The Province of Midwives in the Practice of their Art

This modest early‑modern manual was written to help women who assist in childbirth overcome the dangers that arise from ignorance and hasty practice. It argues that many maternal and infant deaths could be avoided if midwives can recognise the limits of their skill and know when a physician’s help is essential. By stressing the value of anatomical knowledge—whether from lectures, wax models or careful observation—it seeks to raise the standard of care in both city and country settings.

Organised into short, clearly labelled sections, the text offers step‑by‑step advice on common difficulties such as obstructed labour, painful positions, and the risks to internal organs. Interspersed with fresh observations, the author also points out frequent errors and how to correct them, encouraging readers to annotate the work themselves. Though the language reflects its eighteenth‑century origins, the emphasis on careful assessment and timely assistance remains strikingly relevant.