suggesting a vast Variety of _Reasons_ for it: But as _Every One_ is
left to think and judge the Best he can for Himself, so I shall (in this
place) only animadvert upon _Those Causes_, which I most entirely
approve of; and as they are _Fivefold_, so I think, they either depend
upon the _Genital Seed_; the _Formative Faculty_; the _Temperature_ of
the WOMB; the _Constitution_ of the WOMAN; or the _Influence_ of
_Superiour Bodies_.
I. THE _natural Cause_ may depend upon the SEED: Because as there is
among GRAIN several _sorts_, some of which fructify and ripen in
_Three_, some in _Four Months_, and others which require much _longer
Time_; so it may be also in _human_ SEED, that it may differ as much in
its Kind. Which Truth is very evident from what has been frequently
observed, that _Women_ bring forth the _Children_ of different FATHERS,
at different Times; whereof I shall only mention the remarkable Instance
of _Vestilia_[149]: who was thus deliver’d of _Three Children_ to her
_Three several Husbands_, HERDITIUS, POMPONIUS, and ORSITUS, all noble
Citizens of _Rome_: _viz._ Of the _one_ in the _7th_, of the _other_ in
the _11th_, and of the _last_ at the Expiration of _8 Months_.
II. THE _natural Cause_ may also depend upon the _FORMING FACULTY_; so
far, as the _Formation_ and _Perfection_ of the _FOETUS_ depend upon its
_Strength_ or _Debility_: For as it may be evidently observ’d after the
_BIRTH_, that _some Children_ grow a-pace and very suddenly; _others_
(because of a _sickly Constitution_) thrive but very little, and grow
slowly; so it happens also with the _FOETUS_ in the WOMB: for the
_stronger_ that this _Faculty_ is, the sooner _Formation_ is perfected,
and consequently the sooner the _BIRTH_ follows successfully.
III. THE Natural _Cause_ again may depend upon the _Temperature_ of the
WOMB: Because that the _Woman_ (being the only _one_ of all Creatures
which tolerates _Copulation_ during the time of _Pregnancy_) may be, by
its frequent or immoderate _Use_, disorder’d in that noble _Part_; which
may infallibly confound and pervert the regular TIME. For as the BUDS of
_Vines_ cherish’d in the Bosom of the _Earth_, may be easily cut or
dissipated by the _Plough_; so as at least to alter the TIME of
_Fructification_, if not quite to destroy _Them_: So it is not very
unlikely with the INFANT in the WOMB; and therefore wise _Nature_
(sollicitous of _Propagation_ and _Preservation_ of the _Human_ FOETUS)
will not allow that a _Woman_ should have one _precise Time_ of _BIRTH_.
IV. THE Natural _Cause_ may also depend upon the _Constitution_ of the
MOTHER, so far as her _Habits_ of Body, and _Way of Living_, are
conducive (or _not_) to the _Maturation_, _Perfection_, _Strength_, or
_Debility_ of the _INFANT_.
V. AND finally, the _Cause_ may depend upon a _superiour Influence_, in
so far that, as we see with our _Eyes_, such _Grain_ as is _sowed_, and
such _Plants_ or _Trees_ as are _planted_ in the _Interlunium_, or
_silent Moon_, and before _Full-Moon_, to fructify and _ripen_ sooner
than others: Or, as we see and perceive our very _Nails_ and _Hair_
which are _cut_ in that Time, to _grow_ faster and sooner, than what is
so _cut_ after the _Full-Moon_: So we may as easily comprehend by our
_Reason_, that these _Times_ may have the same Natural _Effect_ in
the[150]_Human Seed_. And as then the _Parts_ are more _Succulent_, and
the _Generative Virtue_ more _excitated_, not only in the _Human Seed_,
but also in all other _Seeds_ and _Roots_, what wonder is it, that the
_Womb_ be also more _efficacious_ and _prestant_ at the same
_Conjuncture_?
This I take to have been _Pliny_’s[151] Meaning, saying none are _born_
in the 7th Month, but they who have been _conceiv’d_ in the very
_Change_ of the _Moon_, or within a Day of it, under or over. Hence I
may justly observe, that all _slower Births_ have been _begotten_ at
opposite Times; for which, I think, I have also sufficient Authority
from[152]_HIPPOCRATES_ himself, saying, when a _Woman conceives_ after
_Full-Moon_, that _Conception_ must, of Necessity, reach the 11th Month.
