OBSERVATIONS ON ABORTION. (continued 2)

In the last stage, we are careful not to encourage the perspiration too much, by refraining from warm drink, for much sweating only tends to render the disease more obstinate. A repetition is to be prevented, by keeping the bowels open, by the use of the bark, conjoined with antispasmodics, and by carrying the patient, 137as soon as possible, to the country.

The last disease, which I shall speak of, proceeds from the retention of the whole, or a part of the secundines, for a length of time after the expulsion of the fœtus. This circumstance, as I have formerly mentioned, may sometimes occur in that state of the uterus, which gives rise to hemorrhage, appearing as a joint effect with it. In this case, however, we must not conclude that the one symptom is dependant on the other, for both proceed from a common cause, the want of contraction of the uterine fibres.

It occasionally happens, that no hemorrhage accompanies this retention, but the remains of the ovum putrify, and 138after many days come away in a very fœtid state. Until this expulsion takes place, we have very offensive discharge from the vagina, and not unfrequently loss of appetite, prostration of strength, frequent and small, but sharp pulse, hot and parched state of the skin of the hands and feet, with other febrile symptoms, even to an alarming degree, and generally accompanied with hysterical affections.

When this disease proves fatal, there are often, but not always, conjoined towards the termination symptoms of inflammatory action in the uterus.

The practice, at one time, was to endeavour, with the fingers or forceps, to extract the remains of the ovum; but this is not always successful, and is productive 139of much irritation. We find it most useful to keep the parts clean, by injecting infusion of camomile flowers with a small quantity of oxygenated muriatic acid, to open the bowels with gentle laxatives or clysters, to support the strength by light nourishment with small portions of wine frequently repeated, if agreeable to the patient, and plenty of subacid fruit, whilst, at the same time, we, if necessary, procure rest, or allay irritation by opiates.

FINIS.

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