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Abdomen of female showing displacement resulting from tight lacing. The liver is much enlarged, and extends on the left side to the ribs, where it was folded back on itself for over an inch. The pyloric end of the stomach and the beginning of the duodenum are quite superficial below the liver, and all the viscera are displaced downwards.

Abdomen Showing Displacement Caused by Corset

Abdomen of female showing displacement resulting from tight lacing. The liver is much enlarged, and…

A corset is a garment worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purposes. Both men and women are known to wear corsets, though women are more common wearers.

Corset Fastener

A corset is a garment worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical…

A corset is a woman's close fitting foundation garment.

Corset Strip

A corset is a woman's close fitting foundation garment.

Torso of the Statue known as Venus of Melos (left) and New York Fashion, 1898 (right). "Since abdomen and chest alternately expand and contract in healthy breathing, anything which impedes their free movement is to be avoided. The tight lacing which is still indulged [in 1900] by those who think a distorted form beautiful, seriously impedes one of the most important functions of the body, and leads not only to shortness of breath and an incapacity for muscular exertion, but in many cases to actual deformity or disease." — Newell, 1900.

Effect of Corset Use on Respiration

Torso of the Statue known as Venus of Melos (left) and New York Fashion, 1898 (right). "Since abdomen…

Torso of the Statue known as Venus of Melos (left) and New York Fashion, 1898 (right). "Since abdomen and chest alternately expand and contract in healthy breathing, anything which impedes their free movement is to be avoided. The tight lacing which is still indulged [in 1900] by those who think a distorted form beautiful, seriously impedes one of the most important functions of the body, and leads not only to shortness of breath and an incapacity for muscular exertion, but in many cases to actual deformity or disease." — Newell, 1900.

Effect of Corset Use on Respiration

Torso of the Statue known as Venus of Melos (left) and New York Fashion, 1898 (right). "Since abdomen…

This corset is the equivalent of a garment worn to shape the torso, for pure aesthetic purpose.

Apparel Corset

This corset is the equivalent of a garment worn to shape the torso, for pure aesthetic purpose.

A close-fitting undergarment, often reinforced by stays, worn to support and shape the waistline, hips, and breasts.

Costume Corset

A close-fitting undergarment, often reinforced by stays, worn to support and shape the waistline, hips,…

A, the natural position of the internal organs. B, when deformed by tight lacing. The liver and stomach have been forced downward almost as low as the pelvis.

The Natural Position Compared to the Deformed Position of the Internal Organs

A, the natural position of the internal organs. B, when deformed by tight lacing. The liver and stomach…