(a) A careful examination of all the symptoms present, when, in most cases, a break in their order of sequence may be observed, or certain signs may be added which do not occur in true pregnancy.
(b) Presence or absence of the hymen.
(c) If the patient be placed well under the influence of chloroform, the tumour, if the result of pseudo-pregnancy, will subside, gradually returning as the effects of the anæsthetic pass off. Whilst the patient is under the influence of the anæsthetic, the hand may be pressed on the abdomen at each expiration, and there retained, the pressure being continued during the inspirations.
2. Dropsy.—Use of the stethoscope; examination of the breasts for milk, and the urine for albumen.
3. Fibrous Tumours.—Absence of fœtal movements and other signs of pregnancy.
4. Ovarian Dropsy.—Tumour on one side of the abdomen; breasts unaffected, and auscultation giving negative results.
5. Retention of the Catamenia.—On examination, the hymen found perfect and bulging. This condition cured by a crucial incision.
DELIVERY
This subject is best discussed under three heads: (1) Signs of Recent Delivery in the Living. (2) Signs of Recent Delivery in the Dead. (3) Signs of Previous Delivery.