Mary Toft collection

Mary Toft was tried for fraud for claiming to have given birth to rabbits in 1726. There were a number of witnesses, both for and against her claim, including several doctors (or “man-midwives”), and the Royal Surgeon. Following are excerpts from some of the full-text that will soon be made available online:.

The titlepage of a publication containing a series of documents including the account of Dr St. Andre

A post-script to the preface concerns the recent news that a French girl had given birth to toads.

Wellcome Library ref. EPB 45606/B titlepage

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Mary Toft collection

Engraving of Mary Toft

This image of Mary Toft (spelled Tofts) precedes a collection of tracts concerning her case, referred to here as the “rabbit breeding fraud”.

Wellcome Library ref. EPB 347.2

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Mary Toft collection

The beginning of a confession from Mary Toft(s) herself, capturing her regional accent.

Wellcome Library ref. EPB 347.2 (p.11)

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Mary Toft collection

Reproduction of handwritten notes concerning the Mary Toft incident.

Wellcome Library ref. EPB 347.6 (p.6 facing and p.20 facing)

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Mary Toft collection

Coloured engraving of St. Andre and Howard, doctors who witnessed Mary Toft’s birthing of rabbits

Wellcome Library ref. EPB 347.10 (engraving facing titlepage)

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