Rupture of the Uterus and Its Treatment, Based on a Series of Fourteen Cases.

TO anyone acquainted, however slightly, with obstetrics, the mention of rupture of the uterus at once suggests a labour badly managed. Such a view is in the main correct, for, without doubt, in tho majority of instances, the accident must be considered a disgrace to the obstetric art and to the individual who has charge of the parturient. There are, however, exceptions, cases in which the accident is quite unavoidable, even cases w-here it occurs during pregnancy. Altliough well aware that the manner in which I am going to consider rupture of the uterus is not the most scientific that could have been adopted, it appears the most prartiral and has certainly helped me, personally, to a better understanding of the accident. I purpose considering rupture at three distinct periods-(a) During pregnancy; (6) early in labour; ( c ) after labour has been protracted.