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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which physician is threatened by Martha's practice?

2. Why is Ephraim arrested?

3. What is one reason that Martha's diary is so special?

4. Which family member concerns Martha because of a bad temper?

5. What profession did some of the ousted female healers choose?

Short Essay Questions

1. With what content did Martha prefer to fill her diary instead of news of politics and conflict?

2. How did Ephraim get embroiled in events that would lead to the Malta War of 1809?

3. What were the challenges Ephraim faced in his surveying work?

4. What was Martha's only real problem during Ephraim's incarceration?

5. How did Martha's complete diary find its way to being published in its entirety?

6. What medical treatments were popular during this time period?

7. What happened in the aftermath of the Purrinton murders?

8. What was the impact of the Jefferson Embargo?

9. Explain how the emergence of physicians changed the practices of most midwives.

10. Who were Captain Purrinton and his family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to details of each birth, explain what other information Martha included in her diary. Why do you think she veered off to include items not directly related to midwifery?

Essay Topic 2

Sexual relations between unmarried people was considered a crime and labeled "fornication" in 18th century New England yet by all accounts it was widely practiced. Explain the ramifications for those who engaged in unmarried sex and were discovered.

Essay Topic 3

Explain Martha's role in the male-dominated society. How is this dominance reflected in Martha's entries?

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