HAVING thus far (according to the Best of my Judgment) dilucidated these
_Cases_, and having hitherto conducted the _Woman with Child_, and
brought her safe this Length, thro’ all the _Difficulties_ she has been
expos’d to, and the many _Hardships_ she has met with in her _Gestation_
or _Bearing-Time_, to the compleat _Number_ of her _MONTHS_, or precise
_Time_ of her _LABOUR_: It remains now, that I should also direct her
_Safety_ upon that emergent Occasion; since if we should now lose our
good and fruitful _Woman_ at last, all our previous _Pains_ and _Care_
have been _Labour in vain_, and nothing but _Frustration_. But, because
the _Work_ of _DELIVERY_, does not always depend upon the _Woman_
herself, and but seldom in these _Countries_, upon the _Physician_;
before I commit her to the _Hands_ of the rude or unskilful, (whether
_MAN_ or _WOMAN-MIDWIFE_) I shall in the next Place, (with all due
_Deference_ to my _SUPERIOURS_, especially the eminent _Professors_ of
_Physick_, and _Practisers_ of MIDWIFERY in the _City_ of _LONDON_)
endeavour to instruct such Persons in the _Fundamentals_ of their _ART_,
and to qualify them with the necessary _Knowledge_, and indispensible
_Duty_ of their _BUSINESS_.
IN fine, I shall attempt now to perform This _Undertaking_ in the
plainest and most succinct _Terms_ following.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
SECT. IV.
[Illustration]
CHAP. I.
_Of MIDWIFERY._
BIRTH, and whatever may depend of, take Rise from, or have any
antecedent, concomitant, or consequent Relation to it, is the only
proper Business of MIDWIFERY, and justly deemed the common Boundary of
the _Knowledge_ and _Practice_ of the MIDWIFE.
WHICH _Art_ of MIDWIFERY is (in itself) as excellent and ingenious, as
its _Practice_ is useful, and absolutely necessary to the
_Commonwealth_; insomuch that this will admit of no _Contradiction_,
when we rightly consider the following few, but important, general
_Heads_, to which I reduce it throughout this Work, _viz._
I. THIS _Art_ distinguisheth a _Fertile_ from a _Sterile_ or Barren
WOMB; it supports and corroborates the _one_, and rectifies and cures
the _other_, in most (if not in all) _Cases_.
II. IT distinguisheth an impregnated from an unconceived WOMB, a real
from a false _Big-Belly_, and a natural from a preternatural
_CONCEPTION_.
III. IT teacheth the _Regimen_ of the conceived Woman, for averting the
Severity of the SYMPTOMS of the several _Months_, and all acute
_Diseases_, in order to strengthen the _Infant_, and prevent any
MISCARRIAGE.
IV. IT instructeth by the _Touch_ or _Handling_ only, to discover, from
time to time, the true _State_ and Condition of the _Conceived Woman_,
not only during the Time of _Pregnancy_, but also before and in the time
of LABOUR.
V. IT immediately (in the beginning of LABOUR) discriminates a _Natural_
from a _Preternatural_, and an _easy_ and _speedy_ from a _difficult_
and _lingring_ future BIRTH.
VI. IT presently discovers any _one_ or more of the many different,
general, or particular _CAUSES_ of _difficult_ or _preternatural_
BIRTHS.
VII. IT informeth the fair _Practiser_ how to remove and correct those
_CAUSES_, and deliver the _Woman_, not at all by _butcherly
Instruments_, but by _Judgment_ and _Help_ of HAND only.
VIII. IT sheweth not only how to extract _dead Children_, and sometimes
MONSTERS, but also false _Conceptions_, _Superfœtations_, _Moles_, &c.
IX. AND Lastly, this ART teacheth the true _Regimen_ of the
_CHILD-BED-WOMAN_, and her _BABE_, together with the proper _Methods_
and _Means_ of _HELP_ in all Cases incident to them _Both_.
THESE _Heads_ (I think) fully comprehend the whole _Art_ of MIDWIFERY:
And what can be more _ingenious_ now? What can be more _conducive_ to
the common Good, or more _serviceable_ to any Country, than the
Preservation of the _Health_ and _Lives_ of its multiplying _WOMEN_ and
_CHILDREN_?
