Details
SMELLIE, William (1697-1763). A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery. London: D. Wilson, 1752-64-66. 8° (199 x 116mm). With the last 5 advertisement leaves in volume I (short tear in B1 in the same volume, a little staining and spotting throughout). Modern old-style calf. Provenance: J. Ness, 1768 (signature at head of volumes II & III.
FIRST EDITION of volume I, third of volume II and second of volume III. 'Smellie contributed more to the fundamentals of obstetrics than virtually any individual. In his Treatise he described more accurately than any previous writer the mechanism of parturition, stressing the importance of exact measurement of the pelvis. He was the first to lay down safe rules regarding the use of forceps, and personally introduced the steel-lock, the curved, and the double forceps. He invented the "Smellie manoeuvre" to deliver breech cases. His book was followed by two volumes of case reports [here present]', Garrison & Morton 6154; Blake p.421. (3)
FIRST EDITION of volume I, third of volume II and second of volume III. 'Smellie contributed more to the fundamentals of obstetrics than virtually any individual. In his Treatise he described more accurately than any previous writer the mechanism of parturition, stressing the importance of exact measurement of the pelvis. He was the first to lay down safe rules regarding the use of forceps, and personally introduced the steel-lock, the curved, and the double forceps. He invented the "Smellie manoeuvre" to deliver breech cases. His book was followed by two volumes of case reports [here present]', Garrison & Morton 6154; Blake p.421. (3)
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