. The science and art of midwifery . me special indication. The forcepsis by no means a perfect instrument. It is im-possible to construct it in such a way as to coverevery need. In consulting practice, it is con-venient to possess a number of forceps for dif-ferent emergencies. A good pair for general useis necessarily a compromise between conflictingaims, and requires, for successful use, experienceand intelligence t corred its deficiencies. In selecting forceps it is well In bear the fol-lowing points in mind: We have first to distin-guish between the long and the short forceps. Short Force
. The science and art of midwifery . me special indication. The forcepsis by no means a perfect instrument. It is im-possible to construct it in such a way as to coverevery need. In consulting practice, it is con-venient to possess a number of forceps for dif-ferent emergencies. A good pair for general useis necessarily a compromise between conflictingaims, and requires, for successful use, experienceand intelligence t corred its deficiencies. In selecting forceps it is well In bear the fol-lowing points in mind: We have first to distin-guish between the long and the short forceps. Short Forceps.—The original instrument of the Chamberlens furnishes the type of the short variety. By referring to Pig. ill, it will lieBeen that the Chamberlen forceps consisted <.f two levers, made to cross each other like a pair of 9CiS80rs, with short handles, and blades diverging just beyond thepoint of articulation. The blades were fenestrated, to lighten theinstrument and to enable them to seize the head with greater secur-. FORCEPS. 363 itv. They were furnished with a cranial curve, as has been stated,but were straight when viewed in profile. Though somewhat rudein appearance, they were capable of rendering good service when thehead had once entered the pelvic cavity. Smellie, in place of themortise lock of the Chamberlen forceps, which required to be securedby tape or cord, invented the easily adjusted English lock, and cov-ered the handles with wood and a durable coat of leather. The han-dles were five and a halfinches in length, andthe blades six forceps, modifiedsomewhat from theSmellie pattern, areused by some prac-titioners at the pres-ent day. It has beenthought an advantagethat they can be con-cealed in the pocket,and slipped over thechilds head withoutthe knowledge of thepatient or of the as-sistants. Smellie laidgreat stress upon thispoint, and says: Aswomen are commonlyfrightened at the veryname of an instrument,it is advisable to con-ceal them as much
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