Collecting multiple editions of works such as DeLee’s gives researchers and historians an opportunity to compare the works for significant changes in teaching method, scientific knowledge, and society’s attitudes and norms.
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| Dr. DeLee originally wrote Obstetrics for Nurses for the dual purpose of placing a guide in the hands of the young professional nurse--to provide her with sound principles and an outline for implementing these principles in practice-- and of presenting material in such away as to attract nurses to the field of obstetric nursing. Originally published in 1904, DeLee’s book soon became a standard text in nursing schools. Collecting multiple editions of works such as DeLee’s gives researchers and historians an opportunity to compare the works for significant changes in teaching method, scientific knowledge, and society’s attitudes and norms. |
| For example, comparing the 3rd, 8th and 16th editions of DeLee’s manual reveals differences that reflect the changing medical environment surrounding the birth experience and the care of mother and newborn infant. |
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Joseph B. DeLee, 1869-1942. |
| In the 3rd edition, reprinted in 1910 when many children were still being born at home, the nurse’s responsibility for care of the newborn is described simply as oiling and dressing the infant, keeping it warm, and monitoring its breathing. |
| Joseph B. DeLee, 1869-1942. Obstetrics for Nurses 8th Edition, revised Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, c. 1927, 1928 Gift of UWM Center for Nursing History. Call Number: (SPL) RG 951 .D36 1927 Special Collections, Golda Meir Library |
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| The 8th edition, revised and reprinted 1927, shows only slight modification in the care of newborns, but includes the important addition of maintaining careful identification records for the infant, reflecting society’s growing acceptance and use of the hospital as a birthing center. Reprinted from DeLee's Obstetrics for Nurses, Joseph B. DeLee, Title page span, 1927, with permission from Elsevier. |
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Joseph B. DeLee, 1869-1942. DeLee’s Obstetrics for Nurses 16th Edition by M. Edward Davis and Catherine E. Sheckler. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1957 Gift of UWM Center for Nursing History. Call Number: (SPL) RG 951 .D36 1957 Special Collections, Golda Meir Library |
| The 16th edition, completely revised in 1957, represents a major change in outlook with its emphasis on the psychological aspects of pregnancy and the increased role of the nurse in response to more advance medical techniques and knowledge. Reprinted from DeLee's Obstetrics for Nurses, Joseph B. DeLee, front cover, 1957, with permission from Elsevier. |
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