who have passed the thirty-fifth year than among those who are
younger.

CAUSES AND PREVENTION.--We have seen that the proportion of
pregnancies which end in miscarriage is quite formidable. But this
should not be true, as the accident is frequently preventable, and
many of these accidents could be avoided by the cooperation of
patients. As self-denial and personal inconvenience are often
essential, it is only fair to explain their value. Furthermore, the,
patient who appreciates the reason for certain directions the
physician gives becomes responsible to herself, and is much more
likely to carry them out than is one who is cautioned without
receiving a satisfactory explanation. At best, however, the advice
which the physician is able to offer will be imperfect, for it must
not be imagined that everything is known concerning the causation and
prevention of miscarriage. While our knowledge is so imperfect we
must be content to make the most of what we possess. It must be added
that no suggestion such as can be given here will enable anyone to
dispense with her own medical adviser. On the contrary, if there is
reason to fear miscarriage, the prospective mother should be
encouraged to seek his counsel as early as possible. Aside from the
hygienic measures which she may learn to carry out for herself,
various drugs are often of great value in preventing miscarriage.
Since these are not applicable to all cases, they should be employed
only upon medical advice.

Very early miscarriages may be explained by the loose attachment of
the ovum during the first six weeks of pregnancy. This tiny, living
sphere, it will be recalled, reaches the womb a few days after
conception, and adheres to the uterine mucous membrane. At first,