De regimine infantis – the childcare in medieval Italy based on the treatise of Michele Savonarola Ad mulieres Ferrarienses de regimine pregnantium et noviter natorum usque ad septennium

Michele Savonarola’s treatise Ad mulieres Ferrarienses de regimine pregnantium et noviter natorum usque ad septennium is one of the most important gynecological and pediatric treaties written in Italy in the 15th century. Undoubtedly, the language in which it were written and its recipients was a novelty for those times. Savonarola had to connect the high mortality of women and children with the little knowledge of the midwives of the time, since he decided to write this treatise. The work certainly allowed them to reach medical knowledge, previously unavailable for them, but the limitations applied in it did not allow for self-treatment, but forced them to frequent consult a doctor. Numerous references to earlier authors testify the Savonarola’s extensive theoretical knowledge and accurate observations the rich medical practice.

Michele Savonarola’s treatise Ad mulieres Ferrarienses de regimine pregnantium et noviter natorum usque ad septennium is one of the most important gynecological and pediatric treaties written in Italy in the 15th century. Undoubtedly, the language in which it were written and its recipients was a novelty for those times. Savonarola had to connect the high mortality of women and children with the little knowledge of the midwives of the time, since he decided to write this treatise. The work certainly allowed them to reach medical knowledge, previously unavailable for them, but the limitations applied in it did not allow for self-treatment, but forced them to frequent consult a doctor. Numerous references to earlier authors testify the Savonarola’s extensive theoretical knowledge and accurate observations the rich medical practice.