Images, science, and rights of the early modern fetus

Abstract

How do we define the beginnings of human life? Images, science, and culture have offered insight into this question. The early modern period (1500–1800) is particularly rich for examining the understanding of the human fetus. Using the 1712 Essay on the Possibility and Probability of a Child’s Being Born Alive, and Live, in the Latter End of the Fifth Solar, or in the Beginning of the Sixth Lunar Month, this paper argues that evolving knowledge of the fetus failed to modify cultural norms for defining the beginning of human life. This compares with contemporary 21st century observations and how our definition of the beginning of human life has not been modified.

Keywords:

• Early modern period
• fetal life
• human life