A Historical Record Of Obstetrics - An Exhibition Of The Roy Dobbin Collection - Royal College Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' (RCOG) library is exhibiting its most valuable collection of antiquarian books for a limited time period.



These rare books were acquired by the College in 1935. The collection was previously owned by Roy Dobbin, Foundation Fellow of the then British College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Professor Dobbin, born in Ireland in 1873, moved to Egypt in 1906 after being appointed as Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cairo University. He began book collecting after the First World War with the intention of writing a book on the history of British midwifery. His book never materialised but nevertheless he built up an impressive library of rare and valuable books.


The books date back to the 16th century and were originally sent to the Royal College of Surgeons but a fortuitous twist of fate saw them end up in the College's special collections. Thanks to a bequest left by obstetrician/gynaecologist Sir Henry Simson, the British College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was able to purchase the books for a reduced price of ??500 (valuation had priced the books at ??626.15s).


One of the books on display at the exhibition is a 1545 edition of The Byrth of Mankynde by Eucharius Rosslin and translated by Richard Jonas, described as "perhaps the most interesting work on midwifery written in the English language"1.


The free exhibition is at the RCOG Library until the end of April .


Anthony Kenney, Curator of the RCOG Museum, said "This fascinating collection of rare historical books traces the history of midwifery and obstetrics from the sixteenth century and provides an insight into early medical involvement in childbirth to try to make this process as safe as possible."


Steve Cook, RCOG Librarian, curator of this special exhibition said "If it is a man's ambition to leave the world a better place than when he found it, then by making improvements in the practice of obstetrics, aiding the foundation of the College and establishing better international relations, we can safely say Roy Dobbin successfully achieved that legacy".



Notes


RCOG Library, 27 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RG

Opening times: Monday - Friday; 9am - 5pm


Reference

1 The "Birth of Mankynde", Ballantyne, J.W. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Empire; 1906, Vol X, No. 4.


Source
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists