THESE are the _Cases_ which most commonly require the ingenious Assistance of the _Extraordinary MIDWIFE_: And _These_ are they which try his _Skill_ and _Knowledge_ most, as the _Tempest_ or _Storm_ best discovers the _Judgment_ and _Capacity_ of the MASTER-MARINER.
AND yet, neither ought even _these Limits_ to be the narrow _Boundary_ of his STUDIES: Since the more extensive his ART and _Knowledge_ is, especially in what relates to the _natural Constitution_ of WOMEN, the _fitter Man_ He is to take upon himself the _Practice_ of this noble and most ingenious _Profession_.
NOT that I would be thought tacitely to insinuate in this place by the By, as if my own _Knowledge_ was in any degree SUPERIOUR to _other Men’s_: No, I am too sensible of my own _Weakness_, to mean so, or to entertain any such vain selfish Thought; neither have I any fond _Ambition_ to aim at standing in _Competition_ with _others_ in these Respects. For it shall suffice me, and sufficiently gratify my Highest _Aim_, if possibly a simple Word may drop from my _Pen_, which the more Ingenious may sometime improve to the common Good of _Women_, and the Welfare of their _Children_: And this I would desire the more, because I know no larger _FIELD_, that the _Learned_ can launch out into; nor any profounder _Study_, that they can descant upon, than the _Nature_ and _Constitution_ of this tender SEX, which is so peculiarly different from all other _Natural Works_, and so singularly discrepant from all other _Created Beings_.
BUT more particularly in order, that the _MAN-MIDWIFE_ or _Andro-Boethogynist_ may be thus duly qualify’d and completely accomplished;
I. HE ought not only to be liberally _instructed_ and generously _educated_, but also to be a MAN of good _Breeding_ and _Conversation_, as well as _Courtesy_ and _Complaisance_.
II. HE ought not only to be a MAN of diligent _Study_ and sedulous _Application_ of Mind, but also of great _Humanity_ and _Integrity_, _Temperance_ and _Sobriety_, endued with solid _Resolution_, quick _Apprehension_, and great _Presence_ of Mind.
III. HE ought not only to be a MAN of _strict Virtue_ and _Chastity_, but also of unspotted _Life_ and _Conversation_, _Charity_ and _Companion_; delighting in _Hospitality_, and doing GOOD; acting the _Christian_ as well as the _Gentleman_ in all respects.