Women in general are ignorant of parturition or delivery. Almost all of them are under the impression that labor is completed more by art than nature; hence the most noted accoucheurs are employed to attend during this interesting period; and professional men, in general, have no wish to undeceive them on this subject, as their interest is too much concerned. It is often astonishing to see the credulity and ignorance manifested on these occasions. Thanks and blessings have been poured forth, under the idea that he had saved their lives in labor, when the accoucheur had merely looked on and admired the perfectly adequate powers of nature, and superintended the efforts of her work; and it is nature that accomplishes all, while the accoucheur gets the credit of it. There is not one case in a thousand in which he can do more than remain a silent spectator, except to calm the fears of the ignorant and timid attendants. The mischief and injury that are done by the untimely interference of art are incalculable. In pregnancy women are bled till they have not strength enough to accomplish delivery; and, when it takes place, the forceps or other instruments are used, which often prove fatal to the mother or child, or both. There are various particulars to be avoided, and several things to be done, in the management of women during labor. We have room here to state only a few, and shall begin by pointing out the course to be pursued in _Natural Labor._ When called to a woman supposed to be in labor, ascertain if her pains are _true_ or _false_, which may be easily known by a little inquiry. If the female complains of flying or unsettled pains about the system, occurring mostly toward evening or during the night, and being slight or irregular, it may be taken for granted that they are spurious or false. If these symptoms prove troublesome, an infusion or tea of _hops_ may be taken; or, if this is not sufficient to relieve them, or procure sleep, an anodyne may be taken; and it may be necessary also to give laxative medicines or an injection, with a little laudanum. _True pains_ may be known by the pain being more concentrated in the lower part of the belly, through the loins and hips. The pains now increase in regularity and force, returning every ten or fifteen minutes, and leaving the woman comparatively easy in the intervals.