CHAP. XVII.
Of Preternatural BIRTHS, by Two, or more INFANTS presenting themselves ill-Turn’d.
THIS Case also happens sometimes remarkably; upon which, if Both or All are contain’d in one and the same SECUNDINE, or when the MEMBRANES are broken, then the right Version is very difficult; not so much for want of Room, as because their HANDS and FEET are commonly interwoven and twisted together: In which preternatural Condition, when so complicated and entangled, they are to be unfolded and cleared off one another with the nicest Circumspection and Judgment.
BUT besides, farther, they are otherways, only to be treated in this difficult Point, as if there was but one CHILD; for turning them always One by One duly, I would bring all their Feet into the Passage, and consequently handle them, as if they had offer’d themselves so at first. The first CHILD being born, I would give it to the next capable Person to tie and cut its String; whilst I directly repass up my Hand, to seek for the other’s Feet, by which I would also draw it forth, after breaking its proper MEMBRANES, in Case the second Flooding is not yet over, and that notwithstanding the Head should present itself First.
BUT and if it happens, that each CHILD has its own proper and distinct SECUNDINE, and That of the INFANT already brought forth chance to be loose and separated from the Womb; In that Case, I would presently fetch it away, and then extract the other INFANT, as long as there is any yet left behind, and that also by the Feet, as aforesaid: Whereas otherwise, the BIRTHS, together with the Constriction of their UMBILICALS, are to be previously accomplished.
IN fine, having thus accounted for all the Preternatural BIRTHS whatsoever, which may or can occur on the Part of the INFANT, and that conformable to the most nice and polite Rules of Art; It remains now in the next place, that I acquit myself in a consonant manner, with respect to Those proceeding from the Part of the Womb. Of which First in general——