the presence in the body of some hereditary or other disease?
"There are four kinds of spinal deformity?—the cyphose, or outward curvature; the lordose, or inward curvature; the scoliose, or lateral curvature; the compound, viz., with torsion of the spine on its axis, and abnormal protrusions of various kinds.
"The first is accompanied by morbid symptoms, and frequently terminates in ankylosis, or the union of several bones into one, by which the solidity of the spine is restored. When the distortion is not great, this in general cures the disease, and leaves the vital functions unimpaired.
"The second and third curvatures are those which begin in the simplest way, and if neglected, assume the most formidable character. It is generally manifested on the right side, and may frequently be traced to the habit of lying upon and using the right members exclusively. When the deformity increases, the capacity of the chest must be diminished, and its functions impaired, and the heart, lungs, and other vital organs injured; and to this crushing may be attributed the loss of health, general debility, and organic disease.
