BY these _Means_ and _Methods_, we prevent the _Tragical Consequences_, which Mr. _Portal_ and many _others_ confess they have often met with in their _Practice_; viz. That the _HEAD_ has been sometimes pulled-off from the _SHOULDERS_, or that the _CHILD_ has been frequently _stifled_, by the WOMB’s contracting and shutting-up about the _NECK_: Which was altogether owing to the injudicious _Method_ of their Practice, in drawing down the ARMS awkwardly (as mentioned above) along the SIDES of the _Body_. [Illustration] CHAP. XVII. _Of Preternatural BIRTHS, by Two, or more INFANTS presenting themselves ill-Turn’d._ THIS _Case_ also happens sometimes remarkably; upon which, if _Both_ or _All_ are contain’d in _one_ and the _same SECUNDINE_, or when the _MEMBRANES_ are broken, _then_ the right VERSION is very difficult; not so much for want of _Room_, as because their _HANDS_ and _FEET_ are commonly interwoven and twisted together: In which _preternatural Condition_, when so complicated and entangled, they are to be unfolded and cleared off _one another_ with the nicest Circumspection and Judgment. BUT besides, farther, they are otherways, only to be treated in this difficult Point, as if there was but _one CHILD_; for _turning_ them always _One_ by _One_ duly, I would bring all their FEET into the _Passage_, and consequently handle them, as if they had offer’d themselves so at _first_. The _first CHILD_ being born, I would give it to the next capable _Person_ to tie and cut its STRING; whilst I directly repass up my _Hand_, to seek for the _other_’s FEET, by which I would also _draw it forth_, after breaking its proper _MEMBRANES_, in Case the _second_ FLOODING is not yet over, and _that_ notwithstanding the HEAD should present itself _First_. BUT and if it happens, that _each CHILD_ has its own proper and _distinct SECUNDINE_, and _That_ of the _INFANT_ already _brought forth_ chance to be loose and separated from the WOMB; In that _Case_, I would presently fetch it away, and then extract the _other INFANT_, as long as there is _any_ yet left behind, and _that_ also by the FEET, as aforesaid: Whereas otherwise, the _BIRTHS_, together with the _Constriction_ of their _UMBILICALS_, are to be previously accomplished. IN fine, having _thus_ accounted for all the _Preternatural BIRTHS_ whatsoever, which may or can occur on the _Part_ of the _INFANT_, and _that_ conformable to the most nice and polite _Rules_ of ART; It remains now in the next place, that I acquit myself in a consonant manner, with respect to _Those_ proceeding from the _Part_ of the WOMB. Of which _First_ in general—— [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAP. XVIII. _Of Preternatural BIRTHS, proceeding from Causes of the WOMB._