A treatise on the science and practice of midwifery . -ber of graduates of their respective schools, as shown by their pre-ferences in making purchases of the leading instrument makers ofthe two cities. The mechanism of instrumental delivery is muchsimplified by applying the forceps to whatever parts of the foetalhead may be opposite the sides of the pelvis ; but it is very ques-tionable whether it is the scientific method, or the safer for the one blade over the side of the occiput, and the other over thatof the forehead, which is the manner of seizure in oblique positionsof the ve
A treatise on the science and practice of midwifery . -ber of graduates of their respective schools, as shown by their pre-ferences in making purchases of the leading instrument makers ofthe two cities. The mechanism of instrumental delivery is muchsimplified by applying the forceps to whatever parts of the foetalhead may be opposite the sides of the pelvis ; but it is very ques-tionable whether it is the scientific method, or the safer for the one blade over the side of the occiput, and the other over thatof the forehead, which is the manner of seizure in oblique positionsof the vertex, we certainly have not a very secure hold, and runsome risk of injury to the foetus. The advocates of this systemclaim that they use no compression, only a simple traction ; which,may be true in one sense, but amounts to the same in effect, else howcould Dr. Elliot, by traction with great force, straighten out one ofthe blades of his Simpson forceps, as related in the N. Y. Journ. ofMed. for September, 1858, page 161, in the paper which he pre-. Sawyer Forceps. 478 OBSTETRIC OPERATIONS sented, describing his new forceps and a number of cases in which,he had tested them. It makes but little difference whether we com-press the head before we begin to pull, or pull so as to wedge thehead between the blades and thus compress it, except as to the differ-ence of fit in the two instances; the adjusted and even pressure,being the less likely to injure the foetus. We have always believedthat the forceps should fit the head, and that the student should betaught how to accomplish it correctly in the various positions of thefoetus. If the student has a mechanical turn of mind, a delicatesense of touch, and a clear head, he will soon learn: if he is not amechanic, he will be forced to adopt a more simple method of de-livery. In a large city, there are but few first class obstetricalmanipulators as a general rule, and they are usually well known as Fig. 163.
Size: 950px × 2632px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, bookidtre, booksubjectobstetrics
