CHAP. I. Of Midwives.
ALthough in these days there are many unskil∣ful Women that take upon them the know∣ledge of Midwifry, barely upon the priviledge of their age: Yet there are many things which ought to be observed in a Midwife, that they are utterly want∣ing of. Let us therefore consider of the things required in a Midwife, in relation both to her Person, and her manners: As for her Age, she ought to be neither too young, nor too old,* 1.1 in a good habit of Body, and not subject to Diseases, nor mis∣shapen in any parts of her Body, peculiar in her Ha∣bits, and in her Person; her Hands must be small. with her Nails pared close, without any Rings upon them, in the time of her Duty, nor Bracelets upon her Wrists; she must be chearful, pleasant, strong, labo∣rious, and used to travel; it being required that she should be stirring at all Hours, and abiding a long time together with her Patient.
For her Manners, she ought to be Cour∣teous, Sober, Chaste; not repining,* 1.2 Chole∣rick, Arrogant, or Covetous, nor apt to talk of what she sees in the Houses where she hath to do.