Part 43
Those cases in which the gibbosity is near the neck, are less likely
to be benefited by these succussions with the head downward, for the
weight of the head, and tops of the shoulders, when allowed to hang
down, is but small; and such cases are more likely to be made straight
by succussion applied with the feet hanging down, since the inclination
downward is greater in this way. When the hump is lower down, it is
more likely in this case that succussion with the head downward should
do good. If one, then, should think of trying succussion, it may be
applied in the following manner:-The ladder is to be padded with leather
lined cushions, laid across, and well secured to one another, to a
somewhat greater extent, both in length and breadth, than the space
which the man's body will occupy; he is then to be laid on the ladder
upon his back, and the feet, at the ankles, are to be fastened, at
no great distance from one another, to the ladder, with some firm
but soft band; and he is further to be secured, in like manner, both
above and below the knee, and also at the nates; and at the groins
and chest loose shawls are to be put round in such a fashion as not
to interfere with the effect of the succussion; and his arms are to
be fastened along his sides to his own body, and not to the ladder.
When you have arranged these matters thus, you must hoist up the ladder,
either to a high tower or to the gable-end of a house; but the place
where you make the
[p. 240]succussion should be firm, and those who perform
the extension should be well instructed, so that they may let go their
hold equally to the same extent, and suddenly, and that the ladder
may neither tumble to the ground on either side, nor they themselves
fall forward. But, if the ladder be let go from a tower, or the mast
of a ship, fastened into the ground with its cordage, it will be better,
so that the ropes run upon a pulley or axle-tree. But it is disagreeable
even to enlarge upon these matters; and yet, by the contrivances now
described, the proper succussion may be made.
