SUPPLEMENT. 



The chairman having received numerous communications from 

 distinguished physicians in various parts of the country, in relation 

 to etherization in midwifery, has thought it advisable to present 

 extracts from some of these, in the form of a supplement to the re- 

 port. A few other matters will also be added. 



Prof. Channing, of Boston, in a letter dated December 16th, 

 1847, says: — "I have, during the past year, employed ether in ob- 

 stetrical practice to some extent, my observations now extending to 

 about forty cases. I have used it in natural and other classes of 

 labour, and with uniformly good results. 



Dr. E. J. Marsh, of Patterson, N. J., reports one case of mid- 

 wifery, in which ether was used, and two in which he employed 

 chloroform, with relief of pain and increased relaxation. 



Dr. J. C. Bennett of Plymouth, Mass., says: — "I have used chlo- 

 roform in nearly two hundred cases without the least evil result. In 

 obstetric practice, I find that chloroform produces a more rapid 

 dilatation of the os tincse, and greatly increases the expulsive ute- 

 rine efforts, while the patient enjoys tranquil sleep, and is perfectly 

 free from all suffering. The placenta is likewise thrown off at an 

 earlier period, and the hemorrhage is less than where chloroform is 

 not employed." 



Dr. M. B. Wright, Professor of Midwifery in the Medical College 

 of Ohio, reports a considerable number of cases of obstetrics treated 

 by the letheon and chloroform. He says "the patients gave no 

 evidence of pain, and the cases terminated without an unpleasant 

 symptom, accompanying or following the labour. In five of the 

 cases I have given chloroform to arrest constant pain, and to esta- 

 blish alternate contractions — to promote a more speedy dilatation of 

 the os tincae, and a greater relaxation of the vagina and perineum." 



"A given amount of uterine contraction will effect an expulsion 

 of the foetus, under the use of either letheon or chloroform, much 

 more speedily than where nature is permitted to proceed unas- 

 sisted." 



