Madame du Coudray's 18th century midwife-teaching mannequin

Angélique-Marguerite du Coudray was a famous 18th century midwife and designed this mannequin to teach midwife trainees about delivering babies. Louis XV learned of her expertise and asked her to set up courses throughout France. From 1759-1779 she traveled the country with her mannequin and published her Abrégé de l’Art des accouchements (Abridged Art of Child Delivery).

From Eyes to the stage pilgrim, via The Macrabre and the Bold and The Oddment Emporium.