The Midwives of Seventeenth-Century London (Cambridge Studies in the History of Medicine)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: March 13, 2000
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 280
ISBN-13: 9780521661072
Subjects: Gynaecology & obstetrics; History of medicine; c 1600 to c 1700; London; Midwifery; Family / Parenting / Childbirth; Obstetricians; Medical; London, Greater London; United Kingdom, Great Britain; General; Pregnancy & Childbirth; Medical / History; Midwives--England--London--History--17th century; Gynecology & Obstetrics; 17th century; England; History; Midwives; Obstetrics
First sentence: Licensing of midwives was the responsibility of the Church of England throughout the seventeenth century, with the exception of the year 1641-61 when Church's authority collapsed along with the breakdown of the monarchical regime.
Description: "This book is the first comprehensive and detailed study of early modern midwives in seventeenth-century London. Until quite recently, midwives, as a group, have been dismissed by historians as being inadequately educated and trained for the task of child delivery. The Midwives of Seventeenth-Century London rejects these claims by exploring the midwives' training in an unofficial apprenticeship and their licensing by the Church. Dr.

Evenden also offers an informed depiction of the midwives in their socioeconomic context by examining a wide range of seventeenth-century sources."--BOOK JACKET.