A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery

"A Treatise on the Art of Midwifery" is a 1760 book educating expecting parents on information necessary for the successful delivery of their child. The aim of the book was to stress the importance of experienced midwives, their knowledge, and their patience. At the end of the 18th century, there was an increased demand for male midwives skilled in the use of obstetrical forceps. The author of the book felt that male midwives used forceps too eagerly to expedite the delivery and that this increased the risk of injury to infants and mothers alike. The patience and skill of traditional midwives, on the contrary, would result in fewer infant injuries and a lower mortality rate.