rful process
for alleviating and lessening the pains and perils of childbirth. I
have, as you are aware, thrice passed through this ordeal; the first
without the aid of your invaluable process, and well do I recollect the
agony I then endured; the second time I was induced to submit myself to
your new mode of treatment, and although it was a tedious and protracted
labour, I passed through it with little or none of the suffering I
experienced on the first occasion.

In my third and last confinement I cannot speak too highly of this
inestimable boon. I was in great agony on your arrival; but as soon as
I used the Inhaler, which I held in my own hand, I felt no more pain. I
was perfectly sensible the whole of the time, conversing freely with
those in the room. But what I consider most extraordinary was, when you
were obliged at the last, owing to the great size of the baby's head, to
have recourse to instruments; even at that trying time, I experienced
little or no pain or distension, to the utter astonishment and delight
of my mother and the nurse, who were present. As to myself, I could
hardly believe it possible that my trouble was over. My speedy recovery
is well known to you, being enabled to rise from my bed on the fifth day
after my confinement, quite strong, and to leave my room within the
fortnight, neither myself nor babe ever having since experienced the
least unpleasant effects from the astonishing relief afforded.

In conclusion, I beg you to accept the sincere thanks of myself and
husband for your great kindness and unremitting attention to me in the
hour of need, and trust you may long be spared to witness the marvellous
results of your arduous exertions for relieving suffering women.

I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
* * *

To Dr. Townley.

* * * * *

18th Feb., 1862.

Dear Sir,

When I was at Clapham last week, I heard that my confinement had been
hit upon by some persons (who are much prejudiced against your splendid
discovery) as an example of its _failure_; and as I do not think it
should be looked upon in that light, I am writing to say you are at
liberty to send any one to me, and I will tell them that, although I
cannot say (as I _know_ some of your ladies can) that I never felt a
pain, yet that the anodyne gave me such relief that I shall be thankful
to get the same alleviation another time. You will recol