Aveling-type obstetrical forceps, London, 1871-1900

Forceps, obstetrical, Aveling, steel and ebony, by Weiss of London, late 19th century

James Hobson Aveling (1828-98) invented this type of forceps. They are made from steel with an ebony handle. Obstetrical forceps gripped a baby’s head to help delivery during difficult childbirths. Aveling thought a curved handle rather than a straight one would improve grip and make the forceps easier to insert into the body. However, his idea did not work well and the forceps were not widely used. Aveling also promoted the use of chloroform during childbirth.