PORTAL, Paul.

Paris: Gabriel Martin, .1685

8vo, pp. (xx), 368, fine engraved frontispiece portrait of the author holding a copy of his book, and 8 engraved plates. Signature removed from upper corner of title by bleaching, single small wormhole in lower blank corner almost throughout, plates a little browned, a few minor marks. Contemporary mottled calf, rebacked using the original morocco label, spine gilt.

FIRST EDITION. G&M 6148. Portal was the first to appreciate the situation in placenta praevia, and had a clear insight into the actual findings and management of that entity, which is probably his most important contribution to the science of midwifery. He also demonstrated that version could be done with one foot, and taught that face presentation usually ran a normal course. Portal was a pupil of Mauriceau, and worked with him in the Hôtel Dieu. This important and eminently practical treatise was based on his personal experiences and observations. The plates depict abnormal and monstrous foetuses. See Cutter & Viets pp. 81–83.

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