The Japonese and Chinese drive in the needle by the stroke of a mallet. This instrument, in use amongst the former, is made of ivory, with holes, sunk on its surface in the same manner as a lady’s thimble, which prevent the hammer from sliding off when the stroke is given. Such a method is however objectionable, as well from the danger there would be of breaking a needle not possessing flexibility, as from its being more painful to the patient. The method to be employed is the following: The handle of the needle being held between the thumb and fore finger, and its point brought into contact with the skin, it is pressed gently, whilst a rotatory motion is given it by the finger and thumb, which gradually insinuates it into the part, and by continuing this rolling, the needle penetrates to any depth with facility and ease. The operator should now and then stop to ask if the patient be relieved; and the needle should always be allowed to remain five or six minutes before it is withdrawn. This mode of introducing the needle, neither produces pain (or at least very little) to the patient; nor is productive of Hœmorrhiage, which Dr. Haime says arises from the fibres being separated, rather than divided by the passing of the needle; the former of which (the absence of pain) is a point in its favor, which few surgical operations possess. It is but rare that I introduce more than one needle at the same time, as a greater number does not appear to be more efficacious than a single one. I, however, depart from this rule (as will be seen from some of the cases) when the pain becomes fugitive from the effects of the instrument; which is a most encouraging symptom. In such circumstances, following the disease by introducing the needles where the pain has removed to, has always proved ultimately successful. Where also the disease is seated in such several parts, which from their anatomical situation, are known to receive their nerves from distinct or opposite departments of nervous origin; or if the disease pervades more organs or muscles than one, which are but little connected as to their nervous relations; then I regulate the number of needles, accordingly as I suppose the several parts may be more or less connected with each other. The perforation made by a sharp smooth instrument like a needle, is of such a simple nature, that there is little danger of doing any mischief with one of this kind. Dr. Bretonneau, Physician to the “_Hospital Général_” of Paris, has made a number of experiments on puppies, the result of which is, that the Cerebrum, the Cerebellum, the Heart, the Lungs, the Stomach, &c. may be penetrated without occasioning the least pain or inconvenience.