Historical information

These forceps belonged to the late Colin Noel de Garis. Also donated was a foetal scalpel electrode applicator- see donation form. There is a note that former honorary curator Peter Renou collected the donation. Peter Renou does not recall being involved in the donation.( Source: Grainne Murphy 15 November 2010.)

This design of obstetrical forceps, with a screw in the handle, was introduced by George Thomson Elliot (1827-1871), a New York obstetrician. (Source: National Museum of American History, 'Obstetrical forceps') The 'sliding pivot' on the forceps was designed to prevent the compression of the baby's head. (Source: Elliot, GT, 'Description of a new midwifery forceps : having a sliding pivot to prevent compression of the foetal head, with cases', c.1860)

Significance

"The Elliot forceps and its modifications (Elliot, Tucker-McLane, Tucker-Luikart) have shorter blades and an accentuated cephalic curve that is more suitable for a rounded fetal head that has not undergone extensive molding. In addition, Elliot instruments, because of their overlapping shanks, do not distend the perineum in the same way as the separated shanks of the Simpson-type forceps."
(Source: Sakornbut, EL, 'Chapter 18 - Intrapartum Procedures', in Ratcliffe SD et al (eds.), 'Family Medicine Obstetrics', 3rd ed., 2008)

Physical description

Obstetric forceps, Elliot's. Consists of long shanks, made of forged chrome plated metal with metal handle, four finger grips, and distinctive screw and pin at the end of the handles. This screw functioned as a means of regulating the lateral pressure of the handles when in use.