milk, and something to eat; or,
instead, a glass of wine and a little cake or bread-and-butter, from
time to time, to keep up the strength and prevent that sudden pallor of
the face which sometimes occurs. I may add, as only a portion of the
alcohol is taken up in vapour, it accumulates in the sponge, so that it
is necessary occasionally to squeeze it out before adding a fresh
quantity.

I can hardly attempt to explain clearly the _modus operandi_ of the
agent. Practically, however, it answers the purpose intended. The great
point is, of course, to arrest its action before it produces
unconsciousness. This is effected by using it as I have described. It is
requisite that the patient be carefully watched, so that the moment for
administering the agent may be seized. From the experience I have now
had of its use, I can estimate pretty accurately the exact time the
inhalation should be resumed or discontinued. After a little practice
this knowledge can be obtained by any competent observer. I have now
given my anodyne mixture in 216 cases, and without in any one instance
seeing a bad result _quoad_ the administration of the mixture. Of these
cases many have come to me in consequence of the severity of their
former labours, their extreme nervousness, and other causes.

I select a few instances from my notebook in which the anodyne was
employed with complete and satisfactory effects:

1. The patient was in her twenty-ninth year, by no means robust, of a
nervous temperament, and looking forward to her first labour with great
apprehension.

2. Was in her thirty-third year, and looked forward to her first labour
with great dread.

3. Her sixth labour; all her previous labours had been very severe.

4. Her tenth labour; her previous labours very severe, and each time
followed by a great deal of after-pain.

5. Her eighth labour; had suffered intensely in every previous labour,
in some of which she had been delivered with instruments; had had a
protracted recovery after each labour.

6. Her seventh labour; inflammation had followed each of her former
labours.

7. Her fifth and sixth labours; her former labours had been very severe.

8. Her third and fourth labours; her former labours having been very
severe.

9. Her first labour; very strong expulsive pains; soft parts at first
being very rigid, then gradually giving way after six hours' use of the
inhaler.

10. Her third labour; child's head very large and firm;