Outlines of the theory and practice of midwifery / by Alexander Hamilton, M.D. F.R.S. ; Professor of midwifery in the university, and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh.

  • Hamilton, Alexander, 1739-1802.
Date:
1794
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of the theory and practice of midwifery / by Alexander Hamilton, M.D. F.R.S. ; Professor of midwifery in the university, and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    5^» INTRODUCTION. X HE following Compend of Midwifery was originally intended for the ufe of thofe gentlemen only who favour the author with their attendance on his lectures. But, after having engaged in the work, the importance of the fubjett induced him to confider it in a more enlarged view. Although he cannot lay claim to any particular difcovery or material improvement in the art, yet he flatters himfelf, that the concife and fimple manner in which the following treatife is detailed, will render it not unacceptable to readers of experience. It contains fome of the mofteflential princi- ples of the obftetrical art ; and, fhould it prove an ufeful afliftant to inexperienced practitioners, or fuggeft hints to others better qualified to improve them, the end of this pub- lication will be fully anfwered. The ftudy of Mid wifery is an object: highly interesting ; and has, in all ages, engaged the attention of the moft dif- tinguifhed of the medical profeflion. Though dill in an imperfeft ftate, its improvements of late, by the labours of men of genius arid learning, have been numerous and impor- tant. How few are the modern inflruments, in comparifon of thofe employed by the ancients ! How Ample is their con- itruction ! And how feldom is recourfe had to them ! Of late a true fpirit of obfervation has arifen, and been directed to the moft important objects ; every difeafe has been accu- rately diftinguifhed from thofe which it more nearly refem- bles ; and it may with truth be affirmed, that more light has been thrown on this fubject, within thefefew years, than for above