Ancient obstetrics is at first seen by the student in a confused way. There were many advances and regressions in knowledge and technical skill. No other subject in the entire field of medicine is associated with as much romance and historical interest. It has been confused with fanaticism, mysticism, tradition, and a great deal of superstition much of which has been transmitted down to the present day. Each generation refuted some of the superstitions of the preceding generations and added others in their stead.