unnatural is, when the child comes to the birth in a contrary posture to
that which nature ordained, and in which the generality of the children
come into the world.

The right and natural birth is when the child comes with its head first;
and yet this is too short a definition of a natural birth; for if any
part of the head but the crown comes first, so that the body follows not
in a straight line, it is a wrong and difficult birth, even though the
head comes first. Therefore, if the child comes with its feet first, or
with the side across, it is quite contrary to nature, or to speak more
plainly, that which I call unnatural.

Now, there are four general ways a child may come wrong. (1) When any of
the foreparts of the body first present themselves. (2) When by an
unhappy transposition, any of the hinder parts of the body first present
themselves. (3) When either of the sides, or, (4) the feet present
themselves first. To these, the different wrong postures that a child
can present itself in, may be reduced.

SECTION I.--_How to deliver a Woman of a Dead Child by Manual
Operation._

When manual operation is necessary, let the operator acquaint the woman
of the absolute necessity there is for such an operation; and that, as
the child has already lost its life, there is no other way left for the
saving hers. Let him also inform her, for her encouragement, that he
doubts not, with the divine blessing, to deliver her safely, and that
the pains arising therefrom will not be so great as she fears. Then let
him stir up the woman's pains by giving her some sharp clyster, to
excite her throes to bear down, and bring forth the child. And if this
prevails not, let him proceed with the manual operation.

First, therefore, let her be placed across the bed that he may operate
the easier; and let her lie on her back, with her hips a little higher
than her head, or at least the body equally placed, when it is necessary
to put back or turn the infant to give it a better posture. Being thus
situated, she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her
buttocks, and her thighs spread, and so held by a couple of strong
persons, there must be others also to support her under her arms, that
the body may not slide down when the child is drawn forth; for which
sometimes great strength is required. Let the sheets and blankets cover
her thighs for decency's sake, and with respect to the assistants, and
also to prevent her catching