Читать книгу The Anatomical Venus - Joanna Ebenstein - Страница 49

These miniature dissectible female ivory anatomical manikins were created in Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They were probably used by medical specialists and midwives to train their students, instruct young couples, or reassure pregnant women; the torso of each can be removed to reveal the internal organs. The following poem written by Italian obstetrician J0seph Fuardi de Fossau in 1786 accompanied one such manikin. In Life’s full bloom, when labour’s toil so near My fellow sufferers’ lot and perils I do fear, Come ye fair pupils, Lo, I cast aside my shame That Midwif’ries secrets may reveal my frame. Pierce it with keen enquiring eye, and may The child and mother’s nature then convey New manifold devices to your skilful art That pining women may not henceforth smart Through cruel untaught efforts, and not gasp With their unborn in Death’s unpityinggrasp. AV_00966_pre-pdf layout_001_215.indd 53 12/01/2016 12:1