Then let
him stir up the woman's pains by giving her some sharp clyster, to
excite her throes to bear down, and bring forth the child. And if this
prevails not, let him proceed with the manual operation.
First, therefore, let her be placed across the bed that he may operate
the easier; and let her lie on her back, with her hips a little higher
than her head, or at least the body equally placed, when it is necessary
to put back or turn the infant to give it a better posture. Being thus
situated, she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her
buttocks, and her thighs spread, and so held by a couple of strong
persons, there must be others also to support her under her arms, that
the body may not slide down when the child is drawn forth; for which
sometimes great strength is required. Let the sheets and blankets cover
her thighs for decency's sake, and with respect to the assistants, and
also to prevent her catching cold; the operator herein governing himself
as well with respect to his convenience, and the facility and surety of
the operation, as to other things. Then let him anoint the entrance to
the womb with oil or fresh butter, if necessary, that with so more ease
he may introduce his hand, which must also be anointed, and having by
the signs above mentioned, received satisfaction that the child is dead,
he must do his endeavours to fetch it away as soon as he possibly can.
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