BOURGEOIS (Louise) Lot n° 47

Various observations on sterility, loss of fruit, fecundity, childbirth and diseases of women and newborn children. Paris, Saugrain, 1609. In-8, calf turned over (modern binding). Garrison-Morton, n°6145. - Krivatsy, n°1625. First edition of the first treatise on obstetrics written and published by a midwife: It is thus quite right that I should prevail [...], I am the first woman of my art who puts the pen in hand to describe the cognition that God has given me. It is adorned with a title-frontispiece and two beautiful copper-engraved portraits of the author and Queen Marie de Médicis. Louise Bourgeois (1563-1636), known as Boursier, was Marie de Médicis' midwife and gave birth to the six children of the royal couple, including the Dauphin, the future Louis XIII. A pioneer in her field - at the time treatises on obstetrics were the work of medical surgeons - it is said that she performed more than 2000 deliveries during her three decades of experience. Some underlining and old handwritten annotations, including remedies covering the verso of the last leaf. Washed copy, minor laceration affecting the first 25 leaves (repaired), repairs to the frontispiece and to the 2 portraits.