Magill type forceps, labelled 'FHS England', 1920-1990

The angled shape of the Magill forceps mean they can be used to help put a tracheal tube into the throat or a tube into the nose or mouth to help a person breathe, including during surgical operations. The angle means that the user can still see clearly what they are doing.

In 1920, Sir Ivan Whiteside Magill (1888-1986) a Northern Irish anaesthetist, developed these forceps. After serving in the Royal Army Medical Crops during the First World War he worked with Sir Harold Gillies working on reconstructive surgery, particular of facial wounds. During this time, Magill pioneered and developed new procedures and instruments, many of which are still in use.