M. Smellie & M. De Préville - Traité de la théorie et pratique des accouchemens ou suite de la théorie pratique de cet art - 1756-1774

Rare four-volume illustrated set containing 40 copper-engraved plates, part of this major edition of 18th-century obstetric literature and testifying to the profound renewal in the study of pregnancy and delivery at the time.

Based on the works of William Smellie, the Scottish physician considered one of the great figures of European obstetrics of his era, this treatise aims to gather theoretical knowledge on how the female reproductive system functions and the practical experience gained with women in labor, in order to provide physicians, surgeons, and midwives with principles to better understand and manage the various situations encountered during birth.

The edition first focuses on pregnancy and the anatomical and physiological transformations that accompany fetal development, then progressively discusses the phenomena leading to labor, dilation, the descent of the child, and its expulsion.

M. Smellie & M. De Préville - Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Childbirth, or Continuation of the Practical Theory of this Art - 1756/1774 - Delaguette & P. Fr. Didot the Younger -
40 copper-engraved plates - About 500 pages per volume

Good condition of bindings, volumes in their full brown morocco speckled by time, signs of wear, some minor flaws on spines and boards, 2 headpieces torn, corners worn, marbled edges, spine with raised bands, decorative compartments, gold-titled on red spine pieces, set stamped –

Good interior condition, browning and damp-staining, the title fleuron of volume 1 has been cut out, volumes 2 (1756) and 3 (1765), titled “Observations on the Accouchements,” belong to the first edition in French, fine vignette on the title page, pretty headbands, volumes enriched with 40 copper-engraved plates, included are 4 sheets of 19th-century manuscript notes on obstetrics, provenance: Pierre Lagier (old signature crossed out on the titles), marbled endpapers in good condition, a pleasant set –

Delivery service guaranteed within a few days –