The question may arise as to whether the nurse shall come to the patient upon the date for which she has been engaged or shall wait until summoned. From the physician's standpoint it is often more acceptable to have the nurse in the house a few days before the confinement, though some patients strongly object to this. Provided the nurse may be got quickly at any time of day or night, there can be no objection to leaving the decision to the patient herself. THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES FOR CONFINEMENT.--As to just what a confinement outfit should contain physicians differ to some extent; but this disagreement pertains rather to luxuries than essentials. In the lists here suggested nothing essential has been omitted, although economy, as far as is consistent with good judgment, has been kept in mind. Any article not included in my list which the doctor or nurse in attendance recommends may be noted in the space for memoranda. Some patients prefer to take no part in preparing the supplies for confinement. Indeed, the demand for a ready-made confinement outfit has become large enough to lead several firms to put them upon the market. These outfits differ in completeness and vary in price from a few dollars up to fifty. The majority of patients, however, still attend to such details themselves, and will find a list of the needful supplies convenient. _Make-up and Sterilize_: 7 Dozen Sanitary Pads. 2 Sanitary Belts. 2 Delivery Pads. 5 Dozen Gauze Sponges. 2 Dozen Gauze Squares. 4 Dozen Cotton Pledgets. 2 Sheets. Bobbin for tying the Cord. A Pair of Obstetrical Leggins. A Dozen and a Half Towels (Diapers). _Obtain from the Druggist_: 100 Bichlorid of Mercury Tablets. 100 grams Chloroform. 4 ounces Powdered Boric Acid. 4 ounces Tincture Green Soap. 1 pint Grain Alcohol. A small jar of White Vaselin. A cake of Castile Soap. A two-ounce Medicine Glass. A Medicine Dropper. A bent glass Drinking Tube. _The following articles should be in the house, ready for use._ An ample supply of Towels, Sheets, and Gowns. A new Hand-Brush; the cheap variety with wooden back and stiff bristles is preferable. Two slop Jars or enamel Buckets with Covers. A two-quart Fountain Syringe; an old one may be substituted provided it has been thoroughly boiled. Three Basins and a one-quart Pitcher of agate or enamel-ware. A Douche-Pan; the "perfection Bed-Pan" is preferable. Two pieces of Rubber-Sheeting are required, one large enough to cover the mattress of a single bed (2 x 1-1/2 yds.), the other smaller (1 x 3/4 yd.). Should this be too expensive, the best substitute is white table oil-cloth.