The Early Modern period marks a turning point in obstetrics, especially regarding midwives’ roles. Traditionally a female domain, midwifery began to attract the interest of scholars, physicians, and later surgeons, particularly after the first printed manual for pregnant women and midwives appeared in 1513. Although more male authors contributed to obstetric literature over time, midwives largely retained their monopoly on childbirth until the late seventeenth century. Historians often frame the relationship between midwives and physicians as a struggle for authority. However, less attention has been paid to their collaboration and the mutual exchange of medical knowledge and skills. German-speaking regions offer a valuable context for examining these interactions. In addition to numerous male-authored manuals, three midwives—Justina Siegemund, Anna Elisabeth Horenburg, and Barbara Wiedenmann—published treatises in German. This chapter explores how the transfer of obstetric knowledge is reflected in their works, with particular emphasis on Wiedenmann’s treatise, a product of long-term cooperation with her husband, a town surgeon. Her work exemplifies the blending of practical midwifery with surgical expertise. Finally, the chapter broadens its focus to consider other evidence of how obstetrical knowledge circulated between midwives and medical professionals during this transformative period in medical history.

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Rivals or Partners? Women’s Knowledge and Experiences in Early Modern German Obstetric Manuals

  • Hana Jadrná Matějková

摘要

The Early Modern period marks a turning point in obstetrics, especially regarding midwives’ roles. Traditionally a female domain, midwifery began to attract the interest of scholars, physicians, and later surgeons, particularly after the first printed manual for pregnant women and midwives appeared in 1513. Although more male authors contributed to obstetric literature over time, midwives largely retained their monopoly on childbirth until the late seventeenth century. Historians often frame the relationship between midwives and physicians as a struggle for authority. However, less attention has been paid to their collaboration and the mutual exchange of medical knowledge and skills. German-speaking regions offer a valuable context for examining these interactions. In addition to numerous male-authored manuals, three midwives—Justina Siegemund, Anna Elisabeth Horenburg, and Barbara Wiedenmann—published treatises in German. This chapter explores how the transfer of obstetric knowledge is reflected in their works, with particular emphasis on Wiedenmann’s treatise, a product of long-term cooperation with her husband, a town surgeon. Her work exemplifies the blending of practical midwifery with surgical expertise. Finally, the chapter broadens its focus to consider other evidence of how obstetrical knowledge circulated between midwives and medical professionals during this transformative period in medical history.