Crotchet hooks, Europe, 1801-1900

Crotchet, double, Mesnard, steel, mahogany handles, European Crotchet, double, Mesnard, steel, mahogany handles, European

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Crotchet, double, Mesnard, steel, mahogany handles, European
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Crotchet, double, Mesnard, steel, mahogany handles, European
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Crotchet, double, Mesnard, steel, mahogany handles, European, 19th century

Crochet hooks were destructive tools. They removed a dead foetus from within the mother’s body. This pair of double crochet hooks can be used individually, or slotted together and used in a scissor-like action. The relatively simple design was inserted into the mother’s birth canal and hooked onto part of the child. The sturdy handles gave the physician good grip when extracting the body. The crochet hooks extracted the whole body or parts of the body. This design is attributed to French male midwife or 'accoucheur' Jacques Mesnard (1685-1746).

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A615591
Materials:
steel and mahogany
Measurements:
overall: 295 mm x 850 mm .264kg
handles: 120 mm
type:
obstetrical crotchet