THIS _Art_ has been in such _Esteem_ among the _ANTIENTS_, that it was
(in all Ages) the _Study_ of the most Learned PHYSICIANS; tho’ its
_Practice_ succeeded best only, first in _France_, then in _Italy_, and
afterwards in _Germany_. For in these _Countrys_ their _Women_ of all
Ranks (the most Precise and Virtuous) have accustom’d themselves (upon
this Occasion) to lay aside all _childish Bashfulness_ and _imaginary
Modesty_, in order to secure their _Own_ and their _Childrens_ Safety,
by inviting the _Assistance_ of _both SEXES_. And indeed _MEN_ (whom I
may justly call the truest and best _Boethogynists_) being better versed
in _Anatomy_, better acquainted with _Physical Helps_, and commonly
endued with greater _Presence of Mind_, have been always found readier
or discreeter, to devise something more _new_, and to give quicker
_Relief_ in Cases of _difficult_ or _preternatural BIRTHS_, than common
_MIDWIFES_ generally understand; By which means it comes to pass, that
this ART is now brought to its greatest _Perfection_ in these
_Countries_: Insomuch that, if I might be allowed to adopt a _new Term_
into our Language, instead of _MAN-MIDWIFE_, which seems to be a
Contradiction in _Terms_, I would call him the ANDRO-BOETHOGYNIST, or
_Man-Helper of Woman_, for his excellent Skill in _MIDWIFERY_.
MOREOVER, the _Authors_ of these Countries have not been remiss, in
communicating their _Experience_ and _Methods_ taken to prevent and
remedy the many various _Difficulties_ which have occurred in this nice
Affair. No, _Senertus_, _Rod. à Castro_, _Viardel_, _Mauriceau_,
_Portal_, _Daventer_, _Bartine_, _Garofanzzo_, _Pfizerus_, &c. have
promerited our immortal _Praises_ as well as _Thanks_, for such famous
and generous Instances as they have given of their great _Beneficence_
to _MANKIND_.
THE _Four latter_ have made vast _Improvements_ of this ART: but
particularly, the most Learned, Ingenious, and excellent PHYSICIANS, and
_Men-Midwives_, (as vulgarly called) Sig. _Garofanzzo_ and _Pfizerus_
(my most honoured _Instructors_ in this ART) have absolutely perfected
the WORK begun by _others_; for their Rules are firmly founded on sound
Anatomy, and their _Doctrines_ are more extensive, particular, plain,
and infallible, than all their _PREDECESSORS_ Discoveries.
THEY explain this ART upon firm _Mathematical Foundations_, and solid
_Demonstrations_ of Truth. Besides they give many new, and most
necessary _Directions_, in regard to _Touching_ or _Handling_ of Women;
whereby _MIDWIVES_ may not only foresee all _Difficulties_, which can
possibly happen, but also prevent them in due Time.
THEIR great _Ingenuity_ and _Dexterity_ in this _ART_, has (to the Glory
of _GOD_ Almighty’s good _Providence_, and the Honour of their own
_Profession_) rendred the _Use_ of INSTRUMENTS, not only needless and
superfluous, but also odious and ridiculous. They instruct us how to
remedy the most difficult _Occurrences_, by a right _Understanding_ of
the Business, and a nice subtile skilful _HAND_ only, without any manner
of other _INSTRUMENT_; excepting only in the Case of a _MONSTROUS_ or
_dead BIRTH_.
UPON whose great _Authorities_, and the small _Knowledge_ I myself have
of the _Parts_ of Generation, if I affirm the imminent and manifest
_Danger_ of such dilating INSTRUMENTS, as are commonly us’d upon every
trifling Occasion, I hope it will not be taken amiss by the _READER_:
Since my _Design_ is not so much to discourage any in their _Practice_,
as only to excite such _Practitioners_ to apply themselves to the
above-mention’d far more _Safe_, _Easy_, and _Commendable_ METHOD: which
if they shall think fit to do, the Excellency of the _Profession_ will
shine as bright _Here_ as in _other Parts_ of the World; and at the same
time, the absurd _Imputations_ and false _Suggestions_ of the Ignorant
(who imagine all _Women_ to be deliver’d either by CHANCE, or by such
barbarous USAGE) will be clean wip’d off: For (I am fully satisfy’d)
that our ART, no ways depends upon CHANCE or FORTUNE, and running any
_Risque_ or _Hazard_; but (to the contrary) on as firm a _Foundation_,
and as infallible _Rules_, as a great many _other Professions_, which
however yet are sometimes subject to _ACCIDENTS_. All which I shall
endeavour to make evidently appear, in the next _SECTION_; where I shall
treat of the CAUSES of _difficult_ and _preternatural BIRTHS_, together
with the respective _Methods_ of preventing, correcting, or removing
them effectually.
