Anonymous Gynaecology Notes

  • Reference
      GB 133 MMM/23/1/29
  • Dates of Creation
      n.d. [18--]
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
      English
  • Physical Description
      3 pieces Unbound. A fragment of the first folio is in an accompanying melinex sleeve.

Scope and Content

The notes are in three parts, the first on the scirrhous uteri having 10 folios, the second on the hymen having 8 folios, and the third on menorrhagia having 14 folios. All three are written in the same hand, are foliated, and writing is generally on the recto only and the three parts are also numbered 1, 2, and 5 respectively suggesting they were possibly intended to form part of a larger whole or there were once more parts. There is no surviving information indicating who wrote the notes or what their source is.

The notes on the scirrhous uterus discuss the frequency with which the disease occurs and who it is common in before considering its presentation, different forms, and symptoms. There is also reference to the importance of examination and mortality with the final section suggesting possible treatments, for example, bleeding, cupping, leeches, and purgatives. The notes appear unfinished.

The notes on the hymen focus on two particular conditions, namely the imperforate and the perforate hymen. There are references to the possibility of confusing certain symptoms for pregnancy, the importance to the accoucheur of protecting his own reputation as well as protecting the innocent female from slanderous insinuations, difficulties arising from either condition, and possible treatments.

The final set of notes look at menorrhagia, uterine haemorrhage, and active and passive haemorrhage with full descriptions and comments on their commonality, supposed causes, and potential remedies, including transfusion.