eral times — to absorb the discharges. Replace the bed- covers as though the bed had been made up as ordinarily. To the foot-board — against which the feet should be fixed during expulsive pains — attach a long towel, twisted, that the patient may grasp at it during strong bearing-down pains.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE PHYSICIAN.
A chair to sit upon, some lard or sweet-oil to lubricate his hands and the soft parts of the mother, several towels, cold and warm water, and soap.
ARTICLES NEEDED DURING LABOR.
A cord made of twisted linen thread; a pair of sharp- edged but blunt-ended scissors; a paper of largCj sharp- pointed pins; a square yard of soft flannel, or some suitable material, to envelop the child when born; a bandage for the mother; an abundant supply of warm water; some suitable stimulant, brandy, or aromatic spirit of ammo- nia; one dozen towels and napkins; a fine sponge; a vessel under the bed to receive the after-birth.
BANDAGE.
Although some physicians split hairs about the bandage, and some assume even that the patient can do better with- out it, I cannot but recommend the use of it. The brac- ing-up of the collapsed abdomen gives such a feeling of comfort, that that alone would recommend it, as, in ordi- nary cases, enabling the mother soon to move about the bed without feeling that she is going to fall to pieces. Besides, I know cases where the abdomen never contracted, from want of this support; and the woman had to bear a pendulous abdomen ever after, to her great discomfort and
