DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0299
2]0 proportions of the figure. [lEC. viii.
The custom of wearing shoes, while it deprives
the artist of an opportunity of studying a beautiful
Foot, conceals the deformity which is but too general
among us : anciently, handsome toes were as much
esteemed as handsome fingers; but, now, where shall
we find them ? The fact is, that even the bones of the
foot are compressed and displaced by the bandages
we wear, and we cannot even find a skeleton to be
mounted for a surgeon, which has the bones of the
toes, &c. placed as they ought to be : whether this
be an improvement on Nature, I submit to those
whom it may concern.
There is in the human mind, a principle, which
refers to self every observation made on certain qua-
lities ; and among these, the quality of external form
may be regarded as occupying a principal place. Is
it because the mind, conscious of superiority, is jea-
lous for the reputation and character of its dwelling?
is it because, though it finds itself comfortable and
easy in a thatched cottage, it beholds with emotion
the palaces of others ? or, is it because praise ap-
pears to us so great a blessing, that, while it circu-
lates around us, we grudge if we receive not our
share ? but wherefore should external form expecl:
praise? Is it in our power to obtain? No; it is
bestowed : Is it complete in any ? Nature is not so
partial: Is it wholly with-held from any ? Nature is
not so unjust. If, then, Nature has imparted to
each a portion, and each still wishes for more, is
there no means of augmenting that portion ? Is it not
capable of improvement ? Surely, it is.
1 Cosmetics
The custom of wearing shoes, while it deprives
the artist of an opportunity of studying a beautiful
Foot, conceals the deformity which is but too general
among us : anciently, handsome toes were as much
esteemed as handsome fingers; but, now, where shall
we find them ? The fact is, that even the bones of the
foot are compressed and displaced by the bandages
we wear, and we cannot even find a skeleton to be
mounted for a surgeon, which has the bones of the
toes, &c. placed as they ought to be : whether this
be an improvement on Nature, I submit to those
whom it may concern.
There is in the human mind, a principle, which
refers to self every observation made on certain qua-
lities ; and among these, the quality of external form
may be regarded as occupying a principal place. Is
it because the mind, conscious of superiority, is jea-
lous for the reputation and character of its dwelling?
is it because, though it finds itself comfortable and
easy in a thatched cottage, it beholds with emotion
the palaces of others ? or, is it because praise ap-
pears to us so great a blessing, that, while it circu-
lates around us, we grudge if we receive not our
share ? but wherefore should external form expecl:
praise? Is it in our power to obtain? No; it is
bestowed : Is it complete in any ? Nature is not so
partial: Is it wholly with-held from any ? Nature is
not so unjust. If, then, Nature has imparted to
each a portion, and each still wishes for more, is
there no means of augmenting that portion ? Is it not
capable of improvement ? Surely, it is.
1 Cosmetics