[Read in the Section of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women, June, 1883.]
During the discussion of this paper Dr. H. C. Ghent, of Texas, said: “I have listened with much interest to the reading of this paper. It relates to one of the most interesting and important subjects that can possibly engage the time and attention of the obstetrician. I have been astonished and disappointed. The question asked by the author is a double one, viz.: 1st, shorten the term; 2nd, lessen the pains of labor. Astonished that chloroform was not even named as an anæsthetic agent. During the first years of my practice I refrained from the use of chloroform or any other anæsthetic in obstetric practice, being prejudiced against it by the teachings of the immortal Chas. D. Meigs; but for the past fifteen years I have been in the constant habit of exhibiting chloroform for the purpose