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Forceps, obstetrical, Levret, steel, French, second half 18th century
Obstetrical forceps grasped the head of a foetus to assist its delivery during childbirth. These were designed by prominent obstetrician Andre Levret (1703-1780).
Levret devised and adapted several instruments used in the birthing process. He was a member of the Royal Society of Surgeons of Paris. He described his design innovation of the ‘pelvic curve’ in 1747. Levret’s many high society patients included the Dauphiness. She was the mother of Louis XVI of France.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A500330
- Materials:
- steel
- Measurements:
-
overall: 95 mm x 465 mm x 85 mm, .7405 kg
- type:
- obstetrical forceps