University of Virginia Library

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.

Europe.

The dorsal decubitus, with the woman recumbent in bed, is now almost universal, having superseded the obstetric chair of the beginning of this century. Peculiar positions are still found here and there in remote districts.

France. A standing position is occasionally assumed.

Italy. Semi-recumbent on the lap; and in earlier days knee-elbow, semi-recumbent in bed, and erect, clinging to the neck of an assistant.

Spain. Kneeling.

Germany. Standing; on the lap of an assistant; partly suspended; semi-recumbent in bed, or in a sling.

Russia. Erect, wholly suspended; squatting; kneeling; sitting erect and in the lap of an assistant.

Sweden. Recumbent.

Greece. Kneeling and semi-recumbent in bed, or on a low stool reclining against an assistant, in ancient Greece. In later times, recumbent in bed, or semi-recumbent on a low stool, reclining against an assistant, which appears still very common.

Turkey. Chair; sitting on a stool.

Great Britain. Clinging to the neck of an assistant; kneeling, arms resting on a chair or in the lap of an assistant; knee-elbow position; sitting on a low stool; squatting; sitting semi-recumbent in the lap of an assistant (several of these positions have been frequently observed in Irish or Welsh emigrants in this country).

Asia.

Kamtschatka. Kneeling.

Mongolia. Kneeling.

China. Chair or bed.

Japan. Chair, semi-recumbent, or kneeling erect on the floor.

Philippine Islands. Standing.

Sumatra. Recumbent.

Siam. Recumbent; lying on the side or back.

Burmah. Recumbent, on the back.

India. Standing; on the lap; sitting on a cushion or stool; recumbent in bed.

Andaman Islands. In the lap of the husband.

Persia. Squatting or kneeling.

Arabia. Squatting; semi-recumbent on the chair or the lap; or on two flat stones clinging to a rope.

Palestine. Chair.

Syria. Rocking-chair; semi-recumbent.

Hebrews. Semi-recumbent (on stones or a stool) and squatting.

Cyprus. Semi-recumbent on a stool (ancient and modern). Africa.

Egypt, ancient. Squatting.

Egypt, modern. Chair.

Abyssinia. Kneeling; sitting on a stone, reclining against an assistant or a tree.

Ethiopia. Kneeling; standing.

Dar-Fur. Standing.

East Africa. Standing; sitting or squatting.

Somali. Standing, holding on to a rope.

Wakamba. Standing, bent over backwards.

Kaffraria. Squatting.

Hottentots, Cape of Good Hope. Standing.

Old Calabar. Sitting on a chair or block.

Wazegua. Squatting.

Canary Islands. Sitting erect. North America.

Canada, French settlers. Semi-recumbent on the floor, back against an inclined chair.

Canada, Iroquois. Standing, clinging to the neck.

Mexico, Indians, half-breeds, and lower class of whites. Kneeling, clinging to a rope or the neck; squatting; standing, and semi-recumbent on the lap and in bed.

United States, Caucasians descended from various European races. Kneeling; squatting; sitting on the husband's lap; semi-recumbent

in bed or on the floor, against an inclined chair; standing, and knee-elbow position.

United States, Negroes. Kneeling, head in the lap; squatting; suspended from the limb of a tree.

United States, Indians. Mostly kneeling, clinging to a tent-pole, the body inclined forward, or to a rope or horizontal staff, the body inclined back; often squatting; occasionally sitting semi-recumbent in the lap or on the floor; semi-recumbent, or kneeling erect; more rarely recumbent; standing erect, clinging to the neck of an assistant; tied to a tree, or suspended; and the knee-chest position. Central and South America.

Nicaragua. Kneeling.

Guatemala. Squatting.

Venezuela. Semi-recumbent, seated in a hammock.

Peru, ancient and modern. Semi-recumbent in the husband's lap.

Chili. Semi-recumbent in the lap.

Brazil. Recumbent on the ground or in a hammock. Australia and Surrounding Islands.

Australia. Sitting erect; recumbent.

Ceram. Standing erect; suspended.

Polynesia. Squatting.

West Micronesia. Squatting.

New Zealand. Kneeling.

Sandwich Islands. Semi-recumbent on the lap, or lying on a mat.