Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 652

PIERRE DIONIS (1643-1718) Traité general des accouchemens. Charles-Maurice d'Houry [et] Laurent d'Houry 1718 xix [3] 488 pp., front. (port.), 3 plates, illus. 19 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 649

In this popular and accomplished treatise on obstetrics, Dionis gives a comprehensive account of the male and female genital organs, the mechanisms of conception and gestation, natural childbirth, and the complications of delivery. It was in this work that Dionis gave the first clear description of interstitial pregnancy--pregnancy in the uterine end of the Fallopian tube. Dionis took a strong stand against cesarean section, advocating that the mother should be dead before delivery was attempted and he felt that anyone performing such surgery on a live woman should be severely punished. His book influenced the practice of obstetrics for over half a century, went through three French editions and was also translated into English, Dutch, and German.

Cited references: Waller 2477 (2nd ed., 1721); Wellcome II, p. 471 (3rd ed., 1724)

Gift of John Martin, M.D.