Really Really Old and Rare Midwifery Book

Exciting news! The Medical Library recently purchased a 1609 first edition book on midwifery written in the 16th century.

The book, Observations diverses sur la sterilité, perte de fruict, foecondité, accouchements, et maladies des femmes, et enfants nouveaux naiz, was written (in French) by Louise Bourgeois (1563-1636). Bourgeois was midwife to the royal court in France. She delivered six children to Marie de Medici, wife of King Henry IV. Her book was the first of its kind, advancing the practice of French midwifery, and earning great respect among male physicians and barber-surgeons of the time.

The first edition was further expanded in 1617, 1626, and 1634. The book had such profound authority in its time that it was translated into German, Dutch, and English, and remained influential throughout the 17th century and into the 18th century.

I am not sure how many copies there are throughout the world, but there seems to be about only 10 of the 1609 edition listed in WorldCat. The copy that the Library owns is in extremely good condition, although without its original cover. (It has a cover, but not the original). An article by Professor Dunn gives translations of parts of the text that you might find very interesting. There are also other translations from other editions (I found them on the web, wouldn't Louise be amazed!) that you might find fascinating.

This book, and other old and rare items, are not on show for general viewing or browsing. But should anyone wish to see any of the rare collections that we have, it can be arranged.