Interpretation
A pioneering figure in the history of obstetrics, Du Coudray was commissioned by King Louis XV to give lectures on midwifery in rural France in order to lower the death rate of pregnant women and infants. These lectures were collected in her groundbreaking how-to manual, Abbrégé de l’art des accouchement, which was the first childbirth textbook with colored illustrations. Small and light enough to fit into a midwife’s large apron pocket, the book—published in numerous editions—complemented Du Coudray’s birthing “machine,” a life-size mannequin with a dummy fetus that provided a hands-on teaching tool. This double plate contrasts incorrect (on the left) and correct hand positions to help
the baby’s head emerge in a normal delivery.
the baby’s head emerge in a normal delivery.
Information
- Title
- Abbrégé de l’art des accouchement (Summary of the Art of Delivery), engravings by Jean Robert after drawings by P. Chapparre, first published 1759
- Object Number
- L.2019.37.14
- Dates
- Paris: 1769
- Dimensions
- height: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
- Credit Line
- Rare Book Division, Special Collections, Princeton University Library
- States of Health: Visualizing Illness and Healing (November 2, 2019 –Sunday, February 2, 2020)
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