DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70300#0147
MARY TOFT.
121
f I have carefully read the above narrative. Whether the
animals mentioned therein were preternaturally produced in
this woman, or that a fraud is practicable in this case,, I do
not take upon me to say : gentlemen, who are sufficient
judges, will determine that matter upon proper evidence; I
can only certify, that I did draw up a relation, as is above-
mentioned, which, in the most material circumstances of fact,
agrees with this narrative; and I can further affirm, that I
did not perceive the least circumstance of fraud in the con-
duct of this affair while I was at G uildford.
‘ Nov. 29, 1726. S. Molyneux.’
‘ John Howard, of Guildford, in the county of Surrey,
surgeon, maketh oath, that on Sunday the 20th day of this
ipstant month of November, at or about ten o’clock in the
morning, he, this deponent, was called home to a person who
told him his name was Ahlers; that he was come to see
Mary Toft; that he was ordered by his majesty to attend her
till all was over ; and that he was surgeon to his majesty’s
German household. And this deponent saith, that at that very
time the nurse of the said Mary Toft came to acquaint this
deponent, that the said Mary Toft was in labour ; and there-
upon this deponent carried the said Mr. Ahlers over to her
with him, and having touched her in his presence, desired
him to examine her, for that he found all things ready for a
delivery. That Mr. Ahlers did accordingly examine; but
this deponent finding that he did not hasten her delivery, nor
that he proceeded as one who understands midwifery should
do, this deponent directed him how to proceed in the extrac-
tion, which after some time Mr. Ahlers effected, having-
brought away the loins and inferior parts of a rabbit, of about
three mouths growth. That after this Mr. Ahlers told this
deponent, and all the persons present that he was fully satis-
fied, and convinced of the truth, and that he con'd have no
doubts after such proofs. That at the same time he gave the
woman a guinea, expressing great satisfaction, and promising
121
f I have carefully read the above narrative. Whether the
animals mentioned therein were preternaturally produced in
this woman, or that a fraud is practicable in this case,, I do
not take upon me to say : gentlemen, who are sufficient
judges, will determine that matter upon proper evidence; I
can only certify, that I did draw up a relation, as is above-
mentioned, which, in the most material circumstances of fact,
agrees with this narrative; and I can further affirm, that I
did not perceive the least circumstance of fraud in the con-
duct of this affair while I was at G uildford.
‘ Nov. 29, 1726. S. Molyneux.’
‘ John Howard, of Guildford, in the county of Surrey,
surgeon, maketh oath, that on Sunday the 20th day of this
ipstant month of November, at or about ten o’clock in the
morning, he, this deponent, was called home to a person who
told him his name was Ahlers; that he was come to see
Mary Toft; that he was ordered by his majesty to attend her
till all was over ; and that he was surgeon to his majesty’s
German household. And this deponent saith, that at that very
time the nurse of the said Mary Toft came to acquaint this
deponent, that the said Mary Toft was in labour ; and there-
upon this deponent carried the said Mr. Ahlers over to her
with him, and having touched her in his presence, desired
him to examine her, for that he found all things ready for a
delivery. That Mr. Ahlers did accordingly examine; but
this deponent finding that he did not hasten her delivery, nor
that he proceeded as one who understands midwifery should
do, this deponent directed him how to proceed in the extrac-
tion, which after some time Mr. Ahlers effected, having-
brought away the loins and inferior parts of a rabbit, of about
three mouths growth. That after this Mr. Ahlers told this
deponent, and all the persons present that he was fully satis-
fied, and convinced of the truth, and that he con'd have no
doubts after such proofs. That at the same time he gave the
woman a guinea, expressing great satisfaction, and promising