Instead of this, we may use the digitalis, which I have already highly recommended as a preventative; but I do not say that, in ordinary cases, where the contraction is brisk, and the process quick, it is at this stage absolutely necessary; and I shall afterwards mention that, when the stomachic affection is urgent, and the pulse much affected by it, the use of this medicine is improper. When, however, the case is tedious, and the discharge long continued, at the same time that the sickness is not considerable, the digitalis will be of essential service. Nauseating doses of emetic medicines act in the same way with the digitalis, but are much less effectual, and more disagreeable, as well as uncertain in their operation. Internal astringents have been proposed, but they have no effect, unless they excite sickness, which is a different operation from that which is expected from them. The application of cloths dipped in cold water to the back and external parts will have a much better effect than internal astringents, and ought always to be had recourse to. If the digitalis have been exhibited, it assists that medicine in moderating the circulation. Even when trusted to alone, it lessens the action of the sanguiferous system, particularly of the uterine vessels. The introduction of a small piece of smooth ice into the vagina has been recommended, and has often a very speedy effect in retarding the hemorrhage, whilst it never, if properly managed, does any harm. A small snow-ball, wrapped in a bit of linen, will have the same effect; but neither of these must be continued so long as to produce pain, or much and prolonged shivering. The heat of the surface is also to be moderated, by having few bed clothes, and a free circulation of cool air. But the most effectual local method of stopping the hemorrhage, is by plugging the vagina. This is best done by taking a pretty large piece of soft cloth, and dipping it in oil, and then wringing it gently. It is to be introduced with the finger, portion after portion, until the lower part of the vagina be well filled. The remainder is then to be pressed firmly on the orifice, and held there for some time. This acts by giving the effused blood time to coagulate. It gives no pain; it produces no irritation, and those who condemn it, surely must either not have tried it, or have misapplied it. If we believe that abortion requires for its completion a continued flow of blood, we ought not, in those cases where the process must go on, to have recourse to cold or other means of restraining hemorrhage. If we do not believe this, then surely the most effectual method of moderating it is the best. Plugging can never retard the process, nor prevent the expulsion of the ovum; for when the uterus contracts, it sends it down into the clotted blood in the upper part of the vagina, and the flooding ceases.