The Chamberlens and the midwifery forceps : memorials of the family and an essay on the invention of the instrument / by J. H. Aveling, M.D. F.S.A.

  • Aveling, J. H. (James Hobson), 1828-1892.
Date:
1882
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Chamberlens and the midwifery forceps : memorials of the family and an essay on the invention of the instrument / by J. H. Aveling, M.D. F.S.A. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    “ The Queen mis-carried of her first child. She had neither mid-wife nor physician about her, only the poor town mid-wife of Greenwich was sent for who swooned with fear as soon as she was brought into the Queen’s chamber so as she was forced presently to be carried out ; and Chamberlayne the surgeon was he alone that did the part of a midwife. This took place in 1628.” In 1617 Peter Chamberlen was employed by the East India Company in viewing surgeon’s chests. In 1627 a warrant was issued to the Exchequer and Treasurer of the Chamber to pay to “ Peter Chamberlen Chirurgion to the Queene, certain sums of money out of such pensions and allowances, as shall be payable unto Duncan Primrose Sargeant Chirurgion to his Majesty until the sum of £600 owing to the said Chamberlen by the said Primrose, be satisfied according to a mediation and agreement made by Mr. Secretary Coke and cofferer of the household to whom his Majesty referred the business.” * This was probably money due to Peter the elder in consequence of his having undertaken the duties of Prim- rose during his absence from England. Four years after this (December, 1631) Peter Chamberlen the elder died. The following is a copy of his will:— Will of Peter Chambrelen the Elder. In the name of God Amen. The nine and twentieth daie of November Anno domini One thousand sixe hundred thirtie one And in the seaventh yeare of the Raigne of or Soveraigne lord Charles by the grace of God Kinge of England Scotland ffraunce and Ireland defender of the faith &c. I Peter Chambrelan thelder of London Chirur- gion beinge at this present weake of body but of perfect mindc and memory (thankes be therefore given vnto All- mightie God) doe make and declare this my last will and * Docquet Books, Signet, Record Office.