Parturition without Pain or Loss of ConsciousnessTownley, James
Science
Parturition without Pain or Loss of Consciousness
Townley, James
Anesthesia in obstetrics
_The anodyne mixture_ which I have found to be the most manageable is
composed as follows: Alcohol, two ounces; one drachm of aromatic
tincture; with sufficient chloroform added, short of the production of a
turbid state of the fluid. The object of adding the tincture is to make
it pleasanter to inhale; the spice also appears to prevent the sickness
which would otherwise sometimes arise from long-continued inhalation. By
giving a little colour to the mixture, also, it prevents any accident
that might arise by putting in by mistake pure for the modified
chloroform. I prepare the aromatic tincture as follows: One drachm of
nutmegs; two drachms of cloves; pterocarp chips, a drachm and a half;
water, four ounces; alcohol, five ounces: mix.
_Mode of administering the anodyne vapour._--The great object to be
attained is to so far influence the nerves of sensation as to prevent
pain, and yet not carry the anaesthetic agent to the extent of producing
unconsciousness. This can be effected in the following manner:--The
woman, in the upright or recumbent position, as the case may be, holds
the Inhaler in her right hand. She is directed to take a full
inspiration, and then to apply the Inhaler to the mouth and nose. She is
then to breathe rapidly for six, eight, or more inspirations (the
inspirations and expirations being equal) only with the diaphragm and
abdominal muscles, the chest being kept a fixture all the time. The
Inhaler should then be removed immediately, and one or two full, deep,
quick chest-inspirations taken. This will be found sufficient to
relieve all pain, and there will be no loss of consciousness. During the
entire process it is desirable to have a full light upon the face, to
watch the countenance and feel the pulse occasionally, and observe the
pupils. These, in some cases, are very quickly affected, and then the
inhalation requires to be suspended for a time. During the time the
process is going on, I am in the habit of giving a teaspoonful of brandy
in a cup of weak tea with plenty of milk, and something to eat; or,
instead, a glass of wine and a little cake or bread-and-butter, from
time to time, to keep up the strength and prevent that sudden pallor of
the face which sometimes occurs. I may add, as only a portion of the
alcohol is taken up in vapour, it accumulates in the sponge, so that it
is necessary occasionally to squeeze it out before adding a fresh
quantity.
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