134 Ether in the practice of Midwifery. 



comparatively delicate tests. It is, however, very remarkable that 

 in the batrachians generally, especially the frog, an electric current, 

 denominated by Matteucci the " proper current," possessing some 

 approach to tension, and capable of deviating the needle of a galva- 

 nometer to 5°, can readily be detected ; its direction is always definite 

 from the feet towards the head. This curious and remarkable fact 

 was I believe first pointed out by Nobili, but accurately studied by 

 the Pisan philosopher to whose researches I have so often referred. 

 —Ibid. 



(To be Continued.) 



Professor Simpson on the employment of ether in the practice of 



Midwifery. 



A careful collection of cautious and accurate observations will no 

 doubt be required before the inhalation of sulphuric ether is adopted 

 to any great extent in the practice of midwifery. It will be necessary 

 to ascertain its precise effects, both upon the action of the uterus, 

 and of the assistant abdominal muscles ; its influence, if any, upon 

 the child ; whether it gives a tendency to hsemorrhage or other 

 complications ; the contraindications peculiar to its use ; the most 

 certain modes of exhibiting it ; the length of time it may be employ- 

 ed, &c* In no case have I observed any harm whatever to either 

 mother or infant follow upon its employment. And, on the other 

 hand, I have the strongest assurance and conviction that I have 

 already seen no small amount of maternal suffering and agony saved 

 by its application. The cases I have detailed sufficiently show its 

 value and safety in cases of operative midwifery. And here, as in 

 surgery, its utility is certainly not confined to the mere suspension 



* I have, during labour, kept patients under its influence for upwards 

 of half an hour. In exhibiting it, the first or exhilarating stage of its effects 

 should be passed through as rapidly as possible, and the patient never allowed 

 to be excited or irritated by the nurse or others. I have heard its use stre- 

 nuously denounced on the ground that its effects, though good and evanes- 

 cent, are still of an intoxicating character. But on the same ground, the use 

 of opium, &c. &c. in medicine, to relieve pain and produce sleep, should be 

 f fjually reprobated and discarded. 



