Muscular contractions may be inefficient or the os slow to dilate from rigidity. Caustic treatment, so prevalent for ulceration, destroys the natural elasticity of the cervix. Severe and prolonged suffering without dilatation is often the consequence. (See Chap. XXI.) Few women realize the injury done by the prevalent use of caustic treatment. One lady told me that she had been treated by eleven physicians, every one using similar measures. At last in despair she “gave up doctoring,” and by hygienic methods had attained to a comfortable degree of health. The time must come when people will protest against the burning of mucous surfaces as they now protest against blistering and bleeding, which only a few years since were universal. The head advancing may meet with resistance from dryness, heat, and rigidity of external parts. The _hot sitz-bath_ is the best temporary means to overcome rigidity of both os and vulva, and to relieve pains that are neuralgic in character. Seat the patient in a sitz-bath tub, containing very hot water, her feet also in a hot foot bath. Envelop her with blankets and increase the temperature of the water by pouring in hot water as she can bear it. Let her remain until profuse perspiration is induced. Dry her under the blankets and let her lie down without removing them. Sometimes she can remain in the bath an hour with advantage, though a shorter time is usually sufficient. The pains entirely or partially subside, and she seldom fails to fall into a refreshing sleep. Local relaxation will be accomplished, the pains assume an effective character, and a speedy termination of the case can be expected. To accomplish the desired result, the bath must be _hot_, not warm, and continued until perspiration is induced. When prolonged labor is caused by rigidity of the soft parts, good and speedy results are sure to follow. The following cases prove the value of the hot bath: Mrs. N---- engaged my services for her seventh confinement, stating that I might expect a tedious case, as in all previous labors the skill of physicians had been baffled. She had lingered in labor from 48 to 96 hours, attended with convulsions and other distressing symptoms; several times had been delivered with instruments. Summons came for me on a bright June morning at 5 o’clock. She had had irregular pains all night, was very nervous and had great dread of her sufferings, having no hope of relief for at least two days. I found no dilatation, and no real contractions were taking place.