soon as conception is suspected.

Now and then physicians are completely at a loss to explain cases of
miscarriage. Our ignorance is unfortunate, particularly when repeated
miscarriages have occurred and their causation cannot be detected.

HABITUAL MISCARRIAGE.--Experience teaches that women who have had one
miscarriage must be more careful than other prospective mothers if
they would escape a repetition of the accident. Persons who know
themselves to be subject to miscarriage should regard no precaution
as too burdensome. Not only should they avoid motoring, driving,
railroad journeys, sea voyages, and every kind of strenuous exertion,
they must accept every opportunity to be quiet and rest. Often such
hygienic care yields sufficient protection; but occasionally medicine
is also necessary.

A number of causes are at hand to explain habitual miscarriage, but,
in fairness, it must be acknowledged that physicians are not able to
interpret all cases. With one class of patients the muscle fibers of
the womb are peculiarly irritable, whereas in another its lining
proves incapable of firmly anchoring the ovum. Moreover, derangements
of organs which do not belong to the reproductive group may be
responsible for the habit.

It is a curious fact that the accident is most likely to occur when
menstruation would be expected were the individual not pregnant.
Obviously, extraordinary precaution is advisable at such times, and
if the patient would avoid even the slightest risk, she should not
leave her bed. The same purpose will not be served by sitting quietly
in a chair, nor by reclining on a couch; complete relaxation and