This question is discussed in the following pages, from a basis of statistical facts supplied by the best authorities; and a few proposals have been added, with the view of turning to the best account our past experience, by extracting from it any leading principles which may present themselves for practical application in the future construction and management of Lying-in Institutions, and more especially in connection with means of training Midwifery nurses. These Introductory Notes, collected and put together under circumstances of all but overwhelming business and illness, are now thrown out merely as a nucleus, in the hope that others will be kind enough to supplement, to add, and to alter; in fact, only as a hook with a modest little fish on it a bait to catch other and finer fish. The facts themselves, the nucleus, have been made as correct as it was possible, and as would have been done for a finished work. But the facts themselves are only put forth as feelers-feelers to feel my own way. I need scarcely say either that these 'Notes' are not at all meant to discuss every point which presents itself in Midwifery statistics. On the contrary, they are, for the moment, purposely limited to the consideration of facts immediately relating to the present object. Let me thank once more with true gratitude all those who have so kindly supplied me with help and information, some of whose names will appear in the following pages. CONTENTS. PREFACE Table of Midwifery Statistics, King's College Hospital What is the real normal Death-rate of Lying-in Women? . NORMAL DEATH-RATE OF LYING-IN WOMEN IN ENGLAND TABLE I.-Mortality after Childbirth in England, 1867 TABLE II.-Mortality per 1,000 after Delivery from Puerperal Diseases 14 CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF A LYING-IN INSTITUTION AND TABLE XVI-Proposed Registry of Midwifery Cases 3. How many Floors to a Pavilion (Hut or Cottage)? How many Beds to a Pavilion or Hut? |