of the Human Uterus. 85 



those who wear the sword are apt imprudently to use 

 the sword, but a good stock of composure and patience, 

 and confidence in the resources and abilities of nature ; 

 and, above all, a sound, discriminating, well-instructed 

 judgment. Thus provided, I think that I can assure 

 them, they will seldom leave the room with feelings un- 

 grateful to themselves, or a reputation disadvantageous 

 to the art of the accoucheur. 



In my next speculation, I shall confine my pen to the 

 mechanism of labour. I shall endeavour to demonstrate, 

 that if the lancet will relax the softer parts through which 

 the child is to pass, it will also reduce the efficiency of 

 the throes, necessary to the detrusion of the child ; and, 

 that where one ordinary case will be benefited, one 

 hundred will be injured, by the lancet. 



I am yours, &c, 



John B. Davidge. 

 Baltimore, March 25th, 1807. 



X. Some Account of the Epidemic Diseases which pre- 

 vail at Mays- Lick, in Kentucky. In a letter to the 

 Editor, from Dr. Daniel Drake. 



TO fill up this sheet, I will copy from my com- 

 mon-place-book some observations on the topography 

 and diseases of that part of Kentucky in which 1 lived, 

 after my return from Philadelphia, till about three months 

 ago. The village in which I lived is 12 miles from the 

 Ohio. It is remote from any marsh, pond, or consider- 

 able stream of water; the land is fertile and rolling; the 



