_Management of the first stage._ The preparatory pains of labour, which form the first stage, do not require that the patient should take to her bed at this early period; and this is especially the case in primiparæ, where the first stage is usually somewhat tedious. Until nearly the end of the first stage, she ought rather to be induced to suppose that actual labour has scarcely yet commenced, and that she may still sit up or walk about the room as best suits her feelings, taking care at the same time that every thing is in readiness against the moment when it shall become necessary for her to lie down. A nurse who understands her business will of course duly arrange all these matters, but it behoves the accoucheur, nevertheless, to pay attention to these little details, and to see that every thing is properly prepared: that the bed is ready, and guarded either by several folds of sheeting, or by a leather for the purpose, to prevent the blood and other discharges during labour from soaking into the bedding beneath; this must be done either on the right side or at the foot of the bed, in order that the patient may be better within the reach of the accoucheur: that the patient should be partially undressed, and covered with her dressing-gown: that all the linen should be well aired: that there should be towels, napkins, hot and cold water in readiness, and also a bottle of vinegar, and one of spirit in the room, in case of hemorrhage, suspended animation in the child, &c. &c. These and many other arrangements of less importance are by no means beneath his attention, and require but a moment's glance to assure him that every thing is properly prepared. By encouraging the patient to sit up as long as she can, or even to move about occasionally, the pains are rendered more tolerable as well as more effective; the time passes more agreeably and quickly; and by the time that it has become necessary for her to lie down, the labour has made so much progress that the rest of its course seems to be much quicker than was at first expected. On the contrary, where the practitioner at an early period of the first stage, informs her that she must stay up no longer, that she must go to bed and remain lying on her left side, her mind is solely occupied with her pains, which become wearying and irksome; the time passes heavily away; she becomes impatient and therefore dispirited; and is much disappointed, that, after remaining in this state for some time, the termination of the labour appears to be as far off as ever. Nothing eases the pains of the first stage, or increases their effect, so much as frequent change of position and moving about; when, however, they are severe or of long continuance, and the patient becomes fatigued, she will require rest, and this opportunity, afforded by her lying down, should be seized for the purpose of making an examination.