The danger and immodesty of the present too general custom of unnecessarily employing men-midwives: Being the letters which lately appeared under the signature of a man-midwife. With an introduction, a treatise on the milk, and an appendix.Anonymous
History
The danger and immodesty of the present too general custom of unnecessarily employing men-midwives: Being the letters which lately appeared under the signature of a man-midwife. With an introduction, a treatise on the milk, and an appendix.
Anonymous
Midwifery -- England -- Early works to 1800
The Men-midwives and their friends, have wisely chose to be silent.
They are conscious my assertions cannot be denied with any shadow of
truth, they therefore prudently have declined the combat. If they had
attempted controverting my arguments, they must have discovered the sandy
foundations on which they have established the idea of _their being
the proper_ attendants on the labours of women. Objections which they
cannot remove,—dangers which they cannot dissipate,—and impurities which
no varnish can conceal, they wish to avoid mentioning; fearful lest an
attempt to answer my letter, should display to the world the weakness and
insufficiency of their defence, and stimulate abler pens than mine to
continue the subject too long for their interest. They vainly imagine my
letter will soon be forgotten, and be consigned to oblivion amongst waste
paper. But they are mistaken,—this letter shall accompany it annually to
the press, to remind my fair countrywomen of the inestimable value of
chastity,—and to warn them from those practices which pave the way to the
most flagrant breach of it;—and I am not without hope that I shall be
joined by the friends of virtue, and assisted in the arduous talk I have
undertaken. What undertaking can be more difficult to succeed in, than an
endeavour to reform the manners of a vicious age? Yet, encouraged by the
consciousness of the rectitude of my intentions, and of the sincerity of
my wishes to repair the foundations of matrimonial happiness, I freely
offer my sentiments to the world,—let the candid weigh them in the scale
of common-sense,—and either adopt, or disregard them, as they appear to
tend to the benefit, or prejudice of mankind. The consequence of their
decision will principally affect themselves,—it will not reach to me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account