Obstetric leg separator, France, 1701-1770

Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Early 18th century French iron obstetric appliance for separating the mother's legs

This wrought iron appliance separated the mother’s legs to assist examinations. It was possibly also used during childbirth.

The leg separator came from the private collection of Dr Noel Hamonic. It was sold by Hamonic’s sons in two parts to Henry Wellcome. The first was in June 1928 for £4,400. The second was a month later for £803. The collection consisted mostly of surgical instruments and pharmacy ware.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A121469
Materials:
iron (wrought)
Measurements:
overall: 85 mm x 600 mm x 365 mm, 1.7895 kg
type:
obstetric leg separator
credit:
Hamonic, No�l