A set of 18th century obstetrical forceps
Obstetrical forceps are an instrument with two blades and a
handle designed to aid in the delivery of a baby, particularly in a
difficult or obstructed labour. They were probably invented in
around 1600 by Peter Chamberlen, son of an French Huguenot surgeon
who had moved to England. The family kept their forceps a secret
until 1728, using their monopoly to establish themselves as noted
‘man-midwives'. Once the instrument became more widely known, it
was common for medical practitioners to design their own versions
which carried their name. Forceps helped to significantly reduce
the high level of mortality caused by obstructed labour.