give a greater facility for inquiry. "These examinations are commonly made during the urgency of pain; and this has given rise to the phrase of 'trying a pain.' It is, however, desirable, on many accounts, that we should not introduce our finger up to the os uteri at the time when the uterus is acting strongly, because then the membranes are protruded into the vagina, and if we press against them at that moment, we may, probably, rupture the cyst, and lose its influence in the after progress of the labour. Besides, it is impossible, under such protrusion, to ascertain the presenting part of the foetus with precision, because of the quantity of water which is then interposed between our finger and its person. "Nevertheless, as it is expected that we should examine while the uterus is in action--and, indeed, as in many cases the patient would not allow us to pass our finger at all, were it not for the belief that we can 'assist' her--and that only in the time of pain, it is necessary that we should request her to inform us when there is a return, and take that opportunity of introducing our finger within the external parts. Having gained this advantage, we must allow it to remain inactive in the vagina while the pain continues; and upon its cessation, which we have seldom any difficulty in ascertaining, we may direct it up to the os uteri. "_Frequent examinations should not be made during the first stage of labour._ "We can do no good by such a practice after we have once gained the information we require. We cannot facilitate the descent of the child; we cannot dilate the parts; but we may do a great deal of injury, for we denude the vagina of that soft relaxing mucus which is designed by nature to protect it; and we, moreover, run the risk of destroying the integrity of the membranous cyst. We may, therefore, predispose the parts to inflammation, and retard the dilatation of the os uteri itself. As, however, it is a common idea among women that, under each examination, material assistance is rendered,[27] we shall frequently be urged, during the first stage, especially if the labour be rather slower than usual, to remain in close attendance on the patient's person; and these solicitations are generally advanced with a degree of fervency, that it appears the extreme of cruelty not to accede to. "Should this be the case, the finger may be introduced from time to time, with the greatest care and gentleness; more to pacify the patient's mind, and assure her she is not neglected, than with any other view beyond that, and also watching the progress of dilatation. The more rigid the parts are, the more do they require the softening influence of the natural secretion, and the more careful must we be to preserve it.... In about an hour ... we may see her again, and we may then, if we think it right, make another examination, to ascertain that the labour is proceeding satisfactorily. _Duties during the Second Stage._