is effected by mneans of .an-extremely simple and easily worked wedge-joint or-lock, which is, at the same time, per. fectly strong and efficient. This joint is shown in Fig. 5, e', f'.To use these axis-traction rods, the left traction-rod is hooked into the left or lower blade of the forceps; and, it being held, along with the handle, the blade is introduced as usual. Then the small upper portion ofthe right rod is hooked into the right blade, and itBslower end sprung on to the shank. (Practically, it is as well to keep it always in situ, as it is more easily carried thus, and cannot be mislaid.) This blade can then be introduced in the ordinary way, and the forceps locked-as the rod does not, in the slightest degree, interfere with either the introduction or the locking. A stout India-rubber ring (similar to an umrbrella-ring, but stouter) is now to be slipped over the handles of the forceps, or they may be tied together; and, the lower end of the right rod being freed from its attachment to its shank, its lower portion, at present hanging loose, attached to the traction-handle (Fig. 2, r), is brought up and guided by the finger into its catch (Fig. 3, e}. e±i r,qa~s- -The rods being now complete, traction is to be made entirely by the traction-handle in the line A, B, C, Fig. I, the handles of the forceps being left perfectly free, and merely held together sufficiently firmly to prevent the blades from slipping, by the India-rubber;ridg, or.by tape..As the foetal head descends in the pelvis, the handles of the forceps move forwards, and indicate, that the direction of traction is to-be altered, so as to keep the traction-rods parallel and just in contact with. the shanks as in the use of Tarnier's instrument.It will be observed that thejunction of the two portions of the right rod can. never require to be made higher up tha a t an inch frm thle vulva, and this only when the head is high and-thematemal pelvisdeep.The mechanical details have been well and carefully worked out for me by MIr. J. Gardner, surgeons' instrument maker, 45,South Bridge; Edinburgh, who is prepared to fit these traction-rbds to any pattern of pelvic curved forceps, at a moderate cost.Since writing the above, a paper has appeared in the Edinburght Medical Youi nal for February i88i, by Dr. Archibald Reith, of Aberdeen, condemning all axis-traction forceps, and asserting that traction in the true axis of the brim of the pelvis is mechanically impossible. I think that, if Dr. Reith will take the trouble to study the laws of mechanics, and also to test practically (as he evidently has not done) traction-rods, such as I have described, he will find that it is not only possible, but easy, to make traction in the curve of the pelvic axis.