External indications as to the personal habits of women are both
numerous and interesting.
The habit of child-bearing is indicated by a flatter breast, a broader
back, and thicker cartilages of the bones of the pubis, necessarily
widening the pelvis.
The same habit is also indicated by a high rise of the nape of the neck,
so that the neck from that point bends considerably forward, and by an
elevation which is diffused between the neck and shoulders. These all
arise from temporary distensions of the trunk in women whose secretions
are powerful, from the habit of throwing the shoulders backward during
pregnancy, and the head again forward, to balance the abdominal weight;
and they bestow a character of vitality peculiarly expressive.
The same habit is likewise indicated by an excess of that lateral
rolling of the body in walking, which was already described as connected
with voluptuous character. This is a very certain indication, as it
arises from temporary distensions of the pelvis, which nothing else can
occasion. As in consequence of this lateral rolling of the body, and of
the weight of the body being much thrown forward in gestation, the toes
are turned somewhat inward, they aid in the indication.
The habit of nursing children is indicated, both in mothers and
nursery-maids, by the right shoulder being larger and more elevated than
the left.
The habits of the seamstress are indicated by the neck suddenly bending
forward, and the arms being, even in walking, considerably bent forward
or folded more or less upward from the elbows.
Habits of labor are indicated by a considerable thickness of the
shoulders below, where they form an angle with the inner part of the
arm; and, where these habits are of the lowest menial kind, the elbows
are turned outward, and the palms of the hands backward.