Historical information

Originally written in 1885 by Alice Bunker Stockham, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who practiced in the late nineteenth century. “Tokology” refers to the study of childbirth, midwifery, and obstetrics.

Stockham wrote Tokology for women to give them knowledge about issues related to childbirth and maintaining their own health. Empowering women by informing them about their own bodies, the book gives women details that they may not have talked to their doctors about considering the lack of female doctors at the time of publication. Wide distribution allowed for women of a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds to have access to information that was often only accessible to those who had access to physicians and the knowledge they possessed.

Tokology made progress in helping demonstrate the confidence that comes from being aware of how to maintain one’s own health instead of being subject to the fear that comes from the lack of knowledge. Tokology is more than just a book for every woman; it is an example of the power of education and distributing knowledge to a population to promote the health of a community.

In some cultures, though, this book was also seen as taboo – hence the reason the illustrated plates were “hidden” within the inner back cover as is seen with this book.

Significance

The book is significant is representing the thoughts and concepts surrounding female reproductive and child health in the late 19th century.

Physical description

Leather bound hardcover. Dark brown cover with black embossed print and borders. 386 pages. Pages show wear and ttear through use. Some pages are torn but the majority are good. Foxing on pages.
Base of spine is torn away. Illustration plates in excellent condition.
Publisher: Pater & Co. Melbourne 1898

Inscriptions & markings

Inside front cover - T1 (scribbled out) T8 in blue ballpoint ink