N.Y.) George R. Fuller Co. (Rochester

“ In nearly every act performed by the natural fingers are combined flexion, extension, prehension, and many other different movements; this combination no mechanic has ever been able—and probably none ever will be able—to successfully reproduce in an artificial hand. It is, therefore, practically useless that the fingers should be movable, since a less complicated, lighter and stronger hand can be made with fingers rigid, in a half-closed, natural position, articulating the thumb only, which results in a more powerful spring and consequently a greater degree of firm grasping power. ”

“ The amputation of a leg, therefore, requires on the part of the artificial leg a double degree of responsibility; the limb must not only fit the remaining mutilated part of the leg comfortably, but must reproduce the general motion to a greater or lesser degree of perfection. These are delicate features of artificial limb production, and in no way are they more perfectly reproduced than in the Walkeasy leg.
The improvements represented by the Walkeasy leg are not simply theoretical. ”

“ As the weight of the body is imposed upon the artificial leg, under a high pressure, changing from naught to the entire weight of the body, and at times to double that weight or more, the least particle of chafing or friction would soon cause soreness and might continue to that extent that the limb would be impossible of good, and, moreover, a source of much injury to the wearer. ”

“ Much [16] depends, however, upon the weight and occupation of the wearer. Many legs of other makes which weigh no more than ours require more of an effort to carry and swing them, because the action of the rubber spring in the back part of our leg assists materially in carrying the leg forward while in the act of walking, thus relieving the stump from the effort that would otherwise be required to swing it. We aim to have sufficient weight around the joints to support them securely; at other points, where strength is not required, they are left a mere shell. ”

“ Simplicity of mechanism, the application of extremely light material in such a manner as to preserve the necessary strength, are the prominent features of progress in artificial arm construction, and in combination with the prevailing moderate prices, bring them into popular favor with those who have use for them.
However light, strong and mechanically perfect an arm and hand may be made, its success or failure—provided the stump is sound and of sufficient length—depends much upon the continued patience and perseverance of the wearer in getting accustomed to its use. ”

“ The making of a man is a process of time, of training and of progress. The babe, indeed, may be born perfect in physical proportions and in possession of normal faculties; but no product of Nature may stand still. Growth or decay is the lot of every one, and the man—the full and perfect man—is the result of physical and mental development. ”

“ For amputation below the elbow the neatest and best fitting socket is made from specially prepared stiff leather moulded over a cast of the stump, supported with a framework of steel and lined with buckskin or kid. The advantages over a wooden socket are that it is less clumsy, adheres more closely to the stump, that there is no danger [61] of splitting, and withal is equally as durable. We make them, however, of wood if desired. For amputation above the elbow the artificial elbow is made of wood, and it is sometimes desirable to extend the wood upward in one piece to form the socket. ”

“ Money will not buy happiness, but it will aid in its attainment. Money will not compensate for the loss of a limb, but it will buy a fair substitute if one knows where to procure it.
One having a valuable and delicate watch needing repairs would naturally be very cautious into whose hands it was entrusted. In the event of sickness we are apt to be very careful into whose care we place the patient. Careful inquiry is made as to the reliability of the physician and his experience, whether or not he has been successful, if he understands his business and is honest in his purpose ”

“ Socks made from soft woolen yarn are the most convenient and comfortable covering that can be worn on a stump, with or without an artificial leg. With a properly fitted socket, either wood or leather, it is as much padding as is required. To compensate for shrinkage of the stump, two or three extra socks may be added from time to time as required. It is desirable, however, if the stump has become so much reduced that more covering than this is needed, to have the socket lined with leather or felt, and if it should still further reduce, a new socket or top is the best remedy. ”

“ The patience and skill exercised throughout these years have evolved the limb we term “The Walk-Easy Leg,” and placed us at the head of manufacturers of artificial limbs. Our efforts have been always to improve and perfect—to excel at every point. ”

“ To advance an opinion here as to the length of stump or the kind of operation best adapted to the subsequent application of an artificial limb would be of little benefit, and might, indeed, suggest dissatisfaction to the sufferer and cause injury to the operator. The preservation of life is the object of amputations. ”

“ People who have never worn arms hardly know what will be of service to them. Special tools are required for special work, and these can be subsequently provided when it has been determined what will be most useful. With all arms with detachable hands, or rubber hands with the palm socket, we furnish a plain hook, knife, fork, and brush, without extra charge, or the price of any of these implements that are not wanted will be deducted from the price of the arm. ”

“ On request of any soldier we will give him the exact date on which he is entitled to an order for a leg or for commutation.
Each officer and soldier has his choice either to receive a limb or its equivalent in money. All who want limbs will gain by taking one from the Government, because the Government will give transportation to and from the manufactory, the cost of which in many cases is equal to the value of the limb. ”

“ If undetermined as to which leg would be best adapted to any particular case, and it is left to our judgment to select, upon receipt of measurements and full particulars we will construct the one we honestly and conscientiously believe will give the most lasting and comfortable service. We are equally interested with the purchaser in doing this, as the continued good name of our establishment, as well as our future prosperity, depend wholly upon the durability of our work and the comfort with which it is worn. ”

