but regard this as an improvement on the old plan
of using chloroform--which relieved pain, it is true, but it produced
loss of consciousness also, and was not unattended with danger.

_2, Harleyford Place, Kennington, S.,
October, 1862._

ADVERTISEMENT

TO

THE FIRST EDITION.

The following remarks on the administration of an anaesthetic agent
during parturition are reprinted from the _Lancet_. I have appended a
series of Letters, illustrative of the efficacy of the mode of
proceeding I adopt.

_2, Harleyford Place, Kennington, S.,
June, 1862._

PARTURITION WITHOUT PAIN.

For some time past, my attention has been directed to the use of
anaesthetics in parturition. I had often been requested by patients to
administer chloroform to them during labour, but I had seen the ill
effects of this drug in one instance so strongly and almost fatally
developed, that I shrank from its use. After considerable reflection on
the subject, I thought that if a plan could be devised by which the
anaesthetic agent should act only in deadening sensation, and not
interfere with consciousness, it would be a boon to the accoucheur as
well as to the patient. How was this to be effected? Two conditions
appeared necessary for its accomplishment,--namely, a modification of
the Inhaler at present in use; and certain additions to the
chloroform--additions which would reduce its strength, and give it a
certain flavour. These two conditions I had not much difficulty in
fulfilling. But there arose an obstacle of more serious moment: How,
when, and for what time, was the inhalation to be made? I will now give
an account, _seriatim_, of my inhaler, the anodyne fluid which I employ,
and the mode in which I direct the inhalation to be made.

_The Inhaler_[A] is similar to one very commonly used in administering
chloroform. It has, however, in addition, two tubes, an inch and a
quarter long and a quarter of an inch in diameter, running parallel to
the floor of the inhaler. These tubes, being placed above and to the
sides of the inspiring valve, admit two small streams of fresh air,
which to a great extent are inspired unmixed with the vapour of the
anodyne. In the place of the grating there is a curved prong for
retaining the sponge under the right tube and opposite the hole in the
right side connected with the cup which receives the mixture to be
inhaled. The object of this cup is--first, to receive the mixture, and
direct it