VALGUS, Bow or Bandy Legged. Some children are bow-legged from their birth; others become so from setting them on their feet too early. The tibia of some is crooked; the knees of others are distorted; from a fault in the ankle, the feet of some are turned inwards, these are called varus; and in others they turn outwards, these are called valgus. The best method of preventing these disorders in weakly children, is to exercise them doly, but not violently; by dancing or tossing them about in one's arms, and not setting them much on their feet, at least not without properly supporting them: if the disorder attends at the birth, or increases after it is begun, apply emollients, then apply boots of strong leather, wood, &c. as required to dispose the crooked legs gradually to a proper form; or other instruments may be used instead of boots, which, when not too costly, are usually to be preferred. Slighter instances of these disorders yield to careful nursing without instruments.