A combination of the English and French obstetric locks, for the prevention of dangerous compression of the fetal head by forceps / by A. Ernest Gallant.

  • Gallant, A. Ernest (Albert Ernest), 1861-
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A combination of the English and French obstetric locks, for the prevention of dangerous compression of the fetal head by forceps / by A. Ernest Gallant. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    forceps, with the now famous loose lock and the familiar hook on each handle. It is to this lock of Chapman, and its peculiar danger that I wish to direct your attention. The Evolution of the Obstetric Lock. Aveling (p. 216) tells us that the two portions of the Chamberlen forceps were separable, and in this consisted the novelty and excellence of the instru- ment. “The two portions of the (original) instrument are united by means of a rivet, which can be un- screwed. Its head has not the usual notch in it, but is made oval.” (p. 221.) Dr. Hugh Chamberlen “was the last of that ancient family who practiced the Art of Midwifery in the Kingdom, except Dr. Walker, who is Grand- son to the aforementioned Dr. Peter Chamberlen, Jr. According to Dr. William Douglas, this Dr. Walker was the inventor of the English lock of midwifery forceps, for in a letter to Smellie (1748, p. 8) he says: ‘Dr. Walker pretended to improve Dr. Chamberlen’s instrument but in truth spoils them by making them male and female.’ ” (Aveling, p. 193). This we believe refers to the fitting of the two blades, the one into the other, as shown in the models of the Chamberlen forceps. It can hardly apply to the flanged lock of Chapman above referred to. What Is the Danger Incident to the Chapman Lock? When forceps furnished with the Chapman or loose lock have been introduced and adjusted to the head, one of the following propositions will confront