The Approval of this Book, by the School of Medicine of Paris.

Having heard the report of the Gentlemen Marteau and l'Abbé, Doctors of Medicine, from the School of Paris, appointed as examiners of Books concerning the Healing and Medical Arts, regarding a certain work written by Paulus Portal, sworn Surgeon of Paris, named Observations regarding the delivery of Women in Childbirth. And since they have found nothing in the same that is outside of sound Doctrine, We permit that it be printed for the common good and benefit. Thus done at Paris the eighth of November 1682.

The Approval of the sworn Surgeons of Paris.

We, the undersigned sworn Surgeons of Paris, declare that we have read and examined a certain Book written by Paulus Portal, sworn Surgeon of Paris, named the Practice and Observations regarding the delivery of Women in Childbirth, in which we have found nothing that is contrary to sound Doctrine, being useful and good for the common good. Done at Paris the 30th of November, 1682.

THE METHOD

Of a

WOMAN

To help in her

CHILDBIRTH;

THE FIRST BOOK.

THE I. CHAPTER.

An ornate square decorative initial letter 'D' features floral motifs.Birth occurs in two ways: either by the simple action of nature, that is, by the labor pains of the Mother, who brings her Child into the world without the aid of a Man-midwife or Midwife; or it occurs with the help and assistance of a Master or Midwife.
Of this latter method, the Writers have spoken very differently, yet without