Fehling (Sammlung Klin. Vorträge, No. 308) compares the views and practice of authorities in the treatment of the third stage of labor. The various methods of placental delivery that have been advocated by different writers are recounted. The reaction against Credé in favor of expectancy, first started by Dohrn and Ahlfeld, has resulted in proving the inferiority of the latter plan, and in a return to more active methods. In a large number of German clinics, the uterus is allowed to rest immediately after the expulsion of the child, without friction. When the placenta lies detached in the lower uterine segment, which is generally the case after fifteen or twenty minutes, nothing is to be gained by longer waiting. The author is favorably disposed toward the practice of Credé, which as he says, has never been shown by its adversaries to be capable of harm when properly conducted. With reference to the mechanism of placental separation, both theoretical considerations and clinical observations favor the views of Duncan, yet the question is not settled. Retained membranes may be removed with the aseptic hand. Yet Credé and Olshausen consider the retention of even the whole chorion free from danger, and clinical experience has shown better results by the expectant plan in case of retained membranes than by interference. These results, the author thinks, in the light of Döderlein’s researches, are explained by the fact that the hand may transport the peccant germs from the vagina into the uterus. The active plan, with a preliminary vaginal disinfection and a vigorous asepsis throughout, should yield better results than expectation. Interference with these precautions is, at least, justified in case of atony and hæmorrhage or fever, including, if need be, the use of the curette and subsequently ergot. Dührssen’s method of tamponing the uterus in post-partum hæmorrhage with iodoform gauze is favorably mentioned. In the event of cervical tears causing troublesome hæmorrhage, Kaltenbach, Schroeder and Leopold practice immediate suture. The author thinks the vaginal tamponade is generally to be preferred. Yet, in certain cases the suture may also be required, or the application of the perchloride of iron on cotton pledgets to the bleeding surfaces. Credé (Arch. f. Gyn., B. 32, H. 1) again discusses and defends his method of managing the placental delivery which he prefers to call the external method.