to the centre of the sponge. It has, in the second place, the
advantage of helping to keep the Inhaler cool by the patient making use
of it to rest her thumb upon when she is inhaling. It will therefore be
gathered from this that the patient herself always holds the inhaler.

[Footnote A: Manufactured by Messrs. Weiss and Son.]

[Illustration: A, cup; B, external opening of tubes; C, internal opening
of tubes; D, sponge.]

_The anodyne mixture_ which I have found to be the most manageable is
composed as follows: Alcohol, two ounces; one drachm of aromatic
tincture; with sufficient chloroform added, short of the production of a
turbid state of the fluid. The object of adding the tincture is to make
it pleasanter to inhale; the spice also appears to prevent the sickness
which would otherwise sometimes arise from long-continued inhalation. By
giving a little colour to the mixture, also, it prevents any accident
that might arise by putting in by mistake pure for the modified
chloroform. I prepare the aromatic tincture as follows: One drachm of
nutmegs; two drachms of cloves; pterocarp chips, a drachm and a half;
water, four ounces; alcohol, five ounces: mix.

_Mode of administering the anodyne vapour._--The great object to be
attained is to so far influence the nerves of sensation as to prevent
pain, and yet not carry the anaesthetic agent to the extent of producing
unconsciousness. This can be effected in the following manner:--The
woman, in the upright or recumbent position, as the case may be, holds
the Inhaler in her right hand. She is directed to take a full
inspiration, and then to apply the Inhaler to the mouth and nose. She is
then to breathe rapidly for six, eight, or more inspirations (the
inspirations and expirations being equal) only with the diaphragm and
abdominal muscles, the chest being kept a fixture all the time. The
Inhaler should then be removed immediately, and one or two full, deep,
quick chest-inspirations taken. This will be found sufficient to
relieve all pain, and there will be no loss of consciousness. During the
entire process it is desirable to have a full light upon the face, to
watch the countenance and feel the pulse occasionally, and observe the
pupils. These, in some cases, are very quickly affected, and then the
inhalation requires to be suspended for a time. During the time the
process is going on, I am in the habit of giving a teaspoonful of brandy
in a cup of weak tea with plenty of