M. Smellie & M. De Préville - Traité de la théorie et pratique des accouchemens ou suite de la théorie pratique de cet art - 1756-1774

The "Traité de la théorie et pratique des accouchemens ou suite de la théorie pratique de cet art" is a French treatise on obstetrics authored by M. Smellie and M. De Préville, spanning publications from 1756 to 1774. Obstetrics, the branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and care of women during pregnancy, was rapidly developing during this period. William Smellie, a renowned Scottish obstetrician, is famous for advancing safer delivery practices and authoring influential manuals. This treatise likely encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of childbirth, addressing anatomy, labor stages, complications, and midwifery techniques. It represents an important contribution to 18th-century medical literature, reflecting the gradual professionalization of obstetrics from traditional midwifery practices toward scientific approaches. Such works aided medical practitioners in reducing maternal and infant mortality and laid foundations for modern obstetrics. For medical historians and collectors of early medical texts, this treatise exemplifies the period's clinical knowledge and instructional methods in childbirth care.