As a congenital anomaly of this variety, we have to mention the oblique position of the womb, brought on by shortness of one of the broad ligaments, which it also retains in the impregnated state. Among the acquired deviations of position, we have first to mention anteversion, retroversion, and the less frequent and less important lateral deviations of the uterus. Retroversion is the most frequent, and this may even affect the pregnant uterus.

A condition to which hitherto little attention has been paid, consisting in an angular deflection of the fundus from the cervix uteri, must be carefully distinguished from the two former irregularities. This deflection almost always takes place forwards (Walshe's anteflexion), and very rarely backwards (retroflexion); the latter never considerable, whereas the former not unfrequently attains such an extent that an angle of 90° and less results. The fundus uteri, in this case, occupies a horizontal position, or may even direct its posterior surface forwards; and occupies the cul-de-sac placed between the uterus and the bladder. This deformity would appear to be an excessive increase of the shallow anterior curvature developed at the period of puberty, and a separation and division of the uterine cavity from the channel of the cervix, consequent upon the preponderating development of the body of the uterus. It is of importance, as it induces similar symptoms as anteversion and retroversion, and also as it probably interferes with conception in the same manner as the congenital obliquities that are complicated with similar lateral deflections, viz. from contraction of the internal orifice.

We have here also to mention prolapsus of the womb, which, as Fro-riep has satisfactorily demonstrated, may occur spontaneously in consequence of traction exerted upon the womb by the vagina, in the shape of hernia vaginalis posterior. The uterus appears extended; in consequence of the dilatation of the venous plexuses, and the impediment offered to the circulation by pressure, it becomes the seat of hyperaemia; there is increase of size and substance (hypertrophy); and the cervix, at the same time, from being exposed to atmospheric and other influences, is attacked by active congestion, increased secretion, exuberance of epithelium, inflammation, etc. Spontaneous prolapsus occurs in the unimpreg-nated uterus, and presents various degrees; so-called accidental prolapsus is developed rapidly, it may be brought on immediately or soon after parturition by direct exciting causes, and be complicated with partial, or in rare cases with complete, eversion of the uterus.

Lastly, we find the position of the uterus variously affected by enlargement or dilatation of neighboring organs, by pelvic tumors, malformations of the pelvis, etc.