Collection close-up

All objects have a story to tell. In medical history in particular, these stories are often a thrilling blend of terror, hope, skill and beauty.  

Here, we shine a light on an object from the Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History collection to reveal fascinating detail of past lives and to celebrate its important place within the collection.

Obstetric forceps

For centuries, childbirth posed a substantial risk to both mothers and babies. Complications from obstructed labours, eclampsia, haemorrhage or sepsis—all preventable today—contributed to the mortality rate. Among the innovations that significantly reduced pregnancy-related deaths, some say by up to up to 50%, was the invention of obstetric forceps in the late 1500s. Despite their clear efficacy, obstetric forceps didn’t enter common practice until the mid-1700s, because their design was monopolised and monetised by a family of male midwives who closely guarded their secret invention for over 150 years.

The Chamberlen family were French barber-surgeons who had relocated to England. Recognising medical specialisation as an opportunity to turn a profit, the family incorporated midwifery into their practice (male midwives were called accoucheurs). Until this point in history, childbirth had been an almost exclusively female affair. Births were typically attended by women—midwives, friends, or family members—with little ‘medical’ intervention. For those with the money to pay for it however, the Chamberlens offered a novel and fashionable alternative.

Promoting themselves as scientific men better placed to understand childbirth than a mere midwife, three generations of the Chamberlen family serviced the English upper classes and royalty. They would arrive at births in curtained carriages, using two men to carry their invention into the home in an oversized, gilded gold box. The expectant mother was taken into the delivery room alone and blindfolded before the box was opened. Everyone else was kept outside from where they heard bells, bangs and other noises as the ‘secret’ technique was employed.

After three generations and without a male heir interested in continuing the family business, the Chamberlens sold their forceps design to a European instrument maker, who commercialised them. Obstetric forceps were in general use by 1733, saving lives during difficult births yes, but also ushering in a new era of male-led medical intervention and instrumentation that would dominate childbirth until today.

The Museum collection has many examples of the different types and patterns of obstetric forceps designed over the centuries.