geniuses of modern times have devised and produced so many labor and time-saving instruments and machines, that are, however useful, nevertheless the cause of much horrible mutilation of humanity, so also have they in some measure made compensation to the maimed by the progress and improvement attained in the utility of the appliances for the substitution of lost members. Simplicity of mechanism, the application of extremely light material in such a manner as to preserve the necessary strength, are the prominent features of progress in artificial arm construction, and in combination with the prevailing moderate prices, bring them into popular favor with those who have use for them.
However light, strong and mechanically perfect an arm and hand may be made, its success or failure—provided the stump is sound and of sufficient length—depends much upon the continued patience and perseverance of the wearer in getting accustomed to its use. The preservation of the form and the general improvement in the appearance produced by a properly constructed and comfortably fitted arm, to say nothing of its usefulness and convenience, should be an incentive to persistent effort on the part of the wearer to habituate himself to it, and if this is practiced for a few weeks there need be no fear of the ultimate result.
Sockets for the Stumps
For amputation below the elbow the neatest and best fitting socket is made from specially prepared stiff leather moulded over a cast of the stump, supported with a framework of steel and lined with buckskin or kid. The advantages over a wooden socket are that it is less clumsy, adheres more closely to the stump, that there is no danger
