From the introduction of chloroform into the field of obstetrics by Sir James Simpson until the present time obstetric anesthesia and analgesia have attracted wide interest. The advent of every new method of relieving pain has produced not only professional reports but also, with respect to some of the methods which have been advocated, articles in the popular press. Many of the latter group have been prepared by nonmedical writers who, at least in some instances, have had a small amount of information but much enthusiasm and occasionally some prejudice. Even obstetricians have been prone to favor the methods with which they were well acquainted and perhaps to undervalue others.
This monograph, by Drs. Lull and Hingston, will fill a useful place, and its appearance is timely. It covers the field of obstetric anesthesia and analgesia, giving adequate information as to indications and technic. In a number of instances, the