A lecture introductory to the theory and practice of midwifery: including the history ... of that science ... delivered the 4th of October 1773 / [John Leake].

  • John Leake
Date:
[1776]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A lecture introductory to the theory and practice of midwifery: including the history ... of that science ... delivered the 4th of October 1773 / [John Leake]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/70 (page 5)
    the tender partner of his bofom, and gives confolation to all thofe who are united to her by the ties of blood and natural affe&ion. The art of Midwifery alfo principally conftitutes and illuf- trates the Medicina forenjts, or that part of medicine which contributes to the public adminiftration of juftice, in what re¬ lates to virginity, pregnancy, and the natural period of ute¬ rine geftation ; alfo to the forming a judgment whether un¬ lawful means have been ufed to occafion abortion. It likewife diredts us to the moft proper methods of difcovering whether an Infant was ftill-born or deftroyed after the birth. Befides thofe cafes, in which the decifion of the Accoucheur has no . , ‘ ’ ' : ■ . ■ - J _ 1 inconfi.dera.ble fhare, there are many other important points which could not be fatisfadlorily cleared up, or properly de¬ termined without his interpolation ; and therefore, the verdidt of juries, refpedting the legitimacy of children, indidhnents for rapes, or adiions to obtain divorce, are chiefly guided by his report. t ... We are told, that when women under fentence of death plead their belly, execution is ordered to be delayed; and that this matter is generally determined by a jury of matrons; but, did not the law of the land exprefsly thus command it; - . C thofe * *