Still another remedial measure is the “_righting up_” of the foot. Many, if not most, of the feet that have broken-down arches also tread over inward along the whole side. In such cases the weight of the body, as already stated, falls upon the arch in a wrong direction. The arch, instead of standing _upright_ and receiving the weight _directly over_ itself, supports the body _while itself leaning over to one side_. Any other kind of arch, in a similar condition, would quickly fall over or settle down; and it is no wonder the foot settles down to a level in the shank. Weak muscles in the ankle and foot of a child will allow the foot to take a one-sided tendency, and it is not impossible the child may inherit something of this weakness from a weak-footed parent, and thus the infirmity be perpetuated. But with the fault existing, however produced, the foot cannot get strong till the arch is restored to its natural perpendicularity. The best manner of righting it up will be described in a chapter farther on. The uprightness will give the muscles a better chance to grow strong, while these assist the operation of the long heel; and possibly it will prove not inferior to either of them in promoting the desired result. We are sorry that facts from practical effort cannot be given to show a realized success in this direction. But in truth we doubt that an earnest and systematic attempt was ever made to raise up a broken-down foot. All that can be said is that the methods recommended must necessarily tend toward the restoration of the arch. But this alone ought to furnish assurance of success, and encourage an archless-footed person to combine those methods, and give them a faithful trial. FOOTNOTES: [4] This paragraph is from Mr. J. L. Watkins, a boot and shoe manufacturer of New York city, who has attempted to carry into practice the idea of Prof. Meyer. CHAPTER VI. Natural Character of the Instep—Causes, and Prevention, of Sores upon it—False Taste—Callosities of the Heel—Counters—Criticism of Lasts.