Smellie-type obstetrical forceps

Forceps, obstetrical, Smellie, steel and leather, British, c

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Forceps, obstetrical, Smellie, steel and leather, British, c
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Forceps, obstetrical, Smellie, steel and leather, British, c.1750

William Smellie (1697-1763) was a Scottish man-midwife who invented these forceps and helped develop obstetrics. The steel blades are covered with leather. They were greased with hog’s lard so the obstetrical forceps could be inserted into the body easily. Obstetrical forceps gripped a baby’s head during difficult labours to help delivery. The leather also prevented the alarming sound of metal clacking together.

Smellie suggested changing the leather after use to prevent venereal diseases spreading. Ignoring this advice meant they were impossible to clean properly and the leather became a haven for germs. Puerperal fever, a form of septicaemia, was an often fatal infection contracted by birthing women, so using these forceps was potentially dangerous.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A615833
Materials:
steel and leather
type:
obstetrical forceps
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust