THESE, in fine, are the chief of the natural Qualities requisite for MIDWIFERY; from whence I come to the Theoretical and Practical Part, without which all Others are (in effect) Nothing to the Purpose.
CHAP. III.
Of the THEORETICAL and PRACTICAL Knowledge of the MIDWIFE.
SHE, who finds herself thus (properly) adapted both in Body and Mind, according to the Rules of the preceding Chapter, does a Good and Laudable Work, if she also studies to qualify herself well, first in the THEORY, and then in the PRACTICE of Midwifery.
WHICH, in order that she may most easily and accurately do, I shall reduce the whole Theoretical Part (absolutely necessary) to the following Seven general Heads; of Which she ought not only to have a general and superficial, but also a distinct, special, and perfect Knowledge; viz.
I. OF the external and internal Parts of Generation, and the adjacent Parts; together with a competent Skill of the respective Substance and Nature, Connexion and Function of each of These in the Time of BIRTH.
II. OF the Pelvis, or Bason, and its Contents; together with the true Knowledge of its Bones, their Form or Figure, Office and Connexion, &c. upon that Occasion.
III. OF that Wonderful Body, the Matrix, and its Vagina or Neck; together with the understanding of its Substance and Structure, Duty and Function in Time of Labour.
IV. OF the Strange Natural Qualities, and amazing singular Faculties of This Body, in distinguishing all its peculiar Properties.
V. OF the Touch, or Handling the Woman; together with knowing its many various Uses, and manifold distinct Advantages.