[Illustration]
CHAP. II.
_Of the Qualifications of the Ordinary MIDWIFE._
IT is indeed indifferent whether _Men_ or _Women_ practise this ART, so
the _Practisers_ be properly adapted, and duly qualified for the Purpose
of so great a WORK. As for Instance, in _France_, MEN only profess this
Business; in _Italy_, and _Germany_, MEN and WOMEN promiscuously; in
_England_, _Scotland_, _Holland_, &c. MEN are stiled Extraordinary
MIDWIVES, being seldom or never call’d but in extraordinary _Cases_ of
difficult and preternatural BIRTHS. Wherefore, upon this Account, I
shall _first_ observe and denote the _Qualifications_ most requisite and
absolutely necessary for _WOMEN_ practising this ART.
NOW as all _Arts_ and _Sciences_ require _Instruction_, _Application_,
_Pains_, and _Time_, for qualifying any _Person_ to become a MASTER in
the _Practice_ of them; so the ART of _Midwifery_ requires not the least
Regard, Attention, and Information. Wherefore it is quite wrong for any
_Persons_, who have not a _Body_ and _Mind_ particularly adapted to this
Business, to spend their Time in _qualifying_ themselves for, and
_applying_ themselves to the Performance of this good Office. For such
as _These_ ought to leave _This Province_ to THOSE _Persons_, whom
_Nature_ has more signally mark’d out for the Purpose.
AND that I may the better distinguish upon what I have here propos’d, I
shall _first_ speak in the _Negative_, and _then_ in the _Affirmative
Sense_ of the Affair; Or _first_, of her _Natural_, and _then_ of her
_Acquir’d Qualifications_.
I. THEREFORE, _She_ who would discreetly undertake MIDWIFERY, ought not
to begin the _Practice_ too _YOUNG_, nor continue it till grown too
_OLD_: For the _one_ will want, perhaps, due _Experience_, as well as
decent _Gravity_ and _Solidity_; the _other_ will, peradventure, want
requisite _Strength_ and _Vigour_ of Body, as well as the Free
_Exercise_, and ready _Use_ of her _Senses_.
II. SHE ought to be no _weak_, _infirm_, or _diseased_ Person, incapable
of undergoing the _Fatigues_ which the Business too often requires: Such
as _watching Night_ and _Day_; turning the _INFANTS_, when in a wrong
_Posture_; or extracting them at length; which _Action_ frequently
requires the full _Strength_ of a strong _MAN_, instead of a weak
_Woman_. For _thus_ the most learned and excellent _Fabricius d’
Aquapendente_, testifies of himself, that he has often been so _weary_
and _tired_, that he has been obliged to leave the Work for his
_Assistant_ to finish; and as _Daventer_ also (a robust Man) relates of
himself, that in the coldest Time of _Winter_, being but thinly
_cloathed_, and at a Distance from any _Fire_, his _Hair_ has been wet,
and all his _Body_ in a SWEAT, and both his _Loins_ and his _Limbs_ have
aked egregiously some Days after _delivering_ a Woman.
III. SHE ought not to be too _Fat_ or _Gross_, but especially not to
have thick or fleshy _Hands_ and _Arms_, or large-_Bon’d Wrists_; which
(of Necessity) must occasion racking _Pains_ to the tender _labouring
Woman_.
IV. SHE ought not to be _lame_ or _maim’d_, nor have stiff or crooked
_Fingers_, _Hands_, or _Arms_; for these _Parts_ are to be used in
different _Manners_ and _Postures_, even so that the _Success_ of the
LABOUR often depends upon their _Readiness_ and _Agility_.
