It has often been a matter of dispute, both with medical men and with moralists, whether _Men_ or _Women_ ought to assist in child-birth. The discussion has called forth a great deal of declamation, but very little has been said to the point on either side. It appears to me, however, that the question may be very easily settled, if it be rightly considered. The first requisite, and the most indispensable, in those who are to assist in child birth is, that they should _know how to assist_. This is paramount to every thing else. Now, if females really did know what to do in such cases, and were fully competent to do it, I think there is no question but they would be the _best_ assistants, to say nothing of their being the most _proper_. There are many things experienced by females in such situations, which can never be understood by a man at all, though they are readily appreciated by one of their own sex, particularly if she has been a mother herself. With each other also there would be less disposition and less occasion for reserve in delicate communications, and less repugnance to necessary examination or manipulation, which could therefore be more efficiently practised. In short, if women were undoubtedly equally competent with men in this art, and full confidence was felt in them by their own sex, I think it is evident they would, in every respect, be the most fitting practitioners, and I have no doubt but they would be preferred. The question simply arises then, whether they are so competent? And every one able to judge, who speaks honestly, must admit that very few, if any of them really are so. It has not been possible for them to acquire the requisite information, nor to pursue the necessary investigations, and therefore we cannot expect that they can be equal to those who have. There are some women I know, who have been careful observers, and who have had great experience, that can render all needful help _in most cases_, but even they are apt to meet with difficulties, which require more skill than they possess to overcome; therefore very few like to depend upon them altogether. It is naturally argued that, as a physician _may_ be needed, it is better to have him at first, and so be ready for every contingency. That females can make competent _Accoucheurs_ is proved by numerous well known instances, among which I need only refer to MADAME BOIVIN, and MADAME LACHAPELLE, both of whom, as practitioners and as authors, stand in the very highest rank. These ladies are referred to as authorities, and their works are quoted by the most eminent Professors of the day; in fact, on many points, they have surpassed all competitors. Further on in our work we shall have occasion to refer to their labours, the value of which will then be seen.