Interesting Book on History of Gyn

I recently finished reading, "Get Me Out, a History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank" by Randi Epstein, MD. A very interesting chapter describes the work of Dr. J. Marion Sims and his band of slave women, whom he performed repeated different vaginal surgeries upon. The book describes in detail the surgeries, the various witnesses (anyone in the neighborhood could watch) and the degree to which the unknown slave women suffered in his hands, all in the name of science. Admittely, his surgical knowledge did save many future women's lives, but as the father of modern American gynecology, he had a very unusual method.

Also, Dr. Sims developed the modern speculum, using various spoons, according to this book and of course, the Sims position.

The book also covers twilight sleep for childbirth and how women were blindfolded, drugged, and strapped down, legs apart and tied into the stirrups for childbirth. And most feminists of the time period approved of this method.

A very interesting book on gynecology and its history. I would highly recommend it to interested Doctors and their patients!

Lady Teddy, the book worm

Lady Teddy,

It should probably be mentioned that the slaves that he experimented on weren't his own slaves; but, rather were slave women from various places around Montgomery Alabama, who often came to him in extremis, badly in need of help. These women weren't his captive experimental subjects, although he did perform repeated surgeries on one woman named Anarcha, but evidently not against her will, and quite possible to correct earlier attempts to repair her fistula.

His subjects were probably tied down due to the fact that anesthesia was only just coming into use at the time that he was experimenting with surgeries to correct vesico-vaginal fistula in the 1840s.

He founded the first Women's hospital in America and was later physician to Empress Eugénie of France.

It's actually unclear to what extent Sims might rightly be categorized as either a racist or a misogynist, particularly when judged by the standards of his day.

Andy, aka xamminer

http://sites.google.com/site/xamminer2/xamminer

How did you find this book? I would like to read books like this but whenever i try to search for things like this, i end up with erotic stories. They are fine but I am more interested in historical stuff. What categories does this book fit into?

Hi Emilylynn, This book can be found on-line at major retailers, such as www.barnesandnoble.com or borders.com. I found it in the history and/or woman's interests section of a Barnes and Noble in the States. Really, I think for anyone interested in the history of gynecology, it is a great read!

Lady Teddy

Lady Teddy! Thanks for the "heads up" on this book. It sounds so fascinating that I just ordered it. Knowing how many common interests we have, I bet I'll love it. Too bad we can't start up a lending library. I'd be interested in any other recommendations that anyone has!

Happy Reading,

LadyDoc

When we discuss these historical cases - always keep in mind one day - 1846 - that was the dawn of anesthesia. I'm always reminded of the words of the surgeon "Gentlemen this is no humbug!" If ever in Boston spend a few moments in the Ether Dome - truly one of humanities greatest contributions. Ironically one of the three founders of anesthesia Crawford Long was likewise from Georgia. I always am amazed by the intellect of our group - simply amazed.

DrLaennec ClinicalUSMLE (Yahoo chat) or Skype (DrLaennec)