In  eight  cases  where  the  pains  were  weak,  and  the  parts  unyielding,
it  was  of  great  benefit  in  quickening  the  pains,  relaxing  the  parts  and
expediting  delivery,  saving  much  suffering  and  protracted  attendance.
It  can  then  be  used  with  safety  in  the  early  stages  of  labour,  although
the  OS  uteri  be  thin  in  the  edges  and  the  soft  parts  firm  and  contract^.
In  mnltipars,  when  the  parts  are  normal,  the  os  uteri  dilating  slowly,
and  the  pains  weak,  it  will  sharpen  the  Utter,  and  thus  shorten  the
duration  of  labour.  Flooding  did  not  occur  in  any  case,  nor  was
nausea  or  vomiting  more  troublesome  than  in  the  average  of  ordinary
deliveries.  In  one  case  (multiparse)  there  was  pain  in  the  abdomen
after  the  placenta  was  removed,  but  not  more  than  is  often  met  with
in  ordinary  after-pains.  A  cup  of  good  tea  was  given  to  the  mother  as
an  antidote,  and  at  the  same  time  to  refresh  her.  Being  a  consi-
derable distance  from  my  residence  I  left  an  opiate  diaphoretic  to  be
taken  if  the  pain  in  the  abdomen  should  return.  On  my  next  visit  I
was  told  that  it  was  not  necessary.  None  of  the  cases  required  any
particular  treatment. — Edivh,  Med,  Jovmaly  Jan,  1856,  p,  645.
141.— ON  THE  DURATION  OF  PREGNANCY.
By  Dr.  W.  Tiler  Smith,  Physician- Accoucheur  to  St.  Mary's

Hospital,  London.
