hage are typical
cases, which lose half their terror if diagnosed and treated early.

If ever it is recognised that good midwifery is at the root of the
health of the nation and the new maternity benefit is made to help
in obtaining it, it will at once become worth while for educated and
intelligent women to take to the profession seriously. A practice
could then be worked by sets of two or three midwives in co-operation,
and with proper organisation as regards an insurance fund for securing
operative midwifery from medical practitioners when necessary.

There is ample room for a much larger body of trained midwives than
exists at present, if the health and welfare of the nation are to be
secured, while the women themselves could, under these conditions,
earn a sufficient livelihood.

Trained nurses also specialise in midwifery. They take the full course
of training described above, completing this by passing the Central
Midwives' Board Examination. They do not practise for themselves,
but work only under doctors, thus replacing the monthly nurse. The
improvement in health and comfort of both mother and child, when
nursed by some one thoroughly competent, is very marked.

The fees which they receive for this work are usually 12 to 14 guineas
for the month, and in some cases may rise to 18 guineas.

XIII

MASSAGE

This work demands a healthy body and cheerful mind, a love of the
work, endurance, and much tact in dealing with the nervous cases for
which this form of treatment is found to be beneficial.

It may be undertaken either

(1) As a separate profession, or

(2) As an additional qualification by trained nurses.

The training must be good and adequate to ensure any success as a
masseuse, so great care should be exercised in the choice of a
school. The many training schools advertised are of varying degrees
of efficiency, and those prepared to train in a few weeks, or by
correspondence only, are obviously unsatisfactory.

On application to the secretary of the Incorporated Society of Trained
Masseuses, information can be obtained with regard to the training
schools in London and the Provinces where a course of instruction in
massage is given, which is accepted by the society as adequate.

The society itself is an independent examining body which insists on
a satisfactory standard for massage workers. It holds two examinations
yearly and grants a certificate to successful candidates. No one may