Forceps

Forceps (Lat., 'a pair of tongs or pincers'), the name given by surgeons to an instrument of great antiquity, used as a substitute for the fingers, and consisting of two levers of metal jointed together crosswise, nearer to one end than the other. The hand grasping the longer ends of the levers or handles closes the shorter ends, which are shaped so as to seize firmly the intended object. There is scarcely a surgical operation in which some form of forceps is not applied; and very numerous different shapes and sizes are made for different purposes. In addition to the forms used for the extraction of teeth (see DENTISTRY) there are, e.g., the dissecting forceps, which have roughened points, to lay hold of small portions of tissue which are to be divided by the knife; the lithotomy forceps, which have blades concave like spoons; and fenestrated forceps, which have apertures in the blades, and, as the soft tissues project into these, obtain a firm hold with less risk of tearing the parts. By means of Liston's cutting forceps a powerful hand can divide a great thickness of bone. But the most important of all are the midwifery forceps, an invaluable invention in cases of difficult delivery, which daily rescues from suffering and danger numerous mothers and infants. It was invented in the 17th century, probably by Paul Chamberlen, who, however, with his son and grandson, kept their method of facilitating delivery as a profitable family secret; and it did not become generally known to the medical profession till the first half of the 18th century. Numerous modifications of the instrument have since been introduced, but its main principle remains unchanged. It consists of two concave fenestrated blades, forming a cavity into which the head of the child fits. The blades are applied separately, one to each side of the head, and then locked together. Holding by the handles, the accoucheur aids the natural efforts of labour. The instrument does not necessarily or generally injure either mother or child.