Dr. Powell gave a verbal report on the progress of obstetrics and diseases of children as follows:
OBSTETRICS.
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.