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Front Page Titles (by Subject) ON THE SEVEN-MONTH BIRTH. - The Writings of Hippocrates and Galen
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ON THE SEVEN-MONTH BIRTH. - Hippocrates, The Writings of Hippocrates and Galen [1846]Edition used:The Writings of Hippocrates and Galen. Epitomised from the Original Latin translations, by John Redman Coxe (Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blakiston, 1846).
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ON THE SEVEN-MONTH BIRTH.
Haller appears to think that in the time of Galen, the two books, “De Septimestri et Octimestri Partu,” were regarded as one; in which he is supported by the authority of Fœsius. This production he contends, has given rise to the long prevalent opinion, that the fœtus is stronger and more capable of living when born at the seventh than at the eighth month. If not then brought forth, it languishes for forty days, and is born after the ninth month. If, however, it is born during that interval, it is weak and cannot survive. Even nine-month children are scarcely superior; those of ten and eleven months are better. The author divides gestation into periods of forty days, in the first of which abortion is most frequent. A head presentation is the best, and the fœtus before birth turns to that position. Some have regarded this as a spurious production. The argument of the whole book consists in the consideration of the number of days in which a seven-month birth is accomplished, and why vital. Of the power and pre-eminence of the septenary number in months and days. Some observations relating to an eight, nine, and ten-month birth, and of the period for perfecting a male or female fœtus. The outline is as follows. Of the duration of pregnancy, especially that of seven months; consideration of, in months and days, and reasons why many perish at that period. Some of the facts noticed that are advanced by females respecting their pregnancy; and of the vitality of births at different periods. Observations to be made respecting certain days and months in pregnancy. Of the difficult gestation of an eight-month fœtus; of the time of conception, and of the sex; what credence to be given to female statements on the subject. Of certain divisions or periods of forty days to be noticed in pregnancy. Of the first of these, in which abortion is most prevalent. Of that coinciding with the eighth month, and intermediate periods; their powers respectively. Blind or mutilated at eight months, and if more difficult than those in health. Why children at nine and ten months live, and from whence the growth of body. Of critical days and months in conception, abortion, and delivery; and of forty days after parturition, &c. In a note connected with the calculation of time, in the first paragraph, Gardeil remarks, that “it appears therefrom, that the author counted the year as being about three hundred and sixty-four days, the month of twenty-nine days nearly; and that he reckoned as months, during pregnancy, about one-half of the first and one-half of the last month. It is readily seen by this, (adds he,) that we should often be obliged to add a thirteenth to the twelve months of the year. Hence, in the time of Hippocrates, the Greeks were necessitated, every two years, to intercalate a month, making thereby a year of thirteen months. Their calendar, in consequence of lunar months, possessed many other imperfections.” |

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