Where Does Obstetrician Come from?

The earliest definition of obstetrics is "the science of midwifery," from the Modern Latin obstetricus, "pertaining to a midwife," which has the root word obstetrix, "midwife," or literally "one who stands opposite."

Where does the word obstetrician come from?

obstetric (adj.)

"of or pertaining to a midwife or midwifery," 1742, from Modern Latin obstetricus "pertaining to a midwife," from obstetrix (genitive obstetricis) "midwife," literally "one who stands opposite (the woman giving birth)," from obstare "stand opposite to" (see obstacle).

Who started obstetrics?

In 1899, with gynecology and obstetrics existing as two separate departments, John Whitridge Williams assumed the first directorship of the Department of Obstetrics. Williams has since come to be regarded as the founder of academic obstetrics in the United States.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.