_Stage I._ The root of the penis is taken between the index and middle fingers of the right hand palm downwards, and pressure is made firmly backwards, the index finger being against the scrotum, the middle finger against the lower portion of the abdomen. This steadies the penis, keeps away the skin of the scrotum, and helps towards producing an erection. _Stage II._ Keeping these fingers in this position, the _glans is grasped between the thumb and index finger of the left hand_. It is important not merely to take hold of the foreskin, the glans must be included between the fingers, and it must be examined by them so as to discover where it ends. This is determined by feeling the projecting rim of the Corona, and the neck beneath it. The skin overlying this marks the precise position where the shield is to be placed. When this position is accurately made out the whole of the skin in front of it is withdrawn beyond the glans by the fingers, and very firmly held upwards away from the scrotum. _Stage III._ The fingers are now to be removed from the root of the penis, and the shield is taken into the right hand and adjusted on the prepuce exactly at the level of the finger tips which are grasping it. The _direction of the shield is important_. It must _not_ be put on at right angles to the penis, but obliquely upwards, i.e., the part of the shield held in the hand must incline towards the abdomen of the infant, and the other part away from it. In this way the circumcision will take off the foreskin in a quill shape, and it will leave a sufficient amount of skin on the under surface of the penis. If this precaution is not observed there is a great risk of denuding the under surface of the skin almost as far as the scrotum. _Stage IV._ The knife is then taken in the right hand and with one sweep along the shield the foreskin is amputated. The knife must be handled firmly, and the cut made from the heel. The cut circular edge of the skin immediately retracts behind the corona, though on the under surface the amount of skin remaining may fall short of this level. _Stage V._ The amputated foreskin and the knife are now put aside, the shield having already fallen off. The Mohel will now, at a glance, observe the disposition of the mucous membrane covering the glans. He insinuates the nail of one thumb under its edge, and seizes it between the nail and the index finger. When this is grasped the manœuvre is repeated with the thumbnail and index finger of the other hand, keeping the two hands close together. Before proceeding further, the Mohel must be sure that he has a firm hold of the membrane.