146 
GIN IN UTERINE LABOUR. 
want of a tracheotomy tube ; the consequence was, the invention 
of an instrument which I have endeavoured to represent by the 
sketch overleaf. The tube and shield are made of that useful 
material, gutta percha; and however improbable it may appear to 
persons who have not seen it, the instrument is almost without a 
fault. 
It is sufficiently strong to resist ten times as much pressure as 
the cartilages can give it : its expense is a mere nothing ; that of 
the tube only being from Sd. to 1.9. : stilette, and all complete, will 
not exceed 2 s. 6d. or 3.9. I have only one by me at present, or I 
would have sent you a tube with the letter ; but I will get one 
made, and forward it to you, that you may judge for yourself. 
The stilette should be slightly sprung, that it may be withdrawn 
easier, though the elasticity of the material does in a great measure 
surmount this obstacle. 
I have also had a cattle probang made of it ; and this is a beau- 
tiful instrument. Its expense ranges, stilette included, from 6s. to 
IOs. Its durability is, I think, unlimited. 
The manufacturer of my instruments is Mr. G. H. Gale, gutta- 
percha patentee, 48, Wind-street, Swansea. 
I remain, honoured Sir, 
Your obedient servant. 
14, Singleton -street, Swansea, 
Feb. 9, 1850. 
GIN IN UTERINE LABOUR. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian .” 
Dear Sir, — WILL you oblige me by telling me how the following 
story is to be accounted for ] I was conversing with one of Lord 
E ’s grooms the other day about “ difficult parturition” in little 
bitches, when he told me that he had a small bitch, a short time ago, 
to take care of for one of his lordship’s friends: she had her labour 
for three or four days, and she appeared in such pain, that he was 
about to kill her to put an end to her sufferings. He, however, 
altered his mind, and said that he would try the experiment of 
“ intoxicating the bitch with gin.” The plan succeeded admirably; 
the bitch became stupefied, and after a short time threw seven 
healthy pups. Perhaps, Sir, you will be able to account for all 
this. I have heard before of gin being used for bathing or washing 
