The induction of premature labour : with especial relation to past and present continental views of the questions involved

Abstract

The questions relative to the Induction of Premature Labour resolve themselves into three broad issues: the general justification of the act, the individual indications for it, and the methods advisable in its performance.

I cannot pretend to estimate the value of British contributions to my subject; having for one thing had access to few English works during the past. ten months. But little doubt exists that the German and French schools have provided an endless material both in theory and practice for the consideration of the questions involved; and although specialisation may sometimes prevent their workers from comprehending the issues as a whole, such limitations do not diminish one's admiration and are even justified by the still unsettled condition of the individual factors concerned.

Even if, in view of the facts I have tried to illustrate, we cannot say with Professor Pinard: "L'Embryotomie de l'enfant vivant a vécu "; we may still regard the new century as capable of interpreting its ever - increasing mass of data, and of rendering therefrom wise rules for the Induction of Premature Labour; such as may best subserve the physician's ideal,- the genius to recognise an emergency at the right moment and in the right manner.