Le Sein de la Femme aux Yeux des Médecins Français aux XVIe et XVIIe Siècles

Abstract

The breasts were considered to be the most important glands in a woman’s body by French doctors in the 16th and 17th centuries. Medical practitioners were interested in this especially curious and practical anatomical organ for it’s ability to produce food, it’s anatomy, and it’s diseases and how to cure them. In my article, I want to show the doctor’s perspective of women’s breasts at the beginning of modern times in France. Initially, I describe the problems of breasts from an anatomical point of view and I show the controversies related to the phenomenon of breastfeeding. Secondly, I endeavour to identify the most common breast diseases during this period and present methods of treatment. I also demonstrate the curative care that was prescribed in all kinds of pharmacopoeia.