Obstetrical vectis and crochet tool, 1750-1900
Obstetric physicians were also known as man-midwives. They were not normally present in routine births during the 1700s and 1800s. However, they might be called to assist if complications arose. This combined vectis and crochet tool was one of many instruments the physician brought to the birth. A vectis is a lever-type instrument for altering the position of the baby’s head. It also acts as a lever to ease the head out. A crochet tool was a destructive instrument. It extracted a dead foetus from the mother's body. This multi-purpose example is spoon-shaped to cup the baby’s head. The ‘hook’ unfolds by sliding a small lever in the handle.
Object number:
A615454
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: obstetrics
A branch of medicine dealing with the care of women. This care occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of recovery from childbirth.
Glossary: obstetrical crotchet
No description.
Glossary: obstetrical vectis
A simple instrument resembling a single blade of an obstetric forceps. It is used during childbirth to assist the delivery of an obstructed foetus. Also known as ‘levers’.