Perforator, London, England, 1851-1900

Made:
1851-1900 in Smithfield
maker:
Arnold and Sons
Perforator, Smellie, steel, by Arnold of Smithfield

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Perforator, Smellie, steel, by Arnold of Smithfield
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Perforator, Smellie, steel, by Arnold of Smithfield, second half 19th century

A perforator was a destructive tool used to pierce the skull of a dead foetus. This was done to remove the foetus from the womb in pieces to save the mother's life. This example was designed by Scottish surgeon William Smellie (1697-1763). Smellie was the wealthiest and most influential man-midwife of his generation. He designed and adapted obstetric instruments. He also wrote a bestselling practical midwifery handbook. This perforator was made in Smithfield in the City of London by surgical instrument makers Arnold and Son.

Details

Category:
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A615329
Materials:
steel
Measurements:
overall: 6 mm x 275 mm x 65 mm, .157 kg
type:
obstetrical perforator