pressure with the fingers around the whole orifice; apply the binder, give ergot and stimulants, and the uterus will, in all probability, contract upon its contents, and expel them without further trouble. If the hemorrhage should, however, continue after the employment of these means, delivery must be accomplished by the forceps, craniotomy, or by turning, according to the peculiarities of the case. In women who are liable to attacks of flooding after the expulsion of the child or placenta, rupture the membranes at the commencement of labor, even before the os uteri is much dilated, if the presentation is natural, and you will often succeed in entirely preventing hemorrhage." The recommendation to bleed may be with good reason objected to, at least in the great majority of such cases; and I cannot but think that a timely and persevering use of the ordinary remedies, namely, keeping quiet, using acid drinks, and cold fomentations to the abdomen, would do away with any necessity for it at all. I question very much if ever bleeding really prevented abortion from flooding, and I cannot but think that it has often brought it on sooner. Nevertheless, if all other means fail to arrest the discharge, and there are no decided objections to the contrary, it might be cautiously tried; though the policy of taking _more_ blood from a person who is already losing _too much_, is not very evident. I have often known the most severe flooding stopped, merely by the female lying on her back, drinking plentifully of lemonade, and applying cold wet cloths over the abdomen. A small dose of laudanum occasionally is also useful; and complete rest and tranquillity of _mind_ is as indispensable as rest of the body. Many females flood and miscarry merely from worrying and fretting themselves, and from passion, or strong excitement, _particularly of a certain kind_. This in short must be carefully avoided, and the patient must live strictly as if a widow. This accident is likely to occur in subsequent pregnancies, at nearly the same time, and should therefore be guarded against by a careful avoidance of all excitement, or violent bodily exertion, during the whole time. Keeping the bowels gently open, and practising a regular diet, are also requisite. A good supporting bandage is also of frequent service. For much more valuable information on this subject however, I refer to my work on "_The Diseases of Women_," in which it is fully treated. CHAPTER XXII. ECLAMPSIA, OR CONVULSIONS DURING LABOR.