Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
The frequent mention of the nurse in connection with thechild and the family and the numerous descriptions of her inGreek art have suggested the investigation of Greek classicalliterature and the inscriptions with the purpose of ascertainingand presenting the position and characteristics of the nurse asa contribution to the private life of the Greeks. The subjecthere dealt with is viewed solely from the social standpoint, thoughthe writer recognizes its value from the literary and psychologicalsides.
The scope of this study practically includes the whole rangeof Greek literature from Homer to Plutarch. A correct notionof the part played in Greek life by this character could not havebeen obtained from a narrower field. Certain phases of the nurse’slife are discussed by Becker in his “Charicles” (Excursus to SceneI), and references to different aspects of the subject are found inHermann’s “Lehrbuch” (3rd. ed., pt. IV). Friedländer’s “SittengeschichteRoms” (5th. ed., I, p. 468ff.) was of special value inthrowing light on some of the μυθόι of Chapter IV. Whereverthe works of other modern authors dealing with Greek domesticlife have been used, due credit will be given them.
| PAGE | ||
|---|---|---|
| PREFACE | 3 | |
| CHAPTER I. Terms Used for Nurse. | ||
| τροφός, τίτθη, τιθήνη, μαῖα | 7 | |
| CHAPTER II. Social Status of the Nurse. | ||
| From Homer to Herodotus—In Tragedy—In Athens—Foreign Nurses | 9 | |