BOURGEOIS (Louise, known as la Boursier). Observations diverses sur la stérilité perte de fruicts foecondité accouchements et maladies des femmes et enfants nouveaux naiz. Paris, Melchior Mondiere, 1626. 3 parts in one in-12 volume, third enlarged edition illustrated with a frontispiece title, a portrait of Marie de Médicis and a portrait of Louise Bourgeois. An important edition of the first obstetrics book published by a midwife, and a reference for almost two centuries. Louise Bourgeois was a pupil of Ambroise Paré and midwife to Queen Marie de Médicis. Bound in full contemporary vellum, smooth spine, handwritten title, author and date, speckled edges. (laces on second cover missing, other two renewed, endpapers renewed, title page of third part missing, small stains on first ten leaves, copy probably washed). Expert : Monsieur Nicolas Asvisio