One's Accouchement!

I clicked on a link to an article from the year 1853 yesterday: it was about Queen Victoria's "late accouchement". I confess, I had never seen the word accouchement before so it was good to learn that! However, the purpose behind pasting the article here is to contrast the style of writing from 1853 with the style of today's newspapers. I have not attempted to translate the words into more modern speak because some people say that my writing is 19th century style anyway! Here it is, make of it what you will!! THE QUEENS'S LATE ACCOUCHEMENT We did not announce fact of Her Majesty having inhaled chloroform during her late accouchement, because we did not think the profession justified in prying into the domestic arrangements of the Palace. As, however, another journal has thought fit to comment on the subject, we may now mention the particulars. Dr Snow administered chloroform to the Queen, in the presence of Sir James Clark, for the last hour of parturition. A handkerchief, on which a small quantity of chloroform had been dropped, was held to the face. Her Majesty was never completely insensible, but she expressed herself satisfied with the anodyne effects produced. Should farther information be required, we are confident Dr Snow will, with his usual courtesy, afford it to all such as consider themselves entitled to ask it. Uneasy, indeed, would be the head which wears a crown if Royalty might not avail itself of all those means for the alleviation of suffering which Providence has placed within the reach alike of rich and poor. Who would desire Her Majesty to suffer one avoidable pang, that she might satisfy the morbid sensibility of the timid, or the domineering coarseness of the bigot? If the employment of chloroform be hurtful in parturition, then should the profession unite in forbidding its administration to the humblest mother in the realm; but, if its use be advantageous, surely no one has a greater right to its benefits than that gracious lady under whose benificent rule we have the happiness to live. If it be desired to retain popular feeling in favour of that freedom which the British press now enjoys, the sacred pale of the family circle must be exempt from our criticisms. To this exemption there must be no exception - not even in favour of the Palace. We mention especially the home of our beloved Sovereign, because certain persons have been accustomed to allow themselves an unwonted license, when commenting on what is reported to them from its precincts, taking advantage of the fact that the Queen is the only lady in England who can be insulted with impunity. Medical Times and Gazette, May 21 1853 Source: www.thetimes.co.uk DW