top of page
This is a unique hand written copy of 'Observations in Midwifery' 
written in 1672 by physician Percival Willughby, who was keen to improve the standards of midwifery. 
It is only one of two known copies, and was set to fetch up to £30,000 in a June 2012 auction.
Final price: Unknown

[94]           Apparently, Mary came across a copy of “Observations in Midwifery” by Percival Willoughby (1596-1685).

 

      We can assume from Mary’s writing that she kept her ability to read, as a secret from her women friends and also from her midwife, but it’s safe to assume that she did read this pioneering book.

 

      In his “Observations in Midwifery,” Willoughby tried to convince Midwives to let nature take its course in birthing. It seems that already in the 16th Century the medical world treated the body of a birthing woman as a tool that can’t function without medical intervention.

 

      The needs and wellbeing of the mother-to-be did not concern most birthing practitioners already then.

 

      (Having read Mary’s description of her birthing experiences, and asking around among my friends, I’m honestly relieved I never had to go through that horror. I admire women who long to have children and go through all this trouble and torture! I also understand why more and more women seek the help of Doula’s nowadays.)

Is there anyone out there, man or woman, who experienced a pain-free birthing?

What readers say?

Xaviera Hollander

("The Happy Hooker" and dozen more books):

We've been friends  for almost half a century and enjoyed several of each others' theatrical productions, so reading your memoir of Mrs. Gulliver is a wonderful surprise: so witty, subversive, and yet, arousing... it tickled my mind as well as inspired my G-spot. Highly recommended!

© Copyrights Erga Netz. For permissions, see Contact

Please note that the FOOTNOTES might not show up on mobile devices. Go home and open your computer!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
Screenshot 2024-08-01 at 11.32.48.png
bottom of page