of splitting, and withal is equally as durable. We make them, however, of wood if desired. For amputation above the elbow the artificial elbow is made of wood, and it is sometimes desirable to extend the wood upward in one piece to form the socket.
Aluminum
Much has been anticipated and hoped for in artificial limb work from this new and extremely light metal, but it has proved objectionable for any parts in both arms and legs that come in near contact with the stumps, owing to the rapid oxidization that takes place from perspiration, and its practical use is confined to fingers, toes, and such other minor fixtures as are not likely to come in contact with any part of the body.
Artificial Hands
Whatever their mechanical perfection, artificial hands can, in fact, possess but one useful quality, that of seizing objects like pincers. In nearly every act performed by the natural fingers are combined flexion, extension, prehension, and many other different movements; this combination no mechanic has ever been able—and probably none ever will be able—to successfully reproduce in an artificial hand. It is, therefore, practically useless that the fingers should be movable, since a less complicated, lighter and stronger hand can be made with fingers rigid, in a half-closed, natural position, articulating the thumb only, which results in a more powerful spring and consequently a greater degree of firm grasping power. The fingers being strengthened with steel plates running through them, reinforced with a covering of rawhide, and securely fastened to the hand, heavy objects may be lifted without danger of the fingers straightening out and the object dropping to the ground.
While we furnish the hand with movable