V. SHE ought not to be, _negatively_ speaking, a _conceiv’d_ or
_Child-bearing Woman_; because _This_ may be of bad Consequence, not
only to the _labouring Woman_; (who depends on her, for more than she’s
able to _perform_, especially in a _strong_ LABOUR) but also to the
conceiv’d _MIDWIFE_ herself, and her own _INFANT_.
VI. SHE ought not to be an _Ignorant_, _Stupid_, _Indolent_, or a _dull_
Person; and especially not incapable of conceiving Matters distinctly,
or judging of Things aright: Neither ought _she_ to be a
_Self-Indulger_, _Slothful_, or _Lazy_; nor a _Light_, _Dissolute_, or
_Daring_ Person: _She_ ought not to be _inconsiderate_, _negligent_, or
_forgetful_; nor _proud_, _passionate_, or _obstinate_: Neither
_peevish_, _morose_, or _surly_; nor _fearful_, _doubtful_, or
_wavering-minded_: neither ought _she_ to be a _Tipler_ or _Drunkard_,
nor a _Tatler_ or _Vagabond_, nor a _covetous_, or _mercenary_ Person.
BUT on the _other Hand_, in the _Affirmative_, _SHE_ (_First_) ought to
be a _Woman_ of a good _middle Age_, of _solid Parts_, of _full
Experience_, of a _healthy_, _strong_, and _vigorous Body_, with clever
_small Hands_: Since nothing can be more agreeable and conducive to the
_Art_ of _MIDWIFERY_, than _slender Hands_, _long Fingers_, and a _ready
Feeling_.
II. SHE ought to be _Grave_ and _Considerate_, endued with _Resolution_
and _Presence of Mind_, in order to foresee and prevent _ACCIDENTS_;
_Sagacious_ and _Prudent_ in difficult _Cases_, so as not to take _All_
upon her own Shoulders or _Judgment_, but to have immediate _Recourse_
to the ablest _Practiser_ in the ART, and freely submit her _Thoughts_
to the discerning _Faculty_ of the more Learned and Skilful.
III. SHE ought to be _Watchful_, _Diligent_, and _Expert_ in all Cases
and Conditions that can or may occur; so that no _Opportunity_ in the
Beginning of the LABOUR be lost: Since I have more than once observ’d,
that the _Neglect_ or _Mistake_ of improving a _critical_ MINUTE, hath
cost the MOTHER many violent or heavy _Pains_ afterwards, and the CHILD
also its _Life_. For which Reason it is of the greatest _Importance_, to
nick the _Opportunity_, conformable to _Cato_’s Saying——
_Fronte capillata, post est Occasio calva._
IV. SHE ought to be a true _Fearer_ of GOD, a _Conscientious_ Person, of
good _Life_ and _Conversation_: Since Matters of the greatest _Moment_
are committed to her _Care_; and depend entirely upon the faithful
_Discharge_ of her Duty: For _she_ has the first and best _Opportunity_
of shewing her _Compassion_, and _Tenderness_ to Mankind, in this
_Infant_ and _Helpless State_. In short, CHARITY ought always to engage
her, to be as ready to help the _Poor_ as the _Rich_; the LIFE of the
_One_ being as Dear as the _Other’s_, and the _Image_ of GOD being
equally stamp’d upon _Both_: For the ineffable _Recompence_ of CHARITY
far exceeds all other _Considerations_ of trifling GAIN.
V. SHE ought to be _Patient_ and _Pleasant_; _Soft_, _Meek_, and _Mild_
in her _Temper_, in order to encourage and comfort the _labouring
Woman_. SHE should pass by and forgive her small _Failings_, and peevish
_Faults_, instructing her gently when she _does_ or says _amiss_: But if
she will not follow _Advice_, and Necessity require, the MIDWIFE ought
to reprimand and put her smartly in mind of her _Duty_; yet always in
such a manner, however, as to encourage her with the _Hopes_ of a happy
and speedy DELIVERY.
VI. IN like manner as she ought to be _Modest_, _Temperate_, and
_Sober_, so she ought to be _Faithful_ and _Silent_; always upon her
_Guard_ to conceal those Things, which ought not to be spoken of.
