Res gestae – University of Paris Medicine – 1777 | First Symphysiotomy Report

Res gestae in saluberrima Facultate Parisiensi circa sectionem symphyseos ossium pubis is a 1777 first edition of the first successful symphysiotomy. Performed on Madame Souchot, Dr. Jean-Rene Sigault surgically delivered Souchot’s baby as an alternative means to the much more invasive and dangerous Caesarean section. This work is a short but important glimpse into the 18^th-century developments in obstetrics.

The first part of the book is a Latin and French translation of the proecudre itself, and the second portion of the book is Sigault’s response and memoir concerning the operation.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Res gestae in saluberrima Facultate Parisiensi circa sectionem symphyseos ossium pubis, supra muliere dicta Souchot, celebratam
• Author(s): Medical faculty of the University of Paris
• Illustrator(s):
• Contributor(s): Jean-René Sigault (Memoir)
• Publisher: A Paris, Impr. de Quillau
• Edition: First edition, 1777
• Format: (4to), two parts bound as one
• Binding: Leather, gilt stamp on front cover
• Size:  10.5 x 8.25 in (26.7 x 21 cm)
• Collation: Part I: 13 pp; Part II: 16 pp
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Proceedings in Latin and French
  • Report of Madame Souchot’s operation
  • Memoir of Dr. Jean-René Sigault
• Provenance: binding seal – FJ
• Reference(s): references

Condition:

Bound in leather with gilt ornament to the front cover, secure and tight in structure, with minor rubbing along the edges and corners. The text is complete and well-preserved.

Why Collect This?

• First recorded symphysiotomy in print
• Parallel Latin and French text
• Includes Dr. Sigault’s firsthand memoir
• Important moment in surgical obstetrics

Item Number: # 29277