Nicolas Andry (1743) suggested that deformity, suggested that polite society should shun anything ‘shocking’, like visible impairments which might threaten virtuous interactions. Moreover, individuals who permitted, by their neglect, their bodies to become ‘ugly’ offended both society and God’s intentions.  Thus, ‘orthopaedic’ intervention to restore the proper aesthetics to the body was an act of social and moral responsibility. Causes and preventions of deformity Experts concluded that preventing deformity was preferable (and easier) than curing … Continue reading Defining beauty in the Regency era