THESE, in fine, are the chief of the natural _Qualities_ requisite for
_MIDWIFERY_; from whence I come to the _Theoretical_ and _Practical
Part_, without which all _Others_ are (in effect) Nothing to the
Purpose.
[Illustration]
CHAP. III.
_Of the THEORETICAL and PRACTICAL Knowledge of the MIDWIFE._
SHE, who finds herself thus (properly) adapted both in _Body_ and
_Mind_, according to the _Rules_ of the preceding _Chapter_, does a Good
and Laudable Work, if she also studies to _qualify_ herself well,
_first_ in the _THEORY_, and then in the _PRACTICE_ of _Midwifery_.
WHICH, in order that she may most easily and accurately do, I shall
reduce the whole _Theoretical Part_ (absolutely necessary) to the
following _Seven general Heads_; of Which she ought not only to have a
general and superficial, but also a distinct, special, and perfect
_Knowledge_; viz.
I. OF the _external_ and _internal Parts_ of Generation, and the
_adjacent Parts_; together with a competent Skill of the respective
_Substance_ and _Nature_, _Connexion_ and _Function_ of each of _These_
in the Time of _BIRTH_.
II. OF the PELVIS, or _Bason_, and its _Contents_; together with the
true Knowledge of its _Bones_, their _Form_ or _Figure_, _Office_ and
_Connexion_, &c. upon that Occasion.
III. OF that Wonderful _Body_, the MATRIX, and its _Vagina_ or _Neck_;
together with the understanding of its _Substance_ and _Structure_,
_Duty_ and _Function_ in Time of LABOUR.
IV. OF the Strange Natural _Qualities_, and amazing singular _Faculties_
of This _Body_, in distinguishing all its peculiar _Properties_.
V. OF the TOUCH, or _Handling_ the _Woman_; together with knowing its
many various _Uses_, and manifold distinct _Advantages_.
VI. OF the _Genuine_, and _Real_; as well as of the _Spurious_ or
_Bastard-Labour-Pains_: How they differ in themselves, and are to be
carefully distinguished.
VII. OF the _Method_ of LAYING the _Woman_, and _Manner_ of extracting
the AFTER-BIRTH; together with all the _heterogeneous_ and
_preternatural Contents_ of the WOMB.
THESE _speculative Heads_, in short, shall be the particular _Subjects_
of the respective _Chapters_, of the consequent Part of this SECTION,
for the requisite _Instruction_ and indispensible _Qualification_ of all
young _MIDWIVES_: As the _Practical Part_ shall be the _Subject-Matter_
of the two next following SECTIONS. Which _Practical Part_, I shall now
likewise reduce to the _Three_ subsequent general _Heads_; of which she
ought also to have a full and compleat _Knowledge_, viz.
I. OF the various _Methods_ to be taken for the present _Ease_, and
expeditious _Relief_ of the LABOURING _Woman_.
II. OF the discreet _Method_ of TURNING an ill-situated _INFANT_,
(whatsoever the preternatural _Posture_ may be) and drawing it forth
_safely_ by the FEET.
III. OF Her own personal _Duty_ (as _MIDWIFE_) both to the _MOTHER_ and
the _CHILD_ after _Delivery_; as also towards all _Labouring Women_, to
whom she may be call’d, upon _critical Conjunctures_.
THESE I call _practical Heads_, because they depend more upon _Practice_
and _Experience_, or _Judgment_ and _Charity_, than upon any
_fundamental Rules_; which however yet ought also to be reckon’d
_Branches_ of her _THEORY_.
BUT notwithstanding all these natural and acquir’d _Qualifications_, the
_young MIDWIFE_ is not to run at once into the _Practice_: Nor to hurry
herself rashly to lay _Hands_ upon the _ARK_, before she is thoroughly
well accomplished for so sacred a _Work_; lest (like _Uzzah_) _she_ be
punished for her _Temerity_; whereof I have seen several exemplary
_Precedents_. No, the _Work_ is too important, and the _Concern_ too
weighty for that hasty indiscreet _Undertaking_; for there is no less
than the _Life_ of the MOTHER, and _one_ CHILD at least, (if not
sometimes _more_) at _Stake_: Both which may be soon saved, or quickly
lost, according to the Good or Bad _Conduct_ and _Management_ of the
_MIDWIFE_.