The Science and Art of Medicine

This pocket set contains the following equipment: forceps, catheter, director and scoop, thread, and 3 bottles - one full. It was manufactured by Coxeter, London, and was used in attempts to control post partum bleeding. The forceps and thread were f

• Haemostatic set, 1871-1900.

These are short obstetrical forceps following the design of Sir James Young Simpson, 1811-1870. They were used to deliver babies from low down in the birth canal. The forceps are made out of steel and ebony and manufactured by Philip Harris & Co of B

• Simpson type obstetrical forceps, c.1871-1900.

These are long obstetrical forceps following the design of Sir James Young Simpson, 1811-1870. They are longer and heavier than Simpson�s type of short forceps and were used to deliver babies from higher up the birth canal. The forceps are made out o

• Simpson type obstetrical forceps, c.1871-1900.

These are short obstetrical forceps, following the design of the English surgeon William Smellie, 1697-1763, which he described in 1751. The forcep blades are designed with two curves, the cephalic curve to fit the child�s head and the pelvic curve t

• Smellie's obstetrical forceps, 18th century

This is a set of nine wax plaques that show different stages in the dissection of a female figure and the development of the human embryo. They were probably made in Vienna, Austria.

• The development of the human embryo, early 19th century

This chair is also known as a birthing chair and is designed so that it can be folded up. It is made out of wood and has a leather seat and is reputed to come from Sicily. Women used it when they were giving birth and it has been estimated that it wa

• The 'Miraculous Chair of Palermo', parturition chair, 18th or early 19th century.

This particular contraceptive sponge (illustrated on the far right) is made out rubber and has a central cavity for a suppository and a handle for removal. �Occlusator� is its brand name. It is illustrated with a number of other sponges

• Contraceptive sponges, early 20th century.

This pocket set contains the following equipment in a leather case: three bottles, one with contents, one pair of Fraenum scissors, and one measuring cylinder. It was manufactured by Baker, London, and was used in attempts to control post partum blee

• Haemostatic set, English, 1871-1900.

This calendar was designed for calculating the time of parturition � childbirth � and is made out of wood and ivory. The outer wheel is divided into four parts labelled: Conception, Quickening, Foetus Viable, and Parturition. It was manufactured by F

• Perpetual calendar, English, 1822-1869.

This instrument was used for making traction on the foetus during childbirth. It is thought to be composed of whalebone and was manufactured by Wood of York.

• Double obstetrical fillet, 1851-1900.