THIS _Art_ has been in such _Esteem_ among the _ANTIENTS_, that it was (in all Ages) the _Study_ of the most Learned PHYSICIANS; tho’ its _Practice_ succeeded best only, first in _France_, then in _Italy_, and afterwards in _Germany_. For in these _Countrys_ their _Women_ of all Ranks (the most Precise and Virtuous) have accustom’d themselves (upon this Occasion) to lay aside all _childish Bashfulness_ and _imaginary Modesty_, in order to secure their _Own_ and their _Childrens_ Safety, by inviting the _Assistance_ of _both SEXES_. And indeed _MEN_ (whom I may justly call the truest and best _Boethogynists_) being better versed in _Anatomy_, better acquainted with _Physical Helps_, and commonly endued with greater _Presence of Mind_, have been always found readier or discreeter, to devise something more _new_, and to give quicker _Relief_ in Cases of _difficult_ or _preternatural BIRTHS_, than common _MIDWIFES_ generally understand; By which means it comes to pass, that this ART is now brought to its greatest _Perfection_ in these _Countries_: Insomuch that, if I might be allowed to adopt a _new Term_ into our Language, instead of _MAN-MIDWIFE_, which seems to be a Contradiction in _Terms_, I would call him the ANDRO-BOETHOGYNIST, or _Man-Helper of Woman_, for his excellent Skill in _MIDWIFERY_. MOREOVER, the _Authors_ of these Countries have not been remiss, in communicating their _Experience_ and _Methods_ taken to prevent and remedy the many various _Difficulties_ which have occurred in this nice Affair. No, _Senertus_, _Rod. à Castro_, _Viardel_, _Mauriceau_, _Portal_, _Daventer_, _Bartine_, _Garofanzzo_, _Pfizerus_, &c. have promerited our immortal _Praises_ as well as _Thanks_, for such famous and generous Instances as they have given of their great _Beneficence_ to _MANKIND_. THE _Four latter_ have made vast _Improvements_ of this ART: but particularly, the most Learned, Ingenious, and excellent PHYSICIANS, and _Men-Midwives_, (as vulgarly called) Sig. _Garofanzzo_ and _Pfizerus_ (my most honoured _Instructors_ in this ART) have absolutely perfected the WORK begun by _others_; for their Rules are firmly founded on sound Anatomy, and their _Doctrines_ are more extensive, particular, plain, and infallible, than all their _PREDECESSORS_ Discoveries. THEY explain this ART upon firm _Mathematical Foundations_, and solid _Demonstrations_ of Truth. Besides they give many new, and most necessary _Directions_, in regard to _Touching_ or _Handling_ of Women; whereby _MIDWIVES_ may not only foresee all _Difficulties_, which can possibly happen, but also prevent them in due Time.