The most usual resort however is to the drug called _Ergot_, or _Secale Cornutum_, a fungus growth which is sometimes found on ears of rye. This possesses the peculiar property of exciting the womb to contract, the same as an emetic excites the stomach to vomit, and it seldom fails in its effect; but still there are many objections to its use. It not unfrequently causes _delirium_, great restlessness, and anxiety, sickness, headache, and convulsions, or complete prostration, from which the female may be long in recovering. It is also supposed by some to be not altogether free from danger to the child. If however no other means were known of making the womb contract, in such cases, all the probable evils should be risked, because the labor _must_ be completed at all hazards; but other means _are_ known, which succeed even more certainly than ergot, and without any danger. The application of _Galvanism_, explained in my "_Neuropathy_," and "_Practical Facts_," will almost invariably cause the womb to contract, and speedily bring the labor to a safe termination, without the slightest risk or inconvenience, to either mother or child. Simple friction over the abdomen will also succeed in many cases, and gently rubbing the mouth of the womb with the finger in others. These simple means should therefore always be used in preference to the ergot, but in case they cannot be resorted to, or fail, the drug must be administered, and I will therefore explain the manner in which this is done. When gathered the ergot is in large irregular lumps, and should be so kept. When wanted for use a single drachm should be finely powdered, and divided into three parts; one of these parts to be taken first in a glass of sugar and water, and the others at intervals of ten minutes, unless the effects of the first are very powerful. It is often thrown from the stomach however even in still smaller quantities, and is then given, by some, as an injection by the rectum, in which mode it seems more powerful, so that a smaller dose is sufficient.