In the department of obstetric literature, 'Barnes' Obstetrics' had just
been published by Lea. It was encyclopædic in its character. Lusk had
issued a new edition with several chapters added. Parvin's book was now
in press, and is also issued by Lea. In the department of diseases of
children, Eustace Smith's work is invaluable as regards symptomatology
and clinical history, but is not so good in therapeutics. Goodhart's
work, edited by Starr, is also of value.
Axis traction forceps are coming more and more into favor, Lusk's
modification of Sarnier's forceps being used. Simpson's axis traction
forceps is also much used in this country and in Germany. The form used
by Dr. Lusk's assistant and in use in Karl Braun's maternite in Vienna,
with a hinge jaw where the blade joins the shaft and traction handles,
allows more motion of the head and has a number of other advantages.
Electricity is coming more and more in vogue as an oxystocic. It seems
to hasten labor without increasing pain. Its use to destroy the life of
the fœtus in fallopian pregnancy is more common in this country than in
Europe.
In the past two years Lawson Tait has operated five times for ruptured
fœtal cyst, with four recoveries. There are no other cases on record so
far as known to the reporter. The present tendency of professional
opinion is to favor an immediate operation.
Intra-uterine injections are not so freely used as formerly, and are
restricted to cases where there is actual retention of putrid material
in the uterine cavity, with fever. Bichloride of mercury is gaining
ground as the antiseptic par excellence.
Cocaine has been tried to relieve the pain during dilation of the os,
but has not proved a success. It is, however, a success in relieving
certain cases of obstinate vomiting of pregnancy, and also the pain of
fissured nipples.
Hicks' bimanual method of treating placenta previa is gaining ground.
In connection with post partum fever, a larger number of cases of
diphtheritic complications is noted than formerly.