ABSTRACT
The uroscopy had a major place in early modern medical culture. This chapter talks about the place and function of uroscopy in premodern medical culture, however, makes it clear that this assumption is based on false premises. People's experience with uroscopy by no means offered proof that it was worthless. The outstanding significance of uroscopy in diagnosing pregnancy in early modern lay medical culture thus also throws revealing light on the changing perception and experience of pregnancy. The chapter illustrates the strategic; legitimizing function uroscopy could take on when used to rule out pregnancy: the case of Maria Margaretha Weidner who was investigated in Schwbisch Hall in 1784 on suspicion of attempted abortion. It also explains the desire for a judicium about the past, present, and future that was founded on more or less esoteric knowledge emerges as a salient feature of early modern popular culture in general.
