Description
Obstetric forceps have been known in Britain since the 17th Century. They would have been used to deliver a baby. The most attractive sets have ebony or ivory handles, with many older styles named after the obstetrician who invented them.

Before the introduction of forceps, the midwife - who had no official access to instruments - called a physician when the birth was obstructed or difficult. In practice, the male practitioner was not often available or was too distant over poor roads and did not arrive in time. However, the widespread introduction of obstetric forceps in the first half of the 18th Century led to the increasing involvement of male midwives in childbirth. They were no longer called in to attend only the abnormal labours, but were beginning to be engaged in routine cases, and came into direct competition with the female midwives.