Traite de le Theorie et Pratique des Accouchemens (I) & Observations sur les Accouchemens (II and III)

Paris: Dalaguette, 1754. Second. hardcover. very good. Traduit par M. de Preville. Folding copperplate in first volume. 3 volumes, small 8vos, contemporary mottled calf with gilt spines (spines slightly worn, scattered foxing). Paris: Chez Delaguette, 1754, 1756. (Vol. III): Paris: P. Fr. Didot, 1765. Second Edition in French. A very good copy. Volumes II and III are titled: Observations sur les Accouchemens. "Smellie contributed more to the fundamentals of obstetrics than virtually any individual. In his Treatise he described more accurately than any previous writer the mechanism of parturition, stressing the importance of exact measurement of the pelvis. He was the first to lay down safe rules regarding the use of forceps, and personally introduced the steel-lock, the curved, and double forceps...His book was followed by two volumes of case reports." GM 6154. Blake pp. 420-21. (Inventory #: 136682)