3. Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics, Gynecology and instruments of destruction

1. Smellie’s perforation scissors: c. 1750;
Simpson’s perforator, c. 1850.
2. The Cephalotribe: used to crush the fetus’
skull to save the mother (see showcase L in
the galley).
A large hook, “the crotchet,” routinely followed the
perforator for extracting the destroyed fetus until
1829. That year, Baudeloque underlined the dangers
of using pointed and sharp-edged instruments in
gynecology and that half of the mothers undergoing
the procedure died. He then described his solution
to the predicament, a two-foot long cephalotribe
with two enormous blades that could crush the
fetal skull with a twist of the handle crank
(cephalotripsy).
The cranioclast, known as craniotomy forceps,
was conceived by Sir J.Y. Simpson to replace the
cephalotribe. Basically, a powerful crusher and
extractor, with a large fenestrated blade and a
smaller solid blade. (SEE ALSO CASE "L" IN THE
GALLERY) Braun’s cranioclast: c. 1890.
3. Two calipers for measuring the pelvis.
4. A large crochet used to induce abortion and
pull out the fetus.