An introductory lecture on the rise and progress of midwifery, from the earliest period to the present time : delivered at the Central Infirmary, Greville Street, Hatton Garden, May the 30th, 1828 / by Michael Ryan.

Date:
1828
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture on the rise and progress of midwifery, from the earliest period to the present time : delivered at the Central Infirmary, Greville Street, Hatton Garden, May the 30th, 1828 / by Michael Ryan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    ahy other branch of medicine. Of all the diseases incidental to humanity, those of the other sex are most deserving of sym- pathy and attention. The weakness and peculiar delicacy of the female constitution, call forth our greatest tenderness and compassion. We are not only bound to cherish and protect, but to aid and relieve those endearing objects, who were wisely appointed our reasonable companions, without whom bliss would be joyless, and life cheerless. Indeed it is evident, that the diseases incident to females had been closely attended to by the most eminent members of the medical art in every age ; for the neglect of removing these diseases, would be indirectly depopu- lating the different nations, which the laws of all civilised coun- tries most strenuously prohibit, as they are invariably intended for the preservation of society and increase of posterity. In- dependently of all human laws, there is an innate natural desire in mankind to fulfil that primitive law of the creation, which was laid as an injunction on the first of the species in their primeval state of felicity, to increase and multiply; and this desire irresistably impels all to wish the removal of those infirmities of both sexes which impede its object; hence the sexual diseases incident to both have been attended to by the professors of the healing art from the earliest periods. There still remained a serious defect, in medical men not as- sisting at the parturient process, which was very frequently observed to be destructive to both parent and offspring. This defect was obviated in time, as I have already stated ; and we have in this most improved and enlightened age, a class of medical practitioners who devote their entire attention to the multitudinous diseases of the other sex ; before impregnation, during pregnancy, at the process of child-birth, after delivery, and during lactation ; and these practitioners also attend to the diseases of new-born infants and children. Such is the pro- vince of the accoucheur, or rather obstetrician. I am not fond of innovation, or of introducing new terms into a profession which already abounds with so many ; butlmay be permitted to observe, that the English language is sufficiently copious and Perfect to afford some word by which we cau express the male