The Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia.
"Doctor Shippen, Junior,
"Proposes to begin his first course on Midwifery as soon as a number of pupils sufficient to defray the necessary expense shall apply. A course will consist of about twenty lectures, in which he will treat of that part of anatomy which is necessary to understand that branch, explain all cases in midwifery—natural, difficult, and preternatural—and give directions how to treat them with safety to the mother and child; describe the diseases incident to women and children in the month, and direct to proper remedies; will take occasion during the course to explain and apply those curious anatomical plates and casts of the gravid uterus at the Hospital, and conclude the whole with necessary cautions against the dangerous and cruel use of instruments.
"In order to make the course more perfect, a convenient lodging is provided for the accommodation of a few poor women, who otherwise might suffer for want of the common necessaries on these occasions, to be under the care of a sober, honest matron, well acquainted with lying in women, employed by the Doctor for that purpose. Each pupil to attend two courses at least, for which he is to pay five guineas. Perpetual pupils to pay ten guineas.
"The female pupils to be taught privately, and assisted at any of their private labors when necessary. The Doctor may be spoke with at his house, in Front Street, every morning between the hours of six and nine; or at his office in Letitia Court every evening."
The above being the first course of lectures upon the subject upon our continent, it may be interesting to notice in detail his Introductory, which I am enabled to do from very full notes of it, which I have had an opportunity of inspecting.
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