An abridgement of the practice of midwifery: And a set of anatomical tables

Smellie, William (1697-1763). An abridgement of the practice of midwifery: And a set of anatomical tables with explanations collected from the works of the celebrated, W. Smellie, M.D. [2], 56pp. 39 engraved plates. Boston: Printed and sold by J[ohn] Norman, [1786]. 180 x 115 mm. Sheep ca. 1786, moderate rubbing and edgewear, hinges tender. Minor toning, some offsetting from plates but very good to fine copy in a contemporary American binding. Ownership signature of Nathaniel Henchman, dated 1786, on front free endpaper. Modern bookplate.

First American Edition. This pocket-sized edition of Smellie's folio Sett of Anatomical Tables (1754), with engravings prepared by the publisher, represents the first medical book with engraved illustrations published in North America and the first book on obstetrics published in the United States. Smellie was a pioneer of modern obstetrics, and one of the great teachers of midwifery; he contributed more to the fundamentals of obstetrics than virtually any individual. "His contribution to our knowledge of the mechanism of labor is of fundamental importance. His additions to our knowledge of contracted pelves were also noteworthy. He not only gave directions for measuring the pelvis but was the first to measure the diagonal conjugate diameter and this today remains the most important pelvimetric maneuver we possess" (Thoms, pp. 124-25). Garrison-Morton.com 11534. Thoms, Classical Contributions to Obstetrics and Gynecology, pp. 124-29.