M. M. An elastic cushion made of curled hair should be placed under the affected hip, whenever she sits; or should be fitted to the part by means of drawers, so that she cannot avoid sitting on it. A neck-swing, and lying down in the day, should be occasionally used to prevent or remove any curvature of the spine. The rest as in Species 13 and 15 of this genus.
18. _Spina protuberans._ Protuberant spine. One of the bones of the spine swells, and rises above the rest. This is not an uncommon disease, and belongs to the innutrition of the bones, as the bone must become soft before it swells; which softness is owing to defect of the secretion of phosphorated calcareous earth. The swelling of the bone compresses a part of the brain, called the spinal marrow, within the cavity of the back-bones; and in consequence the lower limbs become paralytic, attended sometimes with difficulty of emptying the bladder and rectum.
M. M. Issues put on each side of the prominent bone are of great effect, I suppose, by their stimulus; which excites into action more of the sensorial powers of irritation and sensation, and thus gives greater activity to the vascular system in their vicinity. The methods recommended in distortion of the spine are also to be attended to.
19. _Spina bifida._ Divided spine, called also Hydrorachitis, as well as the Hydrocephalus externus, are probably owing in part to a defect of ossification of the spine and cranium; and that the collection of fluid beneath them may originate from the general debility of the system; which affects both the secerning, and absorbent vessels.
A curious circumstance, which is affirmed to attend the spina bifida, is, that on compressing the tumor with the hand gently, the whole brain becomes affected, and the patient falls asleep. I suppose the same must happen on compressing the hydrocephalus externus? See Sect. XVIII. 20.
20. _Ossis palati defectus._ A defect of the bone of the palate, which frequently accompanies a division of the upper lip, occurs before nativity; and is owing to the deficient action of the secerning system, from whence the extremities are not completed. From a similar cause I have seen the point of the tongue deficient, and one joint of the two least fingers, and of the two least toes, in the same infant; who was otherwise a fine girl. See Sect. XXXIX. 4. 4.