La pratique des acouchemens.

8vo: [24]-613-[1] pp. (lacking front. portr., tear in blank flyleaf underl., some marg. dampstaining).

Contemp. calf (corners rubbed), gilt orn. spine on 5 raised bands (joints rubbed, upper joint split, head and tail def.), sp. edges.

Only edition of this rare work on obstetrics by Ph. Peu (1623-1707). Ill. with 4 double page pl. engr. Peu condems the use of crochets or tire-tête by Mauriceau who was very offended and retaliated in one of his works. "In their attempts to defame each other, Peu and Mauriceau reinforced the negative image of the man-midwife as an instrument-wielding butcher best avoided, even as they attempted to portray their own practices in a more positive light. Peu also criticises the use of Caesarean section on living women" (McTavish, Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France).
Ref. Krivatsy 901. - Wellcome IV:350. - COPAC. - Not in BnF.
Prov. Contemp. annotations on front flyleaf. - Ownership entries.