Note 10 — A TREATISE ON MIDWIFERY. (continued 2)

Dr. Smellie has himself (p. 403.) ranked among the causes of sudden death to women by violent floodings after delivery the following one; “if in separating the placenta the accoucheur has scratched or tore the inner surface or membrane of the womb.” But if unpared nails, or the rough hands of a man, may cause such a dreadful accident, what may not be dreaded from iron and steel instruments, blindly thrust into parts of a scarce less tender texture than the apple of the eye? But of that more hereafter.