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276 - Bourgeois, Louise. – Various observations on infertility, mi…
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Estimate €300 - €500
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Description
Bourgeois, Louise. – Various observations on infertility, miscarriage, fertility, childbirth and diseases affecting women and newborn children, thoroughly discussed and successfully practised by L. Bourgeois, known as Boursier, the Queen’s midwife. A useful and necessary work for all people. Paris: A. Saugrain, 1609 - Engraved title page; on the reverse, a portrait of Marie de’ Medici; [6 ff.], including a portrait of Louise Bourgeois coloured in modern times; 8 pp., 223 pp., [1 p.] [2 ff.] (numerous pagination errors). Followed by: Observations by Louyse Bourgeois, known as Boursier, the Queen’s Midwife. Book Two. Paris, Abraham Saugrain, 1617. [4 ff.], 251 pp., [1 p.], [2 ff.], a cardboard insert of 2 ff. between pages 16–17. In-12, 18th-century marbled calfskin, decorated ribbed spine, chiselled edges, speckled edges – cap ends torn off, joints rubbed, corners worn, a few stains. First edition. Louise Bourgeois (1563–1636), a pupil of Ambroise Paré, was the official midwife to Queen Marie de Médicis. This work is the first book on obstetrics written by a woman, and also the first to be based on anatomy. It served as a guide for midwives of the time. Written in a clear and precise style, and full of practical advice, it bears witness to the author’s excellent judgement and diagnostic skills, and was long regarded as indispensable. Upon the birth of her sixth child, Henry IV granted Louise Bourgeois a pension of three hundred écus and provided a position for each of her two sons. Louyse Bourgeois emerges as a pioneer in the professionalisation of midwifery and paved the way for women such as Marguerite La Marche—who also wrote manuals for midwives—and, after her, Mme Le Boursier du Coudray.
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About the sale Sale of antique and modern books
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Auction time 10/01/2026 at 10:00 AM
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