FIG. 115.—Syringe for introducing sterile water into bag after its insertion into the uterus. ] The operation is performed with the patient in the dorsal position. The cervix is drawn down into sight, with forceps, and if intact, is slightly dilated. The bag is rolled tightly, held in suitable forceps (Fig. 114), and after being well lubricated is introduced through the slightly dilated cervix into the lower uterine segment, and pumped full of sterile salt solution. The solution is first measured in order to be sure that the bag is filled to its desired capacity, and is then introduced by means of a syringe, (Fig. 115), through the rubber tubing which is attached to the lower end of the bag, and which is then closed off by the stop cock, to prevent escape of the fluid. It is very important that the solution be sterile in view of the possibility of any rubber bag rupturing, particularly when pressed upon by the contracting uterus. (See Fig. 47 for position of bag after introduction into uterus.) The presence of this bag stimulates uterine contractions, the cervix dilates, the bag is expelled and in some instances the child is delivered spontaneously and in others by means of forceps. The effect of this bag in producing labor may be hastened by tying a weight to the end of the tubing and allowing it to hang over the side of the bed. This traction and pressure help to dilate the cervix and seem to increase the irritation of the uterine muscles, thus increasing the force of their contractions. =Accouchement forcé= is a speedy, forced delivery requiring the forcible widening of an intact, or partly dilated cervix, manually, or instrumentally. It is sometimes performed when existing conditions require extreme haste, as in certain heart lesions; eclampsia; concealed or accidental hemorrhage or in any condition which suddenly arises to threaten the life of the patient or her expected baby. But as the shock of this operation is great and the condition which threatens the patient can usually be better relieved by means of some one of the operations already described, it is less and less frequently performed. THE MIRACLE[7] by Elizabeth Newport Hepburn The wind blows down the street, A shutter bangs somewhere, While twilight falls as softly as A woman’s flowing hair. Within a quiet room, Adventurers at rest, A mother holds her newborn son, Safe, now, upon her breast! For out of Night and Pain, The womb of mystery, Is sprung this miracle of Life That she can touch and see. No seer’s prophetic dream, No star in all the skies Burns with a lustre half so bright As happy mother eyes.