At this
time there were several maternity hospitals. Forceps existed for
difficult deliveries. In 1750, Dr. Cadogan wrote his book: "An
Essay on the Nursing and Management of Children, which made a
great improvement in the care of young children. For instance, it
recommended loose clothing, no tight swaddling clothes, and a
simple diet. Swaddling clothes were used to retain a baby's
evacuations but produced discomfort and serious skin conditions. A
hospital was founded for venereal diseases in 1746, another as an
asylum for the penitent and orphaned girls who might otherwise be
inclined to prostitution, and yet another for prostitutes in 1758.
Coitus interruptus was widely used for birth control. There were
also clandestine abortions and intentional neglect of newborns.
Melancholy was widespread. Suicides were frequent and drugs were
sold for this purpose. In 1725, the mentally ill were classified
as curable or incurable. There were many private lunatic asylums.
A lunatic who was furiously mad and dangerous was required to be
safely locked up or chained in his place of settlement. There were
frequent and dangerous abuses in madhouses, so in 1774, no one may
keep or confine more than one lunatic without a license granted by
the Royal College of Physicians or forfeit 500 pounds. A Justice
of the Peace and a physician inspected all madhouses to observe
conditions and care of patients there.
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