however, be very excessive, the health will suffer considerably in consequence, and the assistance of the medical man is imperatively called for.

As this affection is of very rare occurrence as a symptom of pregnancy, I insert the following case; it will serve as a good illustration, and at the same time afford encouragement and confidence to any that may be similarly affected. It occurred in the practice of my friend Mr. Hooper, of Newington, in whose words I quote it:

"A respectable married lady about thirty-two years of age, of a pale and sallow complexion, and nervous temperament, has been the subject of salivation in three pregnancies out of four. In two instances this symptom appeared as the first indication of her situation; and in all three it continued through the whole of the remaining period of gestation. The average quantity of saliva discharged was about a pint daily; it was not attended by any fœtor, but with some irritability about the glands of the throat and fauces.

"Twice out of the three pregnancies this symptom disappeared directly after delivery (say forty-eight hours); but the time before last it remained about two weeks. It was mostly suspended during the latter part of each labour, when the pains were frequent and severe.

"The general health did not suffer."

SECT. XII.-A PAINFUL AND DISTENDED CONDITION OF THE BREASTS.

PAIN and tension of the breasts frequently attend, as also they are natural consequences of, conception.

In a first pregnancy, a large and rapid development of this organ may take place, the breasts becoming two or three times as large as before marriage; but if tight lacing be only avoided, and the breasts be permitted to expand, no material inconvenience will arise from this circumstance.

As, however, these symptoms are sometimes attended with considerable distress, I would advise, under such circumstances, the application of half a dozen leeches; tepid fomentations; and a gentle aperient, viz. two drachms of Epsom salts in a little peppermint-water, night and morning. These means, by relieving the over-distension and fulness of the vessels of the part, remove the cause and complaint at once.

If these symptoms occur to an individual who may have been several times pregnant, and formerly has had an abscess in one or other breast, that bosom is generally most painful which was before affected, and there will be an increased hardness about it, which may give rise, perhaps, to the apprehension of an abscess again forming,

or, what is much worse, to the disease terminating in cancer. Both these fears are groundless; and if she will only use fomentations, gentle friction frequently during the day with almond oil and laudanum-about a drachm of the latter to an ounce of the oil, warm,-and exercise patience, every thing will do very well.

Nature often seeks her own cure, and a colourless thin fluid runs from the nipple, which relieves the symptoms.

SECT. XIII.- CRAMP AND PAINS IN THE LEGS, ETC.

SOME women, during the latter months of pregnancy, suffer dreadfully from cramp and pain in the legs, and about the sides and lower part of the stomach. This symptom arises from the pressure of the womb upon certain nerves in its neighbourhood, which proceed to the extremities.

If the cramp be seated in the muscles of the legs, a hard knotty induration is perceivable to the touch, accompanied with great soreness, the latter continuing for a long time after the lump has disappeared. An uneasy position of the muscles is a sufficient cause of irritation to produce it; and it is frequently removed by simply rising from the bed or sofa, and walking about the room, so as to put the muscles of the leg into action. If this does not succeed, warm friction

with the naked hand, or with camphorated oil, generally will.

If spasm affect the sides, or lower part of the stomach, the speediest relief will be obtained from twenty to five-and-twenty or thirty drops of laudanum, with a little ether, in distilled peppermint-water, or, even at the moment, a little brandy and water; but I generally order for patients who are at all subject to this affection the following draught:

Batley's sedative solution of opium, fifteen drops; Compound tincture of lavender, one drachm; Distilled peppermint-water, one ounce and a half.

To be taken before retiring to rest, if there is the slightest intimation of an approaching attack; I also direct that the feet be put into a mustard foot-bath. During the attack great benefit will be derived from the external application of hot flannels, moistened with the compound camphor liniment.

SECT. XIV. VIOLENT MOVEMENTS OF THE

CHILD.

BEFORE the third month of pregnancy, the child is not sufficiently developed to enable it to move. When a little further advanced in growth, it moves; but so feebly and imperfectly, that the

mother is not yet sensible of it. A period, however, soon arrives when its movements, although at first like the mere fluttering of a bird, acquire a power and force that enable it to give decided proof of life. It is instantly recognized; the woman knows she has quickened, and perhaps the sensation experienced is so sudden that she faints. After this time the motions of the child increase both in frequency and degree, and are readily perceived by the mother; but after a time the womb, accustomed to this action within itself, is less sensible of its effects, and, except as a satisfactory evidence of the life of the child, is little regarded.

Sometimes, however, the child is disagreeably active, so violent as not merely to alarm the mother, but occasion much sickness and uneasiness, sleepless nights, and feverish symptoms; and all this to such an extent as to require medical interference. If this is not thought necessary, relief will be obtained from losing blood, when not otherwise objectionable, to the amount of a few ounces; from gentle aperients, and a night draught, containing from 20 to 25 drops of Batley's sedative solution of opium. These remedies will afford the greatest relief; and if the symptoms are not altogether removed by them, the female must then endure patiently, recollecting they are a proof that the child is alive and vigorous.