince the shallowest thinkers of the sex which worship the idol of Fashion, that the foot is forced into a wholly unnatural posi ■ tion, and distorted, by the heel being raised and the body made to rest on the ball of the toes ! It ahould be unnecessary to explain that this disturbance of the foundation throws the whole superstructure out of gear, and deranges every mechanical function. A moment's reflection should lead to the instant abandonment of a practice so manifestly irrational and ridiculous ; but, forsooth, the foot looks somewhat smaller as seen from the front or side when placed obliquely : so, regardless of common sense" < and common prudence, the practice prevails! Such is the folly and wantonness of vanity !