Significance

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.

Physical description

Pair of straight metal forceps. Handle resembles a pair of scissors with two oval shaped finger handles atop a metal shaft. There is a graduated metal arm extending horizontally below the handles on one arm, which fastens to a small hook on the other arm to lock the forceps in various positions. There is a pin approximately halfway along the shaft, after which the arms of the forceps are corrugated on the inner aspect before ending in points. The surface of one arm of the forceps is engraved with the text 'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON'. The number '6' is engraved on the inner aspect of the forceps.

Inscriptions & markings

'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON' ; '6'