Diagram 1 shows a comparatively slender subject. The dotted outline shows the figure without corset. Abdominal muscles sag, allowing contents to fall forward and downward, chin and chest droop, shoulders are round, balanced weight of the body is thrown at least two inches back of the normal position. The broken outline shows the figure fitted in the much advertised "abdominal reducing" corset, photographs of which are shown on second subject, plate 1, page 16. The extreme pressure of this corset is at and above waist, particularly great across the back and sides, where it comes in contact with the floating ribs. It forces the abdomen downward, bringing pressure from above upon the pelvic organs. There is absolutely no upward support in this type of corset and the greatest tightness is in lateral lines at and above the middle zone of the body. Roundness of shoulders is increased owing to extreme pressure upon the lower part of thorax, chest and chin depressed and balanced weight of the body thrown directly on the heels.
The black outline shows the figure fitted in the physiologically correct corset. Head and chest are raised. shoulders straightened, abdomen lifted up, back and in, and the balanced weight of the body is carried forward to the normal position. The tightest lines of this corset follow obliquely from lower point of abdomen at top of pubic bone, over hips, radiating around back. Abdominal support is actual and constant, and there is no uncomfortable line of constriction anywhere. The required space is given for full breathing and the normal functioning of every organ of the body.
