Wombs with a View

The volume provides an archive of some of the most beautiful illustrations ever made of the gravid uterus with fetus and placenta, which will serve future generations of investigators, educators, and students of reproduction. The approximately two hundred figures from over one hundred volumes included are from the late fifteenth through the nineteenth century. For each author whose work is depicted in this volume, we have used the first edition or first illustrated edition. In the commentary, each volume and illustration is placed in its historical perspective, noting both the significance of that image, but also some background on the life and work of the author. For most of the works cited, there are additional references for the reader who may wish to explore these in greater depth. This volume is a unique collection not only of these historical images, but also their place in the development of scientific study.

CONTENTS

Foreword by Kent L. Thornburg, PhD.- Preface.- Introduction.- The Fetus in Utero including Twins and the Placenta (Introduction to the Renaissance / Introduction to the Seventeenth Century / Introduction to the Eighteenth Century / Introduction to the Nineteenth Century).- Midwives and Midwifery.- Fertilization and Embryology.- Teratology: Monsters and Prodigies.- Epilogue.- Afterword by Catherine Y. Sprong.- Index

Lawrence D. Longo, MD, is Professor of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loma Linda University, California. Dr. Longo founded the Center for Perinatal Biology, and is a leading figure in the history of reproduction. Lawrence P. Reynolds, PhD, is University Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and Director, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University. For more than 35 years, Dr. Reynolds research has focused on improving both fertility and pregnancy outcomes in livestock. These problems have major scientific, socioeconomic, and health implications for humans as well. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Animal Science from 2005 to 2008.