DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/K5P6-A348
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2323
Defense Date
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Brooke Newman
Second Advisor
Dr. Leigh Ann Craig
Third Advisor
Dr. Joshua Eckhardt
Abstract
This thesis analyzes medical manuals published in England between 1500 and 1770 to trace developing medical understandings and prescriptive approaches to conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. While there have been plenty of books written regarding social and religious changes in the reproductive process during the early modern era, there is a dearth of scholarly work focusing on the medical changes which took place in obstetrics over this period. Early modern England was a time of great change in the field of obstetrics as physicians incorporated newly-discovered knowledge about the male and female body, new fields and tools, and new or revived methods into published obstetrical manuals. As men became more prominent in the birthing chamber, instructions in the manuals began to address these men as well. Overall these changes were brought about by changes in the medical field along with changes in culture and religion and the emergence of print culture and rising literacy rates.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-14-2018
Included in
European History Commons, History of Gender Commons, History of Religion Commons, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Literature in English, British Isles Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Social History Commons, Women's History Commons