Routledge Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology History Book

Explore the historical evolution of women's healthcare with this scholarly work from Routledge. Part of the Women and Gender in the Early Modern World series, this book examines the Gynaeciorum libri, a major sixteenth-century compendium of ancient and contemporary texts on gynaecology. Originally published in 1566, this influential collection underwent several editions, including a massive third edition in 1597 spanning over 1000 folio pages. Author Helen King provides an intensive exploration of how this medical compendium shaped the origins of a specialized medical subfield. The text moves beyond the initial publication to analyze how the book was received and utilized across several centuries. By studying its impact from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century, readers gain insight into the history of medicine and the changing landscape of obstetric and gynaecological practices. This book is an essential resource for students, historians, and researchers interested in the intersection of gender, medicine, and early modern history.