A treatise on the physical and medical treatment of children / by William P. Dewees.

  • Dewees, William P. (William Potts), 1768-1841.
Date:
1826
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise on the physical and medical treatment of children / by William P. Dewees. 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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    CHAPTER VIII. OBSERVATIONS ENFORCING THE FOREGOING RULES. 108. To the first (91) we may observe, that, in the present improved state of midwifery, the risk of labour, when properly conducted, is very much diminished. This improvement has arisen from that change of manners, which placed the care of the female, almost universally in the hands of the male practitioner; and to the latter cultivating this branch, upon correct and well founded principles; principles derived from the laws of nature, and from multiplied observation. 109. The officiousness of ignorant practitioners, as well male as female, of this branch of medical science, arising either from a desire to be useful, or their supposing they can be so during the progress of a natural labour, becomes a fruitful source of im- mediate, as well as remote evil. How many females may truly date the origin of many long continued diseases from the impro- per interference and misconduct of the midwife or physician, in their first confinement. 110. It is proper we should say a few words in defence of our second direction, (92) as general opinion is against it; but we can safely say we have both reason and experience in its favour. Towards the latter period of gestation, there is, we believe, in almost all women, an inclination to repose; or it is rather, perhaps, an aversion from exereise; this arises, in most instances, from the inconveniencies, which are experienced from locomotion, owing to the increased weight of the womb and its contents; and the constant exertion, necessary to preserve the centre of gravity. Hence we find women, who may have born several children, experience oftentimes much difficulty, in preserving their cen- tre, owing to the advance of the uterus; especially after the se- venth month. Hence the disposition to a recumbent position, as they find themselves more comfortable in that posture; and [6]