The previous editions of Hirst's book have received adequate review; the present volume, the fourth within five years, has many additions to the text, and the illustrations have been considerably increased, which materially enhance its value. Two topics which largely have been carried from the first edition, however, are not above question. In view of the recent advances in the operative dilatation of the parturient os, and the behests of Denman and others a century ago that the os must be completely dilated before forceps may be applied, it seems unwise to recommend that forceps be applied through a partially dilated os, and to overcome the resistance of a cicatrized contraction of the cervix by traction. Likewise, the advice to perform version, then rapid extraction, through the partially dilated, rigid os, generally will mean a dead baby, and extensive, dangerous lacerations into the parametrium; it is a teaching which can