As regards the manner of giving chloroform, I shall first allude to cases not requiring manual or instrumental assistance. In such cases, when it has been determined to resort to inhalation, the moment to begin is at the commencement of a pain; and the chloroform should be intermitted when the uterine contraction subsides, or sooner, if the patient is relieved of her suffering. It is desirable to give the chloroform very gently at first, increasing the quantity a little with each pain, if the patient is not relieved. The practitioner easily finds, with a little attention, the quantity of vapour which it is desirable to give at any stage of the labour, and in each particular case; his object being to relieve the patient without diminishing the strength of the uterine contractions and the auxiliary action of the respiratory muscles, or with diminishing it as little as possible. At first, it is generally necessary to repeat the chloroform at the beginning of each “pain”; but, after a little time, it commonly happens that sufficient effect has been produced to get the patient over one or two uterine contractions without suffering, before it is resumed. The external evidences of the uterine contractions continue as before, when the patient is rendered unconscious by chloroform; and the muscles of respiration are called freely into play, to assist the action of the uterus in the second stage of labour. The aspect of the patient under these circumstances, is generally that of one who is suppressing the expression of her sufferings; and any relative or friend who comes in, without knowing that chloroform has been given, begins to praise the unconscious patient for her fortitude. On some occasions, indeed, there are groans and cries, as of suffering; but the mind being unconscious of pain, it can hardly be said to exist. It may be remarked, that complete anæsthesia is never induced in midwifery, unless in some cases of operative delivery. The diminution of common sensibility to a certain extent, together with the diminution or removal of consciousness, suffice to prevent the suffering of the patient during labour; and she never requires to be rendered so insensible as in a surgical operation, when the knife may be used without causing a flinch or a cry. The nerves of common sensation must be allowed to retain their functions to a certain extent during labour; otherwise the assistance of the respiratory muscles, which consists of reflex action, or “motion arising from sensation, without the aid of volition”, would not take place, even if the contractions of the uterus should still continue.