Note 1 — Chapter V · Technique of Operation.

The performance of Metzizah according to statutory Jewish Law consists of suction by the mouth. The original sources of this practice indicate that it was considered an essential part of the operation in the same way as the dressing of the wound was. Failure to carry out this measure was regarded as constituting a serious risk to the infant. The possible dangers of this practice have become obvious during recent years and direct suction of the wound is, from every point of view, inadmissible. In order to carry out the ancient practice a device is used by some Mohelim by which the suction is performed through a small glass tube with a perforation at its end and containing a piece of absorbent wool in its interior.