“ There is no substance that could be used for this purpose that presents a harder, smoother surface than glass, and when in the shape of solid polished spheres, plying in perfectly fitted sockets, they are practically indestructible; there is no such thing as wearing them out. A linked steel rod and a back and front tendon securely connect the foot and ankle. The tendons, also the rubber springs, are the same as used in all of our legs, and are applied in the same manner. This is a somewhat lighter joint than the army and navy joint and is recommended for persons of light or medium weight. ”

“ When children have been deprived, by accident or disease, of one or both lower limbs, artificial legs should be applied as soon as the condition of the stump will safely permit. It is too generally presumed that an outgrown limb is of no further use, and that the purchase of an artificial leg before full growth is assured means a foolish expenditure. ”

“ It is not desirable, to be sure, that the race should become one of ignorant giants, but nevertheless the value of exercise and of physical work cannot be disputed. The right to pursue this value should be shared by all mankind. ”

“ Many surgeons strongly urge that an artificial leg cannot be safely fitted for several months after cicatrization occurs, while, on the other hand, some manufacturers of artificial limbs claim that a leg can be satisfactorily fitted just as soon as the stump has healed, no matter if it be but five or six weeks after the amputation. ”

“ With a sound stump of sufficient length it may be worn with much satisfaction, as it is about one-third lighter than one with the knee joints and thigh band, and the wearer experiences much less restraint in its use, both in walking and sitting. It is, however, not recommended if the stump is sore or sensitive, as the entire pressure or bearing must be taken on the stump, with no provision for relieving it as with the leg with thigh band. No. 230 shows the leg with new foot, with rigid ankle No. 267, and adjustable leather lacing socket. ”

“ There has never been a time when physical development has received so much attention as at present, or when its importance has been so greatly appreciated. Physical culture and exercise in the open air have resulted in making men and women stronger and healthier, and consequently more graceful in carriage and figure and better fitted to enjoy the pleasures and perform the duties of life. ”

“ When the amputation is above the knee, it is often necessary that the leg be lengthened both above and below the knee-joint. This involves more labor and consequently greater expense, but in no case will the charge exceed five dollars.
For a very young child we would make the artificial foot one or two sizes larger than the natural one; in a year or so the natural foot will reach the size of the artificial, and some months, perhaps years, will elapse before the natural foot will be perceptibly larger than the artificial. ”

“ Every officer or enlisted or hired man who has lost a limb, or the use of a limb, in the military or naval service of the United States, is entitled to receive once every three years an artificial limb or apparatus. ”

“ The inner socket, being made of stiff leather, practically lengthens the stump, giving increased leverage, a condition greatly to be desired in such cases. It is also a very great relief to tender and sensitive stumps; the slipping and rubbing occasioned more or less in walking on an artificial leg, takes place with this attachment between the inner spring socket and the outer wood socket; the pressure of the springs keeping the inner socket snugly against the stump in all positions, precludes the possibility of any friction on the stump. ”

“ Artificial hands are covered with a delicately tinted enamel, as nearly a flesh color as it is possible to make; but in order that they may be less conspicuous and the illusion more complete a glove should be worn at all times. ”

“ The conviction is now general that to produce the highest type of man the cultivation and development of the physical structure should proceed with the cultivation of the mind; but on the other hand, the wise do not admit that the practice of devoting too much attention to athletics should be encouraged, however prevalent this practice may be said to be at many leading colleges. ”

“ The removable sponge-rubber sole of the foot imparts a soft, noiseless tread, does not cut the stockings, gives a natural appearance in the shoe, relieves the wearer of much strain and jar in walking, greatly assists the ankle springs in their action, producing an increased lifelike motion, and greatly reduces the chances of breakage of any part of the leg. ”

“ We make limbs for all manner of deformities, each one specially designed and constructed to conform to the individual peculiarities. With a fair degree of strength in the deficient limb, comfortable support and probability of easy locomotion are assured the wearers of these appliances. Rubber or wooden foot can be used. Prices vary from $50 to $100, according to the difficulties to be overcome in proper construction and comfortable fitting. ”

“ The upper part of the foot is firmly attached to the ankle part by a pin, and the entire wood part is covered with rawhide. Thus the upper part of the foot forms practically one piece with the ankle, and strength is gained without adding weight. The sponge-rubber removable sole is fitted into a recess channeled in the foot and is securely held in place by one screw. ”

“ It is entirely proper to ask similar questions in regard to the makers of artificial limbs; but too often people are careless in the matter, and place the case in the hands of almost anybody in the business, without regard to responsibility or reliability. ”

“ It is not possible to reduce the weight of artificial legs below a certain point without sacrificing strength and good wearing qualities. The leg we construct weighs from two to five and one-half pounds, but in some special cases where extreme strength is required this may be exceeded. ”

“ When children are deprived of these useful appendages, solely from fear or apprehension that they may be outgrown, a lasting injustice is done them. There is great danger of deformity and disease from the prolonged use of crutches, particularly at a tender and susceptible age; and the most natural, easy, graceful walkers on artificial legs are those who commence the use of them in youth ”

“ We enjoy the confidence of those who have found need of our services. As a further evidence that we have successfully sought to excel, it may be stated that during the past twenty years, notwithstanding active competition, we have supplied the United States Government with one-quarter in number of all the limbs furnished to pensioners. ”

“ Our prices are graded in such a manner as to make it possible for any one to secure one of these reliable limbs, and are governed entirely by the quality of the work and the time for which the limb is warranted, and bear an exact proportion to the cost of production and the probable cost of repairs during the term of the warranty. ”