The ovum is usually comparatively large and stationary, and whatever motion is therefore necessary to bring it into contact with the male cell devolves upon the latter, which possesses what is known as a _locomotor tail_. In addition there are usually many sperms to one ovum, so that the chances are that at least one male cell will reach the egg and effect fertilization, and the beginning of a new life. The diagrams on the opposite page show the actual steps by which the spermatozoan unites with the ovum. It is the very first stage of the process of cell multiplication that results in the offspring.] THE FORMATION OF A NEW LIFE [Illustration: _Reproduced by permission from "Genetics," Walters, The Macmillan Co._] HOW A WILLFUL WOMAN CAN PROLONG LABOR.--For a certain time, during the second stage of labor, a willful, unreasonable woman, can work against nature and save herself a little pain by prolonging the issue; but there will come a time when, the head having reached a certain position, the expulsive pains will be so great that she won't be able to control them and nature then seems to take her revenge. So if a woman holds back, and begins to cry, and scream, when she feels a pain coming, she renders the pain to a large degree negative, she prolongs her labor, adds to the total number of pains, exhausts herself, and endangers the life of her child. It must, however, be remembered in all justice that this is a time when it is much easier to preach than to practice. Every confinement is a new experience; no matter how many a physician may have seen, there are no two alike. It is one of the interesting [98] psychological problems in medicine to observe the conduct of women during their first confinement. Some are calm, exhibiting a degree of self-control that is admirable. They are willing to be instructed, and they recognize that the advice is given for their benefit. They conscientiously try to obey suggestions, and they make praiseworthy efforts to keep themselves under control. They are stoics.