These forceps tagged by Cyrus Jones or Frank Forster: "Purchased in the United Kingodm by Dr Martyn Gibb at the sale of Dr Milne Murrays instruments. Presented by Dr Murray Buntine."Forceps, Milne-Murray with axis traction with detachable traction rods1886. Forceps stamped on handle "Young Edinburgh".obstetric delivery, forceps, milne-murray

Forceps, Milne-Murray with axis traction with detachable traction handle. No manufacturers's stamp. Screw missing on one of the traction arms, the traction handle does not attach- parts missing.obstetric delivery, forceps, milne-murray

Traction handle, for unknown forceps.obstetric delivery

Noted that these forceps may have belonged to Dr Paul Mitchell's father c1889 more research required]*Forceps, similar to Aveling's but less pronounced blade curve. Ebony inserts for handles. Manufacturers stamp "GRAY & SON/ SHEFFIELD"obstetric delivery

Tarnier's forceps, metal with one traction arm, second arm missing. Stamped "5" on both inner forcep blades.obstetric delivery

These forceps were owned and used by Dr Geoff Bishop and donated by himForceps, Kjellands, obstetric, surgical steel. Owned and used by Dr Geoffrey Bishop.forceps, kiellands, bishop., geoff, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Foetus in uterus, cervix not dilated. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages; first of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Foetus in uterus, head engaged, cervix partially dilated.. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages;second of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Foetus in uterus, head crowning.. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages; third of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Foetus, head fully emerged. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages; fourth of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Placenta with attached umbilical cord, uterus still enlarged. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages; fifth of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

Originally this six part teaching model was used and owned by the former Queen Victoria Womens' Hospital, Lonsdale/ Swanston Streets, Melbourne. With the amalgamation of hospitals, the models were transferred to the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.Placenta with attached umbilical cord, uterus smaller, cervix more contracted. [end of series]. Painted plaster. The birth process in six stages;sixth of six models.teaching aid, obstetric delivery

This a cast of the first baby to be delivered under anaesthesia, by the use of ether, in Edinburgh on 19 January 1847. The famous physician James Young Simpson, Professor of midwifery at Edinburgh University, attended this birth and wrote about it in the Monthly Journal of Medical Science 1846-7 Vol.7, p649-640. The cast of the baby's head was given to Lance Townsend, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne by Robert Kellar, then Professor of Midwifery and Diseases of Women at the University of Edinburgh, when Professor Townsend was visiting Edinburgh. There is at least one other plaster copy; one is located at Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology, 520 North Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068-2573, USAReplica of a new born baby's head, painted plaster, life size. The model of the head shows a large indentation of two and a half inches in the skull on the left side. The baby was delivered through a severely deformed pelvis, suffered a large indentation to the skull and did not live.obstetric delivery, anaesthesia

Neville Barnes obstetric forceps have a cephalic and pelvic curve and are used for delivery of babies presenting as occipitoanterior. The left blade is put on first, followed by the right blade – the baby is then pulled down until the occiput is under the symphysis, then pulled around. This particular set of Barnes forceps is unusual because it has handles/grips associated with Simpson type obstetrical forceps, making it a combination of styles. These forceps are similar in appearance to a style of 19th century forceps known as Hensoldt's forceps, made by Jetter and Scheerer, c. 1899. These are pictured as Fig. 771 in the Sir Kenardatth Das catalogue (see references). J. Gray & Son, Sheffield, were in operation from 1849 to 1962, so these forceps date from this time period.Set of obstetric forceps. Consists of a set of stainless steel blades, with black bakelite hand grip attachment. Forceps are engraved with the text 'J.GREY & SON" and "SHEFFIELD". The number '4' is engraved on the inner aspect of the blade, at the join point.'J.GREY & SON/SHEFFIELD'obstetric delivery

These forceps were owned by Dr John Sidney Green, who was very skilled in their use and at the peak of his career in 1936. Green was a contemporary of Arthur Wilson and Arthur Chambers [Communication from Dr Cyrus Jones, 17/7/1997]. These forceps are unusual due to the addition of the Neville traction rod attachment, which is usually associated with Barnes-Neville forceps rather than Simpson forceps. Developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Set of steel obstetric forceps, consisting of two blades and a traction rod attachment. Inscribed "J.S.G" on stem of left blade."J.S.G"obstetric delivery

First developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Set of small, straight metal obstetric forceps with black bakelite insertions on handles. Stamped 'W. SKIDMORE/SHEFFIELD' on inside of left handle.obstetric delivery

First developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Short handled set of forceps, possibly made of stainless steel. Marked "DOWN LONDON" on inner aspect of left blade handle.'DOWN LONDON'obstetric delivery

Ronald Alder states that these forceps were used by Dr Cuscaden Senior, who "was an honorary at the Royal Women's Hospital during his time there. He did work with radiation in treatment of cancer of the cervix in the early days." (Ronald Alder correspondence, 18 Jul 1997)Stainless steel obstetric forceps consisting of two blades with bakelite handles. "WEISS/ LONDON" and "R.ALDER" inscribed on both blades.obstetric delivery

This item was a gift to Dr Frank Forster from colleagues (and possibly students) whilst he was working at the Hosptial for Women at Soho, London, c 1965. [Source: Librarian Hilary Belton] The ashtray was made by Rocket & Co, a manufacturer of surgical instruments. Geofrey Bishop and Bryan Hibbard also have similar ashtrays.Chrome ashtray, consisting of a triangular base with three cigarette rests. At the centre of the base, on a central stem/pedestal, is a set of replica miniature forceps.dr frank forster, obstetric delivery, ephemera

The '24' inscribed on the handle is a theatre number for instrument identification. Invented by British obstetrician Robert Barnes (1817-1907), these forceps were designed to "enable delivery from the superior strait and from above the brim in cephalo-pelvic disproportion." One of Barnes' aims with this design "was to reduce the incidence of craniotomy, because the Caesarean operation was at this time a desperate last resort." (Source: Forster, F M C. (1971), Robert Barnes and His Obstetric Forceps. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 11: 139-147.) With the addition of William Neville's axis-traction handle (invented in 1886), a variation of these forceps known as the Neville-Barnes forceps gained widespread popularity.Set of metal forceps, consisting of two nickel plated blades with bakelite handles. Inscribed 'EVANS & CO./LONDON'.Theatre mark "24" inscribed on handle of both blades.obstetric delivery

This is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, occurring approximately once every 90000 deliveries. It usually results in a low survival rate for the twin that presents first, with a stillborn rate over 50%. This piece is believed to be from South America, and is either from Colombia or Peru.Ceramic childbirth scene with three figures. At centre, a woman lies on a table giving birth. A figure wearing a hat stands to her right, resting their hand on her upper chest in a gesture of support. On her left, a gloved man with receding hairline and a moustache is leaning over her abdomen and is extracting two babies from her womb.obstetric delivery

This piece may originally have been Indian in origin. It was purchased by the donor at the Oxford Street Market in Paddington, Sydney.Small ceramic figurine of a woman giving birth, attended by a doctor. Scene depicts a woman in a white gown lying on her back an obstetric table, with her knees up and feet flat on the table. A doctor dressed in white is sitting on a chair at the end of the table, between the patients legs, with arms raised ready to receive a baby. Both figures in the scene have brown skin and black hair. A word is engraved on the underside of the base of the figurine, which may be the name of the artist, but it is illegible.obstetric delivery

This sculpture was a commissioned artwork made by Victora Chancellor (nee Simcock), a Sydney artist.Ceramic sculpture, depicting a reclining mother holder her newborn baby. The mother is lying on her back, with knees drawn up and feel flat on the ground, protectively cradling a newborn baby on her chest. The umbilical cord between baby and mother is still attached. The mothers upper back is resting against a rock, holding her partially upright. Sculpture is mounted on a rectangular wooden base.obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'FULL DILATION CERVIX HIGH HEAD DEEP IN PELVIS PLATE 10'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 10. Full dilation cervix high head deep in pelvis/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.FULL DILATION CERVIX HIGH HEAD DEEP IN PELVIS PLATE 10obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'ABDOMINAL MUSCLE DRIVE PELVIC FLOOR THIN PLATE 11'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 11. Abdominal muscle drive pelvic floor thin/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.ABDOMINAL MUSCLE DRIVE PELVIC FLOOR THIN PLATE 11obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'HEAD TURNS UPWARD PELVIC FLOOR RETREATS PLATE 12'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 12. Head turns upward pelvic floor retreats/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.HEAD TURNS UPWARD PELVIC FLOOR RETREATS PLATE 12obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'LABOR CERVIX DILATING & BAG OF WATERS PLATE 9'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 9. Labor cervix dilating & bag of waters/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.LABOR CERVIX DILATING & BAG OF WATERS PLATE 9obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'BIRTH OF SHOULDERS ROTATION PLATE 13'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 13. Birth of shoulders rotation/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.BIRTH OF SHOULDERS ROTATION PLATE 13obstetric delivery

A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 2000.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'BEFORE LABOR | BIRTH ATLAS | PLATE 8'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 8. Before labour/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.BEFORE LABOR | BIRTH ATLAS | PLATE 8obstetric delivery

William Smellie’s straight forceps are one of the most significant pairs of forceps in the Museum collection. William Smellie (1697– 1763), designed these forceps, which were an improvement on the forceps of that time. These forceps were easier to use being shorter and lighter, particularly in the handles, with pelvic curve shaped blades. He invented a locking device for the two blades. The blades were lined with leather and greased with hog’s lard for the ease of delivery and the greater comfort of the patient, this being in the era prior to an understanding of sepsis and the need for surgical hygiene.Smellie was groundbreaking in his understanding of Childbirth and became an influential teacher of Obstetrics. He diligently studied the birthing process, particularly the descent of the baby’s head down the birth canal. His observations lead to him noting that many deaths occurred because of a lack of understanding of this process and the inappropriate handling of forceps. Smellie is generally given the credit for improving the forceps to make them easier to use and less likely to damage the baby. Smellie’s "Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery" was published In 1751 and became a widely influential teaching resource. Copies of this birth atlas are held in the Frank Forster Library, RANZCOG. Smellie's obstetric forceps. Iron forceps with traces of leather on the two blades. The blades touch at the tips when the blades are fully closed. The handles have a metal sheet coating and would also have been covered in leather originally. There is a notch at the centre to lock the blades in place. Noneobstetric delivery, william smellie