IN composing the WORK, I have follow’d such Methods as seem’d to me the most conducive towards its Use and Design, and insisted only upon such _Topicks_, as can be most serviceable to the World, and absolutely necessary in the Practice of either of these _Arts_; without touching upon any of the pompous Superfluities, with which _Physick_, as well as other _Professions_, is now a-days over-run and embarrass’d: The _one_ I apprehended to concern my Integrity, and the _other_ only an empty Applause. But that you may be at no Loss in conceiving the Regularity of my Method, because of the variety of Subjects to be met with, I shall here delineate or draw out the _Lines_ of the WORK, and give you some distant _Idea_ of it, if possible, by a general Hint upon every _Part_ or _Section_ of the BOOK, _Viz._ IN the _first Part_, I have explain’d the History of the _Formation_ and _Animation_ of Man, together with the _Maturation_, _Nutrition_, and _Position_ of the Infant in the Womb; to which I have subjoin’d the _Anatomical_ Account of the _Membranes_ and _Waters_, as well as of the _After-Birth_ and _Navel-String_. I have likewise in this place previously set forth the Dignity and Excellency of _Man_, together with the Faculties of our _Souls_, and the Qualities of our _Bodies_; And, having initiated the whole with the Natural Proofs of a GOD, and a short Dissertation upon _Nature_, I hope none will take that amiss, because my Belief in the _one_, and the small Knowledge I have acquir’d of the _other_, are to be my _Guide_ throughout the Course of my Life, as well as my _Directory_ in the present Performance. IN the _Second Part_, I have not only explain’d the Natural _Philosophy_ of the _Maiden-State_, and set forth the Passions, as well as the Diseases familiar to _Virgins_; but also defin’d the Power of _Imagination_, and added the Natural Reasons for the various _Likenesses_ of Children. IN the _Third_, I have expounded the Mystery of _Conception_, together with its Diagnostick Signs: I have directed the _Regimen_ of the Pregnant Woman, and particularly set forth the various _Symptoms_ of the Months of Gestation, together with the _Acute Diseases_ incident to her in that Time. I have in the same place insisted at Large upon _Miscarriage_, and explain’d at length the _Mystical Theory_ of Birth in general. IN the _Fourth Section_, I have defin’d the _Art of Midwifery_, and the Contemplation of its _Theoretical_, as well as its _Practical_ Knowledge: And, that _Women_ practising this _Art_, may not mistake me in what is said or recommended to them, I have also addressed my self to _Men_ professing the same _Science_; and, with all imaginable Impartiality, told them both their _Faults_ and their _Duties_, however without any intended particular _Reflection_. To which I have subjoin’d a compleat _Anatomical Description_ of the Parts of _Generation_ proper to Women; together with the Natural History of the _Matrix_ and its amazing